Consumer Awareness and Information
Highest Paying Postal Jobs
Find out how much top postal jobs pay. Read descriptions of postal jobs that pay well. See who currently holds the postal jobs at the top of the U.S. Postal Service. Learn about those who hold the top postal jobs.
Top 5 Tips for Getting Your Tax Refund Quickly
Find out the quickest way to get a tax refund. See IRS tips for getting a tax refund quickly. Read important information about correcting mistakes in your tax refund.
How to Check Your Tax Refund Status on a Smartphone
Discover how to use the IRS2Go smartphone app to check the status of your federal tax return. Learn important details about the security of the IRS2Go smartphone app. Find out where to download the IRS2Go smartphone app.
USDA to Require Healthy Recipes for School Lunches
Healthy recipes will be on the menu for school lunches under new federal rules proposed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) implementing the first major upgrade to the nutritional value of school meals in over 15 years.
Most Postage Rates to Rise - Not First-Class
Most US postage rates will increase on April 17, 2011, but the First-Class postage rates will remain at 44 cents.
Federal Holidays in 2011
Read a list of federal holidays in 2011. See when all federal holidays in 2011 are being observed. Explore the history of federal holidays in 2011.
Could New USDA Meat Labels Hurt Consumers?
The USDA has announced a new federal regulation requiring nutrition information labels on 40 popular cuts of beef and all poultry. That’s nice, says the Center for Science in the Public Interest, but while it took the USDA 10 years to actually enact the rule, the new labels will not help consumers as much as they’ll help meat and poultry producers.
The Holiday Gift That Scares the FBI
Read a description of Barbie Video Girl. Find out why Barbie Video Girl worried the Federal Bureau of Investigation. See how makers of Barbie Video Girl responded to government warnings about their product. Learn about concerns cybercrime investigators have about Barbie Video Girl.
Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe
Read a biography of Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe. Find out what goals Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe has for the financially struggling U.S. Postal Service. See how Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe plans to return the postal service to profitability. Learn about the lengthy postal service career of Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe.
Are Government's Proposed Cigarette Warning Labels Unconstitutional?
Read about the legal fight over the government's proposed cigarette warning labels. Find out why so many people were startled by the design of the cigarette warning labels. Discover why the government is proposing to modify cigarette warning labels. See why tobacco companies object to the cigarette warning labels.
Can You Get a Passport if You Owe Back Taxes?
Find out whether you can still get a passport if you owe back taxes. Read about proposed changes to U.S. law dealing with your right to get a passport if you owe federal taxes. Learn what happened to others who tried to get a passport when they owed federal taxes.
USPS No Saturday Mail Plan Snubs Rural America
In the opinion of the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has failed to properly evaluate the impact ending Saturday mail delivery would have on rural America.
The Right Gift for the Mailman
Learn about the proper gifts for the mailman. See what gifts for the mailman are prohibited. Discover the best gifts for the mailman.
Harmed by a Cosmetic? Tell the FDA
Consumers who have suffered harmful physical effects from the use of any number of cosmetic products are being urged to complain directly to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Is End of Saturday Mail Such a Good Idea?
Find out why the U.S. Postal Service wants to stop delivering Saturday mail. See why government watchdogs say ending Saturday mail is not a good idea. Learn about how the end of Saturday mail would impact you.
Bringing Consumer Protection Resources Together
For years, Americans have looked to U.S. government agencies such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the USDA as mainline sources of information about products, goods and services that can do us physical, financial or psychological harm. But is there one place where consumers can “get it all?”
Movie Popcorn's Big Secret
Find out why movie popcorn is exempt from the federal government's proposed nutrition labels. Discover how many calories and grams of fat are in a bucket of movie popcorn. Learn about the fight to keep nutritional information about movie popcorn hidden.
Help Japan Without Being Scammed
Find out why the FBI issued warnings to American who want to help Japan recover from the March 2011 earthquakes and tsunami. Discover how to safely help Japan without falling victim to scammers. Learn how to give to charity and make sure your money really is going to help Japan.
