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MCG: MAIN NAVIGATION

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ABOUT US

Military Consumer is a joint initiative to empower active duty and retired
servicemembers, military families, veterans and civilians in the military
community. Use these free resources as the first line of defense against fraud
and make better-informed decisions when managing your money.


PARTNERS


FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

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The Federal Trade Commission is the nation’s consumer protection agency. The FTC
works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the
marketplace and provides information to help consumers identify and avoid fraud
and deception. View and download free information at consumer.ftc.gov, or call
1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or TDD (202) 326-2502. To order free materials for
yourself or a group, go to www.ftc.gov/bulkorder. If you have been the victim of
fraud or deception, file a complaint with the FTC online at
www.ftc.gov/complaint, or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP. Although the FTC can't
resolve individual disputes, the information you provide can indicate a pattern
of violations requiring action by the Commission.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov


DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

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The Department of Defense is America's oldest and largest government agency.
With our military tracing its roots back to pre-Revolutionary times, the
Department of Defense has grown and evolved with our nation. The mission of the
Department of Defense is to provide the military forces needed to deter war and
to protect the security of our country. The department's headquarters is at the
Pentagon.

http://www.defense.gov/


CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) works to make sure that
consumers have the information they need to make the best financial decisions
for themselves and their families. If you’re looking for more information about
the CFPB, visit consumerfinance.gov. Our mission is to make markets for consumer
financial products and services work for Americans – whether they are applying
for a mortgage, choosing between credit cards, paying for college, or using
other consumer financial products.

The Office of Servicemember Affairs

The Office of Servicemember Affairs (OSA) ensures that military personnel and
their families have a voice at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

 * We monitor military consumer complaints and the resolution of those
   complaints.

 * We work with federal, state, and local partners to address the financial
   concerns of servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

 * We provide servicemembers, military families, and veterans with the
   information and tools to make the best financial decisions for themselves and
   to avoid unfair financial business practices.

Visit consumerfinance.gov/servicemembers for more information on our work.

http://www.consumerfinance.gov/


MILITARY SAVES

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Military Saves is a social marketing campaign to persuade, motivate, and
encourage military families to save money every month, and to work with leaders
and organizations to be aggressive in promoting automatic savings Military Saves
is a part of America Saves, the larger nation-wide campaign for all Americans.
Military Saves encourages all servicemembers, their families, and civilian
employees to “Take the Military Saves Pledge.” Savers who take the pledge can
opt to receive a monthly e-newsletter from Military Saves, as well as a
quarterly e-newsletter from America Saves. Military Saves also works with
defense credit unions, military banks and other non-profit organizations to
promote savings and debt reduction.

https://www.militarysaves.org/


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF ARIZONA

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The Arizona Attorney General serves as the chief legal officer of the State. The
Attorney General is mandated by our constitution and elected to a four-year term
by the people of Arizona. The Attorney General's Office represents and provides
legal advice to most State agencies; enforces consumer protection and civil
rights laws; and prosecutes criminals charged with complex financial crimes and
certain conspiracies involving illegal drugs. In addition, all appeals statewide
from felony convictions are handled by the Office.

The mission of the Arizona Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section is to:

 * Protect the public, including veterans, from consumer fraud, antitrust and
   anti-competitive conduct;
 * Provide advocacy and public education on consumer protection issues with an
   emphasis on fraud and abuse;
 * Enforce tobacco laws and orders and to help reduce underage sale of tobacco
   products and to provide legal representation in judicial and administrative
   cases and legal advice and assistance in legislative and rule-making matter
   to state agencies.

For information and resources to assist Arizona veterans, please visit
https://www.azag.gov/veterans.  If you believe you have been the victim of
consumer fraud in Arizona, you may file a consumer complaint here. For consumer
inquiries, or to request a complaint form, call (602) 542-5763 (Phoenix), (520)
628-6504 (Tucson), or toll-free outside of metro Phoenix, (800) 352-8431.

https://www.azag.gov/consumer/home


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CALIFORNIA

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The California Attorney General’s Office enforces laws that protect California
servicemembers, veterans, and military families against fraud, false
advertising, and other unfair and deceptive business practices. 

