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Subscription Databases and E-books

• Bay Area Consumers' Checkbook
  Consumers’ CHECKBOOK/The Center for the Study of Services is an independent, nonprofit consumer organization founded in 1974 with the help of funding from the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs. Its purpose is to provide consumers information to help them get high quality services and products at the best possible prices. It is supported entirely by subscription payments and donations from individual consumers who subscribe to our magazines, and by fees for its survey and information services and books.This database is available for use within the library only.
• Consumer Reports
  Consumer Reports presents ratings and recommendations on appliances, cars and trucks, electronic gear, and much more.  It includes articles on health, public safety, marketplace economics and the judicial and regulatory actions that affect consumers.
  

Websites Selected by Librarians

• Consumer Guides and Protection for Citizens
   Links to Federal consumer information including credit, travel, recalls, fraud, debt, scams and more.
• Federal Reserve Board: Consumer Information
  A source of advice and warnings about financial topics, products, and scams including the new credit card rules.
• Consumer Action
  Supported by a national non-profit consumer education and advocacy organization, this website offers a variety of resources including a searchable consumer services guide, tools for resolving consumer complaints, non-legal advice hotline and educational publications. Multilingual materials and services are included.
• Consumer World
  A comprehensive database of over 2000 useful consumer resources on the Web. This site offers information concerning consumer banking, credit card and mortgage rates, Standard & Poor's and others' Insurance Company Ratings, hospital ratings, consumer agencies, and both Kelley and Edmund car price guides.
• Consumer Product Reviews
  A selection of sites giving product reviews and ratings.
• Vehicle Purchasing Information
  This link provides information on a number of issues related to vehicle purchasing and leasing, including crash test data, car prices, and several buyer's guides.
• Better Business Bureau
  Provides the latest news and alerts, business reports, find a local BBB on file or file a complaint online. In addition they have Charity Reports called the Philanthropic Advisory Service (PAS).
• Non-Profit and Charity Information
  A list of sites evaluating charitable and non-profit organizations compiled by a Santa Clara County librarian.
• California Department of Consumer Affairs Wiki
  This site can help Californians become informed consumers by learning their rights and allows you to file a complaint or verify a license. For a complete list of the boards and bureaus that belong to the CA Department of Consumer Affairs, view the DCA Boards/Bureaus.
• Consumer Alerts, Information & Complaints
  Information from the California Attorney General’s Office on how to file complaints against businesses, government agencies and officials, corporations, law enforcement officers, and how to deal with discrimination-related problems. Also available in Spanish.
• FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection
  Find advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs as well as tips on other consumer topics from the Federal Trade Commission. They offer a link to information on identity theft and AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized online source for requesting a free credit report from each of the three national credit reporting agencies. Information is also available in Spanish.
• Energy Efficiency
  A consumer's guide to energy efficiency and renewable energy from the U.S. Department of Energy. Explore options for saving energy and using renewable energy at home, at work, and while driving.
• Santa Clara County Assessor's Office
  Provides the assessed values of property in Santa Clara County by address or parcel number.
• Foreclosure In California
  This site provides information on mortgages and foreclosures and where to go for help. Also available in Spanish.