Postal Service Cutting Jobs, Closing Offices
Hoping to save his financially strapped semi-independent federal agency about $750 million a year, Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe has announced that the “newly redesigned” U.S. Postal Service will be eliminating 7,500 jobs organization-wide and closing seven district offices.
USPS Could Learn from Foreign Postal Services, GAO Reports
For the US Postal Service – the USPS – to survive and recover from its mounting financial woes it needs to reduce its costs while increasing customer satisfaction, which is exactly what at least six successful foreign postal services have done, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Who Enforces Daylight Saving Time?
See which government agency is responsible for overseeing daylight saving time. Find out what the government's duty is in regulating daylight saving time. Discover whether the government can actually penalize states that don't follow daylight saving time rules.
Egypt and Oil Prices Not a Problem, CRS Report Says
The recent public protests in Egypt and resulting resignation of long-time Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak are unlikely to have a significant impact on global oil and natural gas prices, according to the Congressional Research Service (CRS).
Postal Service Travels Well on Your Dime
Read about Postal Service waste. Find out how much Postal Service waste costs American taxpayers. See the most egregious examples of Postal Service waste.
Mail Might Take Longer to Get There
Find out why the Postal Service might slow down delivery of First Class Mail, Priority Mail and other services. See how much money relaxing delivery standards could save the beleaguered agency. Learn about other cost-saving measures adopted buy the agency.
5 Signs You're a Victim of Cramming
Find out how to spot cramming on your phone bill. See examples of unauthorized charges for mysterious and often non-existent services. Learn what to do if you are a victim of this illegal practice.
The Hidden Danger of a Green Laser
Find out why the U.S. government issued a warning about the use of green laser. See the problems caused by a green laser. Learn about the health impacts of a green laser on airline pilots. Discover the penalties for shining a green laser at airplanes.
Mail Delivery Just Three Days a Week?
Find out whether the Postal Service is really considering reducing mail delivery to just three days a week. See what the future holds for the beleaguered agency. Learn why postal executives are talking about service cutbacks.
Postal Service Ends Bonuses for Top Executives
Find out why the Postal Service canceled bonuses for top executives in 2011. Discover how much the cash-strapped agency is saving from the move. Learn about other steps postal officials are taking to return the agency to profitability. Read criticism of agency spending and cost cutting proposals.
Why Your Laser Pointer Could Cost You 11 Grand
Find out how much the fines are for aiming a laser pointer at an airplane. See why the devices are more than just nuisances to public safety. Learn about efforts to crack down on what authorities say is a prank that threatens the safety of passengers and pilots.
How Credit Rating Downgrade for U.S. Would Affect Consumers
Find out why the high credit rating for the United States could be downgraded. See how a credit rating downgrade for the United States would affect businesses and consumers. Read an explanation of why the credit rating outlook is negative instead of stable.
FDA to Regulate Electronic Cigarettes as Tobacco
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated it will regulate smokeless electronic cigarettes, or "e-cigarettes," the same way it regulates tobacco products after a federal court ruled the Agency could not regulate them as a drug.
Do Water Walking Balls Pose Suffocation Risk?
Find out why water walking balls were the topic of a government warning. Learn about the dangers water walking balls pose. See how water walking balls have caused injuries in the United States. Discover the government's suggestion for using water walking balls.
5 Ways to Survive a Postal Service Shutdown
Could you survive without the U.S. Mail? The US Postal Service may very well run out of funds and be forced to shut down all operations. Here are 5 ways to get by without the U.S. Postal Service.
12 Famous Postal Employees
Discover some of the most famous postal employees in U.S. history. Read what positions these famous postal employees held. Learn how some of the famous postal employees got their jobs with the Postal Service.
16 Stamps Show16 Ways Americans Can Help
The "Go Green" stamps from the US Postal Service depict 16 ways Americans can conserve energy and protect the environment.
Risks of Oil Well Fracking Not Known, GAO Finds
The health and environmental risks of shale oil fracking remain largely unknown, according to the GAO.
A Towering Mistake on Lady Liberty Stamps
Find out why Lady Liberty stamps show a replica of the Statue of Liberty instead of the real thing. Discover what the U.S. Postal Service had to say about the mixup over its Lady Liberty stamps. Learn about the history of the statues portrayed on the Lady Liberty stamps. See images of the Lady Liberty stamps and the real and replica Statues of...