 

https://www.ag.ca.gov/


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF COLORADO

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The Colorado Attorney General has primary authority for enforcement of consumer
protection and antitrust laws, prosecution of criminal appeals and some complex
white-collar crimes, the Statewide Grand Jury, training and certification of
peace officers, and certain natural resource and environmental matters of the
state.

The Consumer Protection Section protects Colorado consumers and businesses
against fraud and maintains a competitive business environment by: enforcing
state and federal consumer protection laws; enforcing state and federal
antitrust laws; implementing and enforcing provisions of the tobacco master
settlement agreements; enforcing state laws on consumer lending, predatory
lending, debt collection, rent-to-own, and credit repair; and advocating on
behalf of residential, small business, and agricultural public utility
taxpayers.

The Consumer Protection Section is made up of four units:

    Antitrust, Tobacco & Consumer Protection

    Office of Consumer Fraud

    Office of Consumer Counsel

    Consumer Credit

The Consumer Fraud Unit’s primary focus is on the prevention of deception and
misrepresentations in connection with the advertisement and sale of goods and
services to individual and business consumers in Colorado. This is accomplished
through the enforcement of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, the Colorado
Charitable Solicitations Act, along with other consumer protection statutes.

The Attorney General represents the State of Colorado and investigates
complaints alleging a pattern of unlawful and deceptive trade practices.
Information from consumers allows us to identify and devote our resources to the
most serious cases involving widespread injury to Colorado consumers. Any legal
action we take is on behalf of the State of Colorado as we are prohibited in
providing individual legal advice, interpretation, or individual legal
representation.

Visit the Colorado Attorney General's Facebook page: 

Read the Colorado Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Bulletin

https://www.StopFraudColorado.gov


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CONNECTICUT

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Among the critical missions of Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen is to
advocate and represent the interests of the citizens of Connecticut as
rigorously as possible. General Jepsen aims to ensure that the quality of life
of the state's citizens, especially veterans, is preserved and enhanced. By
strictly enforcing consumer protection laws, the Office of the Attorney General
protects veterans from fraud, deceptive practices and scams that could otherwise
cause harm.

The Consumer Protection Department within the Office of Attorney General focuses
on consumer protection through counsel and representation of the Department of
Consumer Protection, consumer education and complaint mediation, and
investigations, written comments to state and federal agencies, and litigation
under various state and federal laws, with a major reliance on the Connecticut
Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA).

To learn more about the Office of Attorney General or to file a consumer
complaint with the Connecticut Attorney General, visit http://www.ct.gov/AG

http://www.ct.gov/AG


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF DELAWARE

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Attorney General Beau Biden, Delaware’s chief law enforcement officer, has broad
responsibility to combat crime, safeguard families, fight fraud, and protect
consumers in the First State. In meeting this mission, Attorney General Biden is
supported by an experienced and highly respected senior leadership team
consisting of the Chief Deputy Attorney General, Chief of Staff, State
Prosecutor, State Solicitor, and Directors of the Family and Fraud & Consumer
Protection Divisions. Each of the more than 400 staff who work in the Office of
the Attorney General are committed to the common goal of serving all Delawareans
with integrity and dedication. Deputy Attorneys General, with critical support
from criminal investigators, social workers, paraprofessionals, and
administrative staff prosecute criminal cases, enforce environmental laws,
provide counsel to state agencies, ensure the public's access to open
government, protect the abused, and much more.

