Consumer Resources
Library Resources
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ConsumerReports.org provides ratings and recommendations on cars, appliances, electronics, and thousands of other products under the categories of home and garden, babies and kids, money, and food.
*Available in print and online for in-library and remote access. |
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Boston Consumers’ Checkbook is a non-profit consumer resources service including listings and rating of Greater Boston area services and business.
*Available in print and online for in-library. |
Car & Truck Guides
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Computers & Tech Products
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Search by product type and then narrow results under “document type” using: evaluation, product/service evaluation, buyers’ guides. |
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CNET tracks all the latest consumer technology breakthroughs and shows you what’s new, what matters, and how technology can enrich your life. We give you the information, tools, and advice that will help you decide what to buy and how to get the most out of the tech in your life. |
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Macworld is a top source for all things Apple. They give you the scoop on what’s new, what’s best and how to make the most out of your Apple products. |
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PC Magazine is a complete guide to PC computers, peripherals and upgrades |
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PCWorld offers news, tips and reviews to help you navigate the PC ecosystem to find the products you want and the advice you need. |
Federal Agencies & Resources
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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is an independent federal agency that holds primary responsibility for regulating consumer protection with regard to financial products and services in the United States.
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Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent, federal regulatory agency that provides information to consumers on product recalls and potential product hazards.
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A one-stop link to the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, which offers government consumer information resources.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration created this webpage to help consumers determine which online pharmacies are legitimate and to recognize health frauds. Also offers safety alerts and tips on evaluating health information on the Internet.
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Information from the Federal Communications Commission on consumer issues they oversee as well as consumer alerts and fact sheets.
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A page of links to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database files on automobile safety, recalls and consumer complaints.
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Links and information from the Federal Reserve in English and Spanish on topics including bank accounts, credit, identity theft, leasing and mortgages.
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USA.gov is the official guide to government information and services. |
General Consumer Websites
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ConsumerSafety.org informs people about recalls and safety alerts through our easily searchable database, and publishes health-related news and safety guides.
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ConsumerSearch.com reviews hundreds of product reviews, analyzes them, distills the information shoppers need and recommends which products are the best.
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Epinions offers consumer-generated reviews, buying tips and advice, ratings, price information, and searchable in a variety of ways from price to product type.
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Join Angie’s List for free to get access to top-rated pros, exclusive online deals and more than 10 million verified reviews.
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Yelp offers user-generated reviews and recommendations of top restaurants, shopping, services, entertainment, nightlife and more. |
Travel & Food Websites
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Citysearch combines user reviews and editorial insights to help you find the best in entertainment, activities and dining by location.
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Hotels.com provides consumer reviews and competitive hotel prices.
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KAYAK searches hundreds of other travel sites at once to find the information you need to make the right decisions on flights, hotels & rental cars.
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Tripadvisor hosts a platform for customer-generated reviews on travel-related places and services including hotels, bed & breakfasts, flights and restaurants. |
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Zomato/Urbanspoon features information and reviews exclusively on restaurants in a particular metropolitan area. |