Postal Regulators Challenge Post Office Closure List
The US Postal Regulatory Commission has issued an opinion finding the U.S. Postal Service’s plan to close more than 3,600 post offices was based on questionable data.
The Postal Reform Act of 2011
U.S. Sen. John McCain has introduced the Postal Reform Act of 2011, intended to save the cash strapped U.S. Postal Service. What does the bill do, and what does it not do?
The Federal Tax ID or EIN 'Phishing' Scam
An email claiming to be from the IRS offering to help you get a n IRS Employer Identification Number, or EIN is really a dangerous identity theft “phishing” scam.
Door to Door Postal Services Might Be a Thing of the Past
The USPS says it might have to stop door-to-door mail delivery completely. What then?
Does the Postal Service Really Pay Workers to Do Nothing?
Find out why the Postal Service pays people to sit around and do nothing. Read a description of the Postal Service Standby Time policy. See how much the agency is spending on wages for employees who aren't actually working.
FDA's Food Safety Program Gets Real Teeth
How the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010 (FSMA) adds real enforcement “teeth” to the FDA’s food safety program.
Startup Visa Rules Change
Find out what a startup visa is and who is eligible. See how the program was changes in 2011 to help improve the U.S. economy. Learn about the different types of visas for foreign entrepreneurs and investors.
Postal Service Losses By Year
Find out how much money the U.S. Postal Service has lost by year. See what the agency is going to save money. Learn about the history of its financial problems.
Shrimp Treadmill Study Paid for With Taxpayer Money
Find out how much the controversial shrimp treadmill cost taxpayers. See how the National Science Foundation defended the research. Learn about what the research was used for.
The Postal Service Debt Ceiling
Find out how much the U.S. Postal Service Debt Ceiling is. See how much the agency is permitted to borrow every year. Learn when the postal service will hit its debt limit. Discover what the beleaguered agency is prepared to do.
The US Federal Farm Safety Net
What does the US government do to protect farmers and ranchers from natural disasters like the drought of 2012?
The Online John F. Kennedy Archive
Need to know something about John F. Kennedy and his one thousand days as 35th President of the United States? Well you’re in luck because the National Archives along with the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation have produced the nation’s largest online presidential archive featuring the papers, records, photographs and recordings of the John F. Kennedy administration.
Protect Your Kids from ID Theft at School
Learn how to protect your children from identity theft at school.
America Running Out of Farmers?
The rapid aging of America's farmers coupled with the lack of new young farmers threatens soaring food prices, warns the USDA.
When and How Will the CALM Act be Enforced?
On December 15, 2010, President Obama signed the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act requiring TV broadcasters to ensure that commercials air at a volume no louder than the programs in which they appear. When and how will the CALM Act be enforced.
Life Without the U.S. Mail – Could You Survive Without the U.S. Postal Service?
Could you get along with out the U.S. Postal Service?
FDA Proposes New Sunscreen Regulations
Tanning without risk of skin cancer is the goal of new FDA regulations on sunscreen products.
Can ANWR Save Us From High Gas Prices?
Find out how much oil is in ANWR and whether drilling in ANWR would lower gas prices. Learn about the history of ANWR and the debate over drilling in ANWR. Discover how much oil Americans consume every day as it compares to potential production of oil in ANWR. Read estimates of how much oil could be produced in ANWR and how much ANWR oil would...
Lawmakers Find Amtrak Must Change to Survive
That’s no way to run a railroad, says the U.S. Congress’ Amtrak Working Group (AWG), in finding that mismanagement within Amtrak has lead to a lack of confidence by the public and unpredictable funding from Congress.
CPSC Warns of Button Battery Injuries
An increasing number of young children and senior adults are being seriously injured by unintentionally swallowing “button batteries,” the coin-sized batteries now commonly found in households across the nation, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The Food and Drug Administration
There is little else in life we need to be more certain about than the things we place in our bodies: the food that sustains us, the food of the animals we consume, the drugs that heal us, and the medical devices that prolong and improve our lives. The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, is the agency that ensures the safety of the things that...