CONSUMER PROTECTION UNIT

The Consumer Protection Unit is responsible for enforcing Delaware consumer
protection statutes and protecting the general public from consumer frauds and
scams. In addition to pursuing enforcement action against those who violate our
consumer protection laws, the CPU also participates in community outreach and
consumer education events, engages in consumer advocacy, and actively
contributes to coordinated state and federal consumer protection investigations
and initiatives.

https://www.attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/index.shtml


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF IDAHO

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The Idaho Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division enforces various
consumer laws, including Idaho’s Consumer Protection Act, Competition Act,
Telephone Solicitation Act, Pay-Per-Telephone Call Act and Charitable
Solicitation Act. These laws protect consumers, businesses and the marketplace
from unfair or deceptive acts and practices. The Attorney General seeks to
fulfill this charge efficiently and economically through education, mediation
and enforcement. The Consumer Protection Division’s library of consumer
publications covers topics including automobiles, charities, credit & loans,

home improvement, landlord/tenant, retail purchases, travel, and more.

http://www.ag.idaho.gov/consumerProtection/consumerIndex.html


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF ILLINOIS

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The Illinois Attorney General's Military and Veterans Rights Bureau is dedicated
to ensuring that veterans and active duty military servicemembers receive the
benefits they have earned by serving our country. The bureau provides men and
women with the information they need to understand their rights and programs to
help obtain them.  For more information and assistance, contact the Military and
Veterans Rights Hotline at 1-800-382-3000.

http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/rights/veterans.html


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF INDIANA

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The Indiana Attorney General’s Office offers multiple programs to protect
veterans through our consumer protection division.  The Attorney General’s
website(link is external) also includes information on protecting military
servicemembers

https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/2843.htm


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF KANSAS

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The Kansas Attorney General supports our military men and women and their
families through consumer protection efforts. The Kansas Consumer Protection Act
provides extra protection for members of the armed forces and National Guard on
active duty, or in active reserve units, and family members of deployed service
personnel. 

https://www.InYourCornerKansas.org


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF KENTUCKY

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The Kentucky Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection enforces the
Kentucky Consumer Protection Act which protects Kentucky from  "unfair, false,
misleading or deceptive acts or practice in trade or commerce." The Office
brings lawsuits in the public interest to obtain consumer redress and civil
penalties in a range of matters including but not limited to automobile sales,
telemarketing sales - including Do-Not- Call list violations, business
opportunities, charitable solicitations, debt collection, truth in lending,
privacy, recreation and retirement land sales, internet sales, pharmaceutical
drugs and for-profit schools. The Office of Consumer Protection also serves as a
clearinghouse for consumer complaints and helps resolve citizens' complaints
involving consumer transactions. The Office also conducts educational programs
to teach consumers, seniors and schoolchildren about their consumer rights, how
to avoid being victimized by scam artists and how to be better consumers.

https://ag.ky.gov/family/consumerprotection/Pages/default.aspx


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MASSACHUSETTS

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The Attorney General's Office enforces certain federal and state laws protecting
the rights of veterans and service members. If you are a veteran or are
currently serving in the United States Military, including the National Guard or
Reserves, there are laws designed to protect you against discrimination in
employment, help you avoid credit or foreclosure problems, and maximize your
healthcare, disability, and education benefits.  Our Veterans' Resource Guide,
is one central location where you can find information about resources available
to veterans, military service members, and their families. Much of the
information it contains has already been made available to the public by the
Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services and the Secretary of the
Commonwealth, among other state and federal agencies and organizations.
Compilation of this guide would not have been possible without the work both of
those offices have already done to make these resources accessible.

