Consumer Information

• Chicago Consumers' Checkbook IN LIBRARY USE ONLY

  This organization evaluates the quality of local services, such as auto repair shops, plumbers, lawyers, dentists, veterinarians, banks, insurance companies, and more. Consumers' Checkbook is an independent, nonprofit consumer organization founded in 1974 with the help of funding from the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs. They do not accept support from businesses, and their publications and website carry no advertising.

• Consumer Reports

  Online companion to the Consumer Reports print magazine. Reviews, product comparisons and buying advice. Additional information includes user reviews, news, blogs, forums and video content.
  Outside the Library, this resource is only available to Lincolnwood Library card holders.

Automobiles

• AutoSite

  New and used car prices (1985 models to present): dealer invoices, average trade-in and average retail prices. Maintenance advice, repair tips, and other auto information. Buy a car online.

• Consumer Guide Automotive (HowStuffWorks)

  Buying guides and reviews of new and used cars.

• Edmund's

  Trade-in and retail values.

• Kelly's Blue Book

  Trade-in and retail values go back to 1989 models.

• EPA's Green Vehicle Guide

  The US Environmental Protection Agency's Green Vehicle Guide provides vehicle ratings based on emissions and fuel economy.

• VMR Auto Guides

  Market prices for collector cars 1946-1979, and used car prices.

Better Business Bureaus & Chambers of Commerce

• Better Business Bureaus work to protect the citizens and businesses in their communities as well as to promote an ethical marketplace. Chambers of Commerce work to promote their communities through economic development and other activities.
• Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois

  330 N. Wabash Avenue, Suite 2006
  Chicago, IL 60611
  312-832-0500
  Fax 312-832-9985
  info@chicago.bbb.org
  File a complaint online, company and charity reports, senior resources, etc.

• Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce & Industry

  7001 N. Lawndale

  Lincolnwood, Il 60712

  847-679-5760

Comparison Shopping & Product Reviews

• Amazon.com

  Not only reviews of books, music and movies but of many other products as well.

• CNET -- Electronics

  Read product reviews, compare prices, learn tips and tricks, and more. A wide variety of electronics are covered, from cell phones, to laptops, to MP3 players.

• ConsumerSearch

  Ratings and reviews.

• CostHelper.com

  Compare anything from baby items, car insurances, facelifts, weddings to Internet access costs with this search engine.

• JDPower.com

  Ratings and reviews. Categories range from autos to travel.

• MySimon

  Pick up to three items and get a side by side comparison of their features and prices.

• PriceGrabber

  Over 25 categories for comparison shopping.

Government Information

• Department of Consumer Services -- City of Chicago

  Consumers & automobiles, employment & housing discrimination, immigration issues, industry rules & regulations, laws of grocery & retail stores, ombudsman program for rights of older persons, and other issues related to consumer rights.

• ENERGY STAR

  ENERGY STAR is a government program with the aim of helping people save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Advice to homeowners and consumers about products, new homes, and home improvement.

• State of Illinois -- Attorney General's Office

  Consumer Fraud Hotline: 800- 386-5438
  TTY: 800-964-3013

• Federal Government -- Consumer Gateway

  First stop for consumer information issued by the federal government.

• Consumer Product Safety, U.S. Government

  Injury statistics, unsafe product reports, recalls, etc.

• Federal Citizen Information Center

  All types of consumer info. Links to consumer info available in foreign languages.

• Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation.

  Find out if a professional is licensed. The Department also oversees most of the state’s financial institutions. "The Department's mission is to protect and promote the lives of Illinois consumers."

• Federal Trade Commission

  FTC enforces consumer protection laws and antitrust laws. The site offers the following: practical information on a variety of consumer topics, registration of your phone number to avoid telemarketing calls, free annual credit reports, submission of complaints about companies, business practices, and identity theft, and other consumer information.

Health & Insurance

• ABLEDATA

  Information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment. Covers everything from white canes and adaptive clothing to low vision reading systems and voice output programs. Each product record provides a detailed description of the item, complete company contact information, and distributor listings (where applicable). For product reviews click Consumer Forum and then the tab Reviews. ABLEDATA is sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), part of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) of the U.S. Department of Education.

• Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), U.S. Department of Labor

  EBSA's mission is, in part, to assist workers in getting the information they need to exercise their benefit rights. EBSA protects the integrity of pensions, health plans, and other employee benefits for more than 150 million people.

• Healthfinder

  Consumer guides to help you make decisions about doctors, prescriptions, hospitals, long-term care, health insurance, and more from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

• Illinois Department of Insurance

  Advice on different types of insurance. Consumer complaint forms for claims against insurance companies..

• Insure.com

  Guides to various types of insurance: auto, health, homeowners, etc.

• Leslie's List

  Leslie's List provides information to help people, especially the uninsured and underinsured, find more affordable medications and health care services in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Other Consumer Help

• Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

  Created by Illinois General Assembly created CUB in 1983 to represent the interests of residential utility customers across the state.

• Consumer Reports WebWatch.org

  The Consumers Union, the non-profit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, is behind this site with consumer information on varied topics, including travel.

• Consumer World

  A public service, non-commercial site with links to companies, consumer agencies, legal resources, and much more.