Consumer Databases
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Chicago Consumers' Checkbook
Contains consumer ratings on businesses and services for the Chicago metro area. Search for plumbers, roofers, doctors, dentists, and more. Note: registration is required.
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Consumer Reports
Buying advice, product ratings, reviews, recommendations, money-saving advice and tips, and videos for products including appliances, electronics, food, and more.
Product Evaluation
Consumer Search - Provides evaluations from many different sources of a variety of products.
Smarter House - Consumer guide to home energy savings. Includes top-rated energy-efficient appliances.
Consumer Protection
AnnualCreditReport.com - This central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Better Business Bureau - Lists business, consumer, and charity alerts. You may also file a complaint online.
CardRatings.com - Sponsored by the U.S. Citizens for Fair Credit Card Terms. It provides consumer ratings of credit cards.
CharityNavigator - Evaluates over 5,000 charities as an aid for consumers in their charitable giving.
Citizens Utility Board (CUB) - Nonprofit, nonpartisan organization created by the Illinois General Assembly to fight utility rate hikes and promote tougher consumer protection laws.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: FAQs - Get the answers to your financial questions on topics ranging from mortgages and student loans to bank accounts and credit scores.
Federal Trade Commission - Consumer Protection - Consumer protection information on credit and loans, identity theft, telemarketing and the Do Not Call registry. File a complaint.
GetHuman - Connect to a live customer service agent faster with these direct phone numbers and shortcuts for thousands of companies worldwide.
Illinois Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division - Offers assistance with consumer fraud and unfair business practices. It provides a downloadable complaint form as well as consumer protection information and alerts.
Illinois Commerce Commission - Resolves consumer complaints with utilities and other entities. It also licenses household movers.
Internet Crime Complaint Center - If you've been a victim of an Internet crime, report your complaint online and learn more about cybercrime activities.
USA.gov - Consumer Issues - Resource for consumers on scams and frauds, complaints, insurance, recalled products, telemarketing, and unwanted mail and download a copy of the consumer action handbook.