Helping ensure that Massachusetts veterans and their families have access to the
full range of benefits and services offered to them, Attorney General Martha
Coakley created an office-wide task force in 2011 focused on this effort. The
task force coordinates resources and services for veterans across the AG’s
Office on relevant issues they may face upon returning from deployment overseas,
such as consumer, health care, and employment issues. The office developed and
is using a special designation for veterans and active duty military members on
its Civil Rights , Consumer, Insurance/Investment, and Health Care complaint
forms.  Working together with the Department of Veterans Services (DVS),
front-line employees in the AG’s Office received training on how to best handle
complaints with this special designation and learn when it is proper to refer
complaints to DVS.

http://www.mass.gov/ago/


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MICHIGAN

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The Michigan Attorney General supports veterans through consumer protection and
other initiatives, including enforcement actions where appropriate. The Attorney
General’s website also includes links to helpful resources.

http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-164-65798---,00.html


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF NEW MEXICO

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission provides a variety of services and
tools to address the problems and questions you may face as an investor. We
cannot tell you what investments to make, but we can help you to invest wisely
and avoid fraud.)

New Mexico Attorney General’s Office:  The Attorney General is an elected
Executive Officer and is required to be a licensed attorney. The Attorney
General also serves as head of the Department of Justice.

The Attorney General functions as the state's chief legal officer; legal counsel
to state government; consumer advocate; and guardian of the public interest.

 

https://www.nmag.gov/consumer-environmental-protection.aspx


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF NEW YORK STATE

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As head of the New York State Department of Law, the Attorney General is both
the “People's Lawyer” and the State's chief legal officer. As the “People's
Lawyer,” the Attorney General serves as the guardian of the legal rights of the
citizens of New York, its organizations and its natural resources. In his role
as the State's chief legal counsel, the Attorney General not only advises the
Executive branch of State government, but also defends actions and proceedings
on behalf of the State.

The Attorney General serves all New Yorkers in numerous matters affecting their
daily lives. The Attorney General's Office is charged with the statutory and
common law powers to protect consumers and investors, charitable donors, the
public health and environment, civil rights, and the rights of wage-earners and
businesses across the State.

The Bureau of Consumer Frauds and Protection, part of the Economic Justice
Division, prosecutes businesses and individuals engaged in fraudulent,
misleading, deceptive or illegal trade practices.

In addition to litigating, the Bureau mediates thousands of complaints each year
from individual consumers.

A large percentage of these complaints are resolved satisfactorily through the
mediation process. As part of its mission, the Bureau provides information to
consumers and seeks to ensure a fair and vigorous market place. The Bureau also
drafts legislation and conducts studies and writes reports on emerging consumer
problems and issues.

“Our nation owes a great debt to military service members, veterans, and their
families. It's despicable that anyone would seek to take advantage of those who
have sacrificed to ensure our safety and preserve our rights here at home,” said
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. “I am proud to say that I will do everything
in my power to protect the brave men and women who have fought for our country
by aggressively pursuing scam artists that target them, and by helping them to
understand their legal rights.”

http://www.ag.ny.gov


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF NORTH CAROLINA

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The Attorney General is elected by the people of North Carolina every four years
as the state’s top law enforcement officer and top lawyer. Powers and duties of
the Attorney General are set forth in the Constitution and Statutes of North
Carolina.
 
The first North Carolina Constitution, written in 1776, established the Office
of the Attorney General. In the early 1800s, the General Assembly created the
Department of Justice as part of a government-wide reorganization.
 
Under the state Constitution, the attorney general must be authorized to
practice law in the courts of this state.
  
As head of the North Carolina Department of Justice, the Attorney
General provides legal representation and advice to all state government
departments, agencies and commissions. The Attorney General also provides legal
opinions at the request of other public officials and handles all criminal
appeals from state trial courts. Read more


DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Attorney General is elected by the people of North Carolina to head the
Department of Justice. Specific powers and duties of the Attorney General are
set forth in the Constitution and Statutes of North Carolina. Read more


ATTORNEY GENERAL ROY COOPER

 Roy Cooper serves as North Carolina's Attorney General to fight crime and
protect consumers. He was first elected in 2000 and was reelected to a fourth
term in 2012. Read more

http://www.ncdoj.gov/About-DOJ/The-Attorney-General.aspx


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF NORTH DAKOTA

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The North Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Consumer Protection
Division enforces the state’s consumer fraud laws that protect consumers against
fraud, false advertising, and other unfair and deceptive business practices. The
Consumer Protection division also enforces the state’s Do-Not-Call laws and is
the state’s clearinghouse for identity theft complaints.

