Consumer Information

KPL staff-selected resources. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Staff Recommends

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Databases (most require KPL library card)

eLibrary Plus (Electric Library Plus) (Home Access)

Full text articles, plus maps and pictures and TV and radio transcripts

Health and Wellness Resource Center

Index and full text articles on health issues, including alternative health.

InfoTrac All Using PowerSearch

Magazines, journals, newspapers, reference books, ebooks available in the library or at home with your KPL library card or with your Michigan Driver's License or ID by going to Mel.org
Includes Computer Database; Custom Newspapers; General Reference Center Gold; Grand Rapids Press; Expanded Academic ASAP; General Business File ASAP; Legal Trac; InfoTrac Onefile; Health Reference Center Academic ASAP

Newspapers and Magazines

View details

Better Buys For Business

Charity Rating Guide & Watchdog Report

Computer Shopper

Consumer Guide - Auto Series

Consumer Reports

Consumers Digest

Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Money

Community Resources

Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan

Phone 616-774-8236

Information on companies and charities; conciliation, mediation, and arbitration for dispute resolution; advertising review to promote ethical business; pamphlets; speakers; special senior citizen scam program.

Dispute Resolution Services of Gryphon Place

Phone 269-552-3434

Mediation and conciliation services using confidential, neutral-third-party mediators to help find solutions to problems and to heal relationships; mediation used for landlord/tenant disputes, neighborhood and consumer complaints, disputed bills, roommate disagreements, family problems; training and education services on mediation; information and referrals to a broad range of resolution-related resources; victim/offender cases.

Kalamazoo County - Household Hazardous Waste Center

Phone 269-383-8741

Disposal of wastes such as pesticides, paint thinner, aerosols, any cleaners, oil-based paint, weed killers, photographic chemicals, mercury thermometers, gasoline, anti-freeze, car batteries, motor oil, oil filters, computers, TVs, and other electronics.

Michigan Attorney General - Consumer Protection Division

Phone 517-373-1140

Helps resolve consumer complaints; files consumer protection litigation; proposes new legislation; provides literature and educational programs.

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth - Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation

Phone 517-373-0220

Assist Michigan residents in their dealings with banks, credit unions, insurers, commercial finance lenders and securities, brokers/dealers, HMOs, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield; examine the financial solvency of the above; review insurance industry. 

Websites

Annual Credit Report Request Service

This central site allows you to request a free credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.  Michigan residents can request starting March 1, 2005.

Best Places - From Sperling's

Before you pack your bags to relocate, check it out! Find details on cost of living, crime, and more for the city of your choice. Compare city and state locations.

Better Business Bureau

Hold businesses accountable with the help of this site. File a complaint, find a local bureau, or research a business.

Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan, Inc.

Includes reports for local charities.

Charity Guide

A guide to getting involved and giving back to the community. Find out how to make a difference in all that you do!

Computer Virus Hoaxes

Find out if the virus warning you got is serious or a hoax. Computer virus hoaxes are alphabetically indexed at this site.

Consumer Guide Magazine

Find reviews, ratings, and prices on this site. Covers a multitude of interests including house wares, cars, and more!

Consumer InformationCenter (Spanish Language)

This government sponsored site is in Spanish and includes information on family, travel, education, and more.

Consumer Product Safety Commission

The CPSC works to inform consumers of product recalls and set safety standards. Special section in Spanish.

Consumer Protection (Michigan)

Michigan Attorney General Office provides information on consumer protection.

Consumer Protection Complaint Directory for Michigan

What agency to contact and how to reach them.

Do Not Call Registry

Make it through dinner without the phone ringing. Register to have your name removed from calling lists.

Experian

Know where you stand. Find your credit report and score with this site. Information available for businesses, too!

Fair Credit Reporting

From the Federal Trade Commission, information on the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Federal Consumer Information Center

This government sponsored site has gathered information on many topics ranging from family, travel, and education.

First Gov for Consumers

This site is dedicated to consumer information provided by the federal government.

FTC - Consumer Fraud

Information on Identity Theft, Internet Fraud & Safety, Consumer Complaints and more.

Internet Archive

The Internet is always changing. Check out this site if you think you've missed something!

Meetup

Get connected to hometown happenings. Type in your zip code to find local interest groups and when they're meeting. 

Michigan Unclaimed Property

This site will answer your questions and direct you to the appropriate resources for unclaimed property issues.

Stain Removal Guide

Take care of that stain on your favorite shirt. This site offers solutions for nearly every stain imaginable.

Toy Safety

Although toys are loads of fun, it's important to know the hazards and plan to play it safe. Find out which toys to avoid.

Urban Legends

Discover if those urban legends are true or false. Snopes is easy to browse and lets you navigate categories of interest.

Wi-Fi-FreeSpot Directory - Wireless Internet

Listing of hotspot locations that offer Free Wireless Internet Access in the United States.

Wise Giving Alliance

Before you make a contribution, make sure you know where it's going. Check this site for reports and information on charities.


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