Consumer Guides

The government has an obligation to protect the health and well-being of its citizens and that includes helping them protect their person—and their financial dealings. Consumers, whether making a huge purchase like a home or car, or making smaller decisions such as what candy bar to buy or which company to order a product from on the Internet, have an expectation that whatever they are deciding on, there will be some safeguards in place and recourse available to them.

The U.S. government provides consumer protection in many multi-layered ways. Many programs offer product and service information in order for the consumer to make an informed choice in the first place. But should the consumer make a poor choice, due to lack of research before the purchase, misrepresentation of the goods or services, or because a product or service is in itself faulty, the U.S. government has created methods and agencies to help consumers rectify the situation.

The federal government provides many programs and services to consumers, but the states all do as well. In most cases, issues and information regarding consumer protection are handled through the individual state’s Attorney General’s Office. Varying degrees of consumer education and protection is also available at the county and local levels.