The North Dakota Attorney General’s office also issues Concealed Weapons
Licenses and provides information about concealed carry reciprocity.

The Attorney General’s office is prohibited by ND law from providing legal
advice or legal services to members of the public.

Information on contacting the North Dakota Attorney General's office is
available here.

http://www.ag.nd.gov/


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF OHIO

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The Ohio Attorney General’s Office advocates for consumers and victims of crime,
assists the criminal justice community, and provides legal representation for
state offices and agencies. In those and other capacities, Attorney General Mike
DeWine’s staff interacts each year with tens of thousands of Ohioans and nearly
every facet of state government.

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section helps protect Ohioans from
unfair business practices and scams through dispute resolution, education, and
legal action. It also produces the monthly Consumer Advocate newsletter and
assists law enforcement and prosecutors in investigating and prosecuting
consumer fraud of a criminal nature.

To assist service members, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office provides certain
legal services at no cost to military personnel and their families. It also
expedites cases and issues raised by active duty personnel and their family
members and provides consumer workshops for service members and veterans.

https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Consumers


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF PENNSYLVANIA

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Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane protects all Pennsylvania
residents - particularly the state’s nearly one million veterans and military
members - from scams, fraud and deceptive business practices by enforcing the
state’s consumer protection laws.

The Bureau of Consumer Protection investigates and mediates consumer complaints
and takes legal action against companies that engage in unfair business
practices where a lawsuit by the Attorney General is in the public interest and
would benefit the Commonwealth.

In addition, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General reviews every piece of
consumer-related legislation that is introduced in the Commonwealth, supporting
any and all that would prosecute wrongdoers and bring to justice those who
attempt to defraud consumers.

To learn more about the Bureau or to file a complaint, visit
www.attorneygeneral.gov.

https://www.attorneygeneral.gov


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF RHODE ISLAND

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The Attorney General is the top legal official in Rhode Island. As the state’s
top prosecutor, the Attorney General fights to enhance the economic security of
Rhode Island, protect the public safety of our communities and restore the
public trust in state government by taking on corruption. As the central legal
agency of the state, the Office of the Attorney General is responsible for
prosecution of all felony criminal cases and misdemeanor appeals, as well as
prosecution of misdemeanor cases brought by state law enforcement action in the
various district courts. Additionally, as chief legal officer of the state, the
Attorney General represents all agencies, departments and commissions in
litigation and initiates legal action where necessary to protect the interests
of Rhode Island citizens. The Office of the Attorney General is also charged
with operating and maintaining the State Bureau of Criminal Identification,
which is the central repository for all criminal records in the state. The
Office is divided into three distinct divisions: Criminal, Civil and
Administration; and four budget programs: Criminal, Civil, General, and the
Bureau of Criminal Identification.

About the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit

The Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit investigates and
mediates consumer complaints concerning unfair and unlawful business practices
and misleading advertising arising out of alleged violations of the Deceptive
Trade Practices Act. If groups of people are victimized by a deceptive trade
practice, this office may file in the Superior Court a civil investigative
demand, which is a formal investigation. In appropriate cases, a lawsuit to stop
the illegal business practice may be initiated.

Apart from carrying out its statutory responsibilities, the Unit also provides
information and referral services to the general public. Consumers are directed
to the appropriate governmental or private agencies for help in answering
specialized questions or resolving disputes that are not within the Unit's
jurisdiction.

The Consumer Protection Unit is available to speak to community groups on how to
prevent being a victim of identity theft and other scams.

http://www.riag.ri.gov/homeboxes/Consumer.php


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TENNESSEE

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The Tennessee Attorney General is the chief legal officer for the State.  The
role of the Attorney General and his staff is to help each part of state
government—executive, legislative, and judicial—fulfill their respective
functions. The Office contains 17 divisions charged with many different duties.