Identity Theft Prevention and Recovery Resources
The U.S. government, through the Federal Trade Commission has developed a slate of resources to help consumers prevent and recover from identity theft.
Birth Certificate – How to Get a Copy of Your Birth Certificate
A birth certificate or a certified copy of an original birth certificate is becoming increasingly important as a required form of identification. Learn how to get a copy of your birth certificate.
US Passport - How to Apply for a US Passport
Getting a US passport can be simple or it can be crash course in bureaucracy. You want simple. Best advice? Learn the rules, assemble everything you need before you apply for your passport and apply at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Shocking New Cigarette Warning Labels Proposed
They are shocking. They are grizzly. And they are going to start showing up -- big and in full-color -- on cigarette packages if the FDA's proposal for new tobacco warning labels is approved.
FDA Defines What 'Whole Grain' Really Means
Hundreds of products on supermarket shelves tout their wholesome quality as being "whole grain." Are they, really? Some are not, and to help consumers make knowledgeable dietary choices, the FDA has issued a "guidance" to food manufacturers on exactly what products labeled "whole grain" may and may not include.
About Time! Daylight Saving, That Is
About daylight saving time. Dates to set clocks and history of daylight saving time.
About the U.S. Postal Service
About the United States Postal Service (USPS). Is it government agency or a private business? It's both.
OMB Website Rates Performance of Federal Programs
Rather than simply paying our money and taking our chances, U.S. taxpayers now have a simple way of finding out which federal programs are working, which are not, and what they are doing to improve.
FDA Rules Barley Products Can Make Healthy Heart Claims
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled that makers of whole grain barley and barley-containing products will be allowed to claim that those products reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
FDA Warns of Paxil Birth Defect Risks
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert to physicians and patients warning of potential risks of birth defects resulting from the use Paxil, a drug prescribed for depression and several other psychiatric disorders.
Important Airport Security Changes Coming Dec. 22
Airline travelers will notice some changes in airport security measures starting December 22, according to the Transportation Security Agency (TSA). The specific changes include more additional screenings of passengers and their bags using a variety of methods selected at random. Passengers will also once again be able to carry small tools and scissors on-board aircraft.
Postage Rates to Increase in 2006
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS), which is really sort of a private business, has to make a $3.1 billion escrow payment in 2006. So, sometime in early 2006; the cost of a First-Class stamp will go up two cents, to 39 cents, while the postcard rate will rise to 24 cents.
Bill Would Help Protect Against ID Theft
Since few things are more politically safe to hate, a bipartisan coalition of U.S. senators has proposed legislation designed to protect consumers from identity theft.
How to Find Product Safety Information Online
Find out how to find product safety information online. Discover how to search for product safety complaints using government databases. See why product safety information is being posted online. Learn about the debate over posting product safety information on the Internet.
Truth About Cell Phones and the Do Not Call Registry
If you’ve received an e-mail telling you that your cell phone is about to be assaulted by telemarketing calls as a result of a new cell phone number database, rest assured that this is not the case.
The Top Ten Dot Cons
Ah, the Internet! Once you're online, you invite hi-tech con artists into your home 24/7/365. From fraudulent online auctions to actually hijacking your modem, the danger is real. Learn how to detect and protect yourself from the top ten Dot-Cons.
Deaths Bring CPSC Paintball Gun Warning
Based on its investigation of two deaths caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) canisters flying off paintball guns, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is issuing a new warning.
FDA Warns Against Internet-offered Baby Formula
The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers that a product, Better Than Formula Ultra Infant Immune Booster 117, sold over the internet as a dietary supplement should not be fed to infants.
FDA Warns Women of Mercury Danger in Fish
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its first definitive consumer warning concerning fish and shellfish consumption for persons at risk from exposure to high mercury levels, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, women who may become pregnant, and young children.
FTC Warns of Envelope Stuffing Schemes
The ads promise easy money for simply stuffing envelopes, but according to Howard Beales, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, "Stuffing is fine for turkeys and stockings, but envelope-stuffing scams deserve a lump of coal." Learn how to keep from being taken for a work-at-home ride.
