This everyday guide to being a smart shopper is full of helpful tips about preventing identity theft, understanding credit, filing a consumer complaint, and more. The information and resources you will need are arranged as follows:

PART I—BE A SAVVY CONSUMER

Read this section for advice before you make a purchase. Look in the Table of Contents (p. 1) and Index (p. 138) to quickly locate specific topics and information.

PART II—KEY INFORMATION RESOURCES

Look here for a list of public resources for seniors, persons with disabilities, and military families.

PART III—FILE A COMPLAINT

Turn to this section for suggestions on resolving consumer problems. The sample complaint letter on page 60 will help you present your case.

PART IV—CONSUMER ASSISTANCE DIRECTORY

Find contact information for corporate offices, consumer organizations, trade groups, government agencies, state authorities and more.

VISIT US ONLINE

Visit www.USA.gov and in Spanish at www.Gobierno.USA.gov for more consumer information, resources, and tools. You can also download an electronic version of the Handbook and hundreds of other consumer publications at Publications.USA.gov.