The Consumer Advocate and Protection Division protects consumers and business
from unfair and deceptive trade practices. The Consumer Protection Division also
enforces Tennessee’s Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) Statute and the state
and federal antitrust laws. Actions may be brought on behalf of the Tennessee
Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and in the name of the State of Tennessee. 

The office often pursues cases based on complaints received from consumers. The
Attorney General encourages consumers to report any business practice they
believe is unfair or deceptive to (DCA) in the Department of Commerce and
Insurance. DCA serves as the central coordinating agency and clearinghouse for
consumer complaints regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices. For more
information on how the Tennessee Attorney General is working to protect
consumers or for information on how to file a complaint with the Division of
Consumer Affairs, visit our website at: www.tn.gov/attorneygeneral.

https://www.tn.gov/attorneygeneral


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF UTAH

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The Utah Attorney General’s Commercial Enforcement Division enforces laws that
protect consumers and businesses, including laws that prohibit deception, fraud,
misrepresentation, or concealment of facts in the sale or advertisement of goods
and services. The office works closely with the Utah Division of Consumer
Protection to investigate and prosecute violations of these laws.

http://consumerprotection.utah.gov


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF VERMONT

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The Vermont Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer in the state.
He is charged with representing the state in all matters in which the state is a
party or has an interest.

The mission of the Vermont Attorney General is to implement and enforce
Vermont’s laws to improve the quality of life for all Vermonters, including
veterans. Whether this means enforcing our criminal laws to keep our cities,
towns and homes safe, enforcing our consumer protection and civil rights laws or
vigorously pursuing those who would foul our air, land and water, it is the job
of this office to bring the legal resources of the State to bear to protect all
of our citizens.

First established by the Vermont Legislature in 1790, the Office of Attorney
General has evolved from its one-person operation shortly after the turn of the
20th century to its current status as the State’s largest law firm. We act as
legal counsel to all state agencies and to the Legislature. Our staff handles
civil and criminal cases in all courts of the state on both the trial and
appellate levels. We both defend the state when it is sued and file our own
suits to enforce Vermont’s criminal, environmental, consumer protection, civil
rights and countless other laws.

http://www.atg.state.vt.us/


ATTORNEY GENERAL OF WASHINGTON

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division
enforces Washington’s Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) to help protect
veterans and military, guard and reserve members from bad actors in the
marketplace. The division:

 * Investigates and files legal actions to stop unfair and deceptive practices
 * Recovers refunds;Imposes penalties on offending businesses and recovers
   attorneys’ fees and costs
 * Facilitates the informal resolution of consumer problems by notifying
   businesses of written complaints and informally mediating them
 * Provides information and education to businesses and to the public on
   consumer rights and issues
 * Participates in legislative activity affecting the division each year
 * Sends out alerts and news releases when consumers or businesses are targets
   of fraudulent or predatory activities
 * Administers Washington’s Lemon Law for new motor vehicle warranty
   enforcement. The services include arbitration to resolve consumer and
   manufacturer warranty disputes, consumer and industry education and
   enforcement of manufacturer and dealer obligations.

Visit our Veterans & Military Consumer Protection page for specific tips.

Learn about the latest scams on our Scam Alert Page.

Follow the latest scams on Twitter: #AGOScamAlert

Read our All Consuming blog.