Keepkidshealth.com -- Recall Database
A searchable and user-friendly database of product recalls. For example, you can search for all of the toy recalls from this year, show all of the household product recalls, or browse all of the recalls ever issued in reverse chronological order.
What's Under Your Sink Could Kill You
A handy new online database from the National Institutes of Health provides useful, possibly even life-saving information on the potential health effects of more than 2,000 ingredients contained in more than 4,000 common household products.
'Phishing' For Your Identity
The FBI, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Earthlink have jointly issued a warning on how the growing ranks of Internet crooks are using new tricks called "phishing" and "spoofing" to steal your identity.
Back to "The Jungle" in Chicago
Federal charges have been filed against a Chicago-based food storage company after officials found over 22 million pounds of rodent-adulterated meats and other food products in their warehouses.
FTC Warns of Best Buy Email Scam
The FTC had warned that thousands of consumers may have fallen victim to identity theft by responding to a credit warning email from Best Buy. Here’s what to do and who to call if you were a victim.
Bush Backs GM Foods – US Consumers Do Not
Despite gaining a healthy endorsement from President Bush, genetically modified foods – 'Frankenfoods' - continue to be shunned by American consumers.
Sick Cruise Ship? CDC Can Tell You
Over 600 people, expecting a 'Love Boat' experience, just spent their cruises hugging nothing but the toilet in their stateroom. Learn where to check cruise ship sanitation online before you book.
Consumer.Gov
A comprehensive set of links to the federal government’s consumer resources and information.
Fueleconomy.gov
From the Energy Department, this great site includes a gasoline price page with links to national and regional fuel price information and information on vehicle safety ratings and air pollution. How much is gas where you're going? Find out here.
Automobile Recall Database
Lookup all recalls on most makes and models of US and foreign cars, trucks and SUVs. A great service from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Chemical Safety Board
Fashioned after NTSB, the CSB works to ensure workplace and community safety through prevention and investigation of chemical-related accidents.
Consumer Gateway
A joint effort by the FTC, FDA, NHTSA, and SEC presents the Web's best combined collection of recalls, warnings, and scam alerts.
Consumer Information Center - Pueblo, Colorado
The folks with all the free publications. Most can be had online from their Web site.
Email Scams
Anybody with email should read "Trouble @ the In-Box" from the FTC. Find out how to tell SPAM and SCAM when you see it.
EPA - Water on Tap: Consumer's Guide to the Nation's Drinking Water
How safe is America's domestic water supply? How much water does America Drink? How can we improve our water? What about the future?
FCC Consumer Information
The Federal Communications Commission will take a major roll in the future of the Internet.
7 Ways to Save the Postal Service
Read about the steps taken to save the Postal Service and how they will impact mail delivery. See how much money the post office is losing and why delivering mail is so costly. Learn why the Postal Service is losing money and how it can stop the bleeding.
FoodSafety.gov
A "gateway" to all of the government agencies involved in watching over the safety of food products.
Household Products and Home Safety
A great selection of Yes/No type checklists and bulletins from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Can You Deliver Mail Yourself In a Postal Service Shutdown?
If the U.S. Postal Service runs out of money and shuts down, can you deliver your mail yourself?
Internet Fraud Information
Definitions and examples of current types of internet fraud, plus what the Department of Justice is doing about it and how consumers can protect themselves.
Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing
Handy page from the Postal Service gives links to the DMV web sites of almost every state in the US. Something you just can't find when you need it.
Telecommunications Act of 1996
This is the act often quoted by both spammer and spamee. Read it for yourself.
How To File a Telemarketing Complaint
The Federal Communication Commission has released specific steps consumers should take if they have put their names on the National Do-Not-Call Registry and are called by telemarketers on or after October 1, 2003. It provides information about what is a violation and specifics about how to file a complaint.
Register With the National Do-Not-Call List
Consumers who do not want to receive telemarketing calls can now place their phone numbers on the national "do not call list," a step federal officials say should drastically reduce their number of unwanted calls.