Visit us on Facebook(link is external).

http://atg.wa.gov/


BBB MILITARY LINE

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Better Business Bureau (BBB) Military Line® is a program of the BBB Institute
for Marketplace Trust, a 501(c)(3) educational foundation providing consumer
education and advocacy for military consumers and their families, both in their
communities and online.  Visit www.bbb.org/military(link is external) for more
information.  As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, BBB is an unbiased
non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest
business behavior. Last year more than 100 million consumers turned to BBB
Business Reviews and BBB Charity Reports to help them find trustworthy
businesses, brands and charities across North America. More than 100 BBBs serve
communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring 4 million
businesses and charities. Visit www.bbb.org for more information.

https://www.ncpw.gov/about-us#Better-Business-Bureau


BLUE STAR FAMILIES

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Blue Star Families is a non-partisan, non-profit organization, created by
military families for military families. We are committed to supporting one
another through the unique challenges of military service and asking the larger
civilian population to help as well, connecting military families regardless of
rank, branch of service or physical location, and empowering military family
members to create the best personal and family life possible for themselves.

Blue Star Families is a bridge between military families, the shapers of policy
affecting military life, and the nation. Our goal is to connect America’s
military families with one another and their communities, support them through
programs that aim to make military life more sustainable, and empower them by
giving them an opportunity to make their voices heard.

BSF has more than 35,000 members, and will soon have more than 60 chapters with
representatives in every state in the U.S. and overseas. More than half a
million military family members have participated in our programs

http://www.bluestarfam.org/


CONSUMER ACTION

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Consumer Action has been a champion of underrepresented consumers nationwide
since 1971. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Consumer Action focuses on
consumer education that empowers low- and moderate-income and
limited-English-speaking consumers to financially prosper. It also advocates for
consumers in the media and before lawmakers to advance consumer rights and
promote industry-wide change.

http://www.consumer-action.org


FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI)

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is an intelligence-driven national
security and law enforcement organization that works to protect families,
communities, and businesses from the most dangerous threats facing our nation.
Combating significant white-collar frauds and cyber scams are among the FBI’s
top investigative priorities, and the Bureau provides regular advice to
consumers on how to protect themselves from emerging and traditional fraud
schemes. Consumers can learn more by visiting the FBI’s Be Crime Smart website
and specific webpages on white-collar frauds and new e-scams. If you have been a
victim of fraud, please report it on the FBI’s Tips and Public Leads webpage.

https://www.fbi.gov/


FINRA INVESTOR EDUCATION FOUNDATION

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The mission of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation is to provide underserved
Americans with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary for financial success
throughout life. The FINRA Foundation envisions a society characterized by
universal financial literacy.

http://www.finrafoundation.org/


HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

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The State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs promotes a
strong and healthy business environment by upholding fairness and public
confidence in the marketplace, and by increasing knowledge and opportunity for
our businesses and citizens in the State of Hawaii.

https://hawaii.gov/dcca


LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

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The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs is one of the largest
local consumer protection agencies in the nation. The department serves
consumers, businesses, and communities through education, advocacy, and
complaint resolution to promote a fair and vibrant marketplace. We educate
consumers on their rights and responsibilities, investigate alleged violations
of the law, and mediate less serious disputes between consumers and businesses.

 

http://www.dca.lacounty.gov/


NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONSUMER ADVOCATES

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The National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) is a non-profit member
organization of attorneys and consumer advocates committed to representing
consumers’ interests. The NACA Military Consumer Justice Project was established
so that servicemembers have a defense team at home ensuring that their consumer
interests are represented. NACA attorneys have been working with the military
arms for years, providing training for the Air Force, Army, and Navy Justice
Schools and at local military training symposiums. NACA, through its expertise
on consumer protection law, is here to help If you have been a victim of a
consumer scam. If you need advice, contact the NACA Military Consumer Justice
Project by calling (202) 452-1989 to be connected with a NACA lawyer in your
area who can assist you. NACA attorneys across the  country are dedicated and
willing to provide legal assistance to military personnel who have fallen prey
to consumer scams.

http://www.naca.net/issues/military-consumer-justice-project-mjp


NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION

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The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is the independent federal
agency created by the U.S. Congress to regulate, charter and supervise federal
credit unions. With the backing of the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government, NCUA operates and manages the National Credit Union Share Insurance
Fund, insuring the deposits of nearly 96 million account holders in all federal
credit unions and the overwhelming majority of state-chartered credit
unions.                                           

MyCreditUnion.gov is the official financial consumer protection website of NCUA.
This free consumer website, and its financial literacy resource Pocket Cents,
offers a variety of educational information and personal finance articles
designed to help individuals make smarter financial decisions and better choices
with their money. Individuals can learn about saving, borrowing and managing
credit, as well as how to get a free credit report each year and how to protect
themselves from financial scams. The website also explains how credit unions
work, where to find a credit union to join, and even how to start a credit
union. MyCreditUnion.gov also provides important information for resolving
credit union member complaints through NCUA’s Consumer Assistance Center.

Interactive tools and resources are available through MyCreditUnion.gov and
Pocket Cents. Consumers can use NCUA’s CU Locator tool to research and locate a
credit union. They can also estimate their share insurance coverage with the
NCUA Share Insurance Estimator. Pocket Cents also features the interactive
personal finance game called “Hit the Road,” that teaches young people the value
of saving and budgeting. Also, users can explore the currencies of the world
with the interactive Foreign Currency Map on Pocket Cents.

Consumers and credit unions can stay up-to-date on the latest news and
information from NCUA by following us on YouTube(link is
external), Facebook(link is external), Twitter(link is external) and
LinkedIn(link is external).

https://www.mycreditunion.gov/Pages/default.aspx


NATIONAL FUTURES ASSOCIATION

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National Futures Association (NFA), a congressionally authorized self-regulatory
organization, is the premier independent provider of innovative and efficient
regulatory programs that safeguard the integrity of the futures markets.
National Futures Association provides innovative regulatory programs and
services that ensure futures industry integrity, protect market participants and
help its Members meet their regulatory responsibilities.

http://www.nfa.futures.org/


NATIONAL MILITARY FAMILY ASSOCIATION

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Military families serve our country with pride, honor, and quiet dedication. The
National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit organization
committed to strengthening and protecting the families of the men and women
currently serving, retired, wounded, or fallen. We provide families of the Army,
Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS
and NOAA with information, work to get them the benefits they deserve, and offer
programs that improve their lives. Our 40-plus years of service and
accomplishments have made us a trusted resource for military families and the
Nation’s leaders. To learn more, visit www.MilitaryFamily.org.

https://www.MilitaryFamily.org


OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY

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The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) was created by Congress to
charter, regulate, and supervise all national banks. On July 21, 2011, the
Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) became part of the OCC, and the OCC assumed
regulation of federal savings associations (or “thrifts”). The OCC also
supervises the federal branches and agencies of foreign banks. The OCC ensures a
stable and competitive national banking system by working toward four
objectives:

 * To ensure the safety and soundness of banks and federal savings associations
   (collectively, banks).
 * To foster competition by allowing banks to offer new products and services.
 * To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of OCC supervision, including
   reducing regulatory burden.
 * To ensure fair and equal access to financial services for all Americans.

The OCC’s nationwide staff of examiners conduct on-site reviews of national
banks and federal savings associations, and provide sustained supervision of
bank operations. The agency issues rules, legal interpretations, and corporate
decisions concerning banking, bank investments, bank community development
activities, and other aspects of bank operations. National bank and federal
savings association examiners supervise domestic and international activities of
banks and federal savings associations, perform corporate analyses, and evaluate
bank and federal savings association management’s ability to identify and
control risk.

http://www.occ.gov/index.html


PINE TREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE

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Pine Tree Legal Assistance is Maine’s oldest and largest statewide legal aid
provider.  The Legal Services Corporation chose Pine Tree to create a new
national website for military and veteran families with legal needs.  That
website, www.statesidelegal.org(link is external), launched at the White House
in late 2010 and has already recorded more than 1 million page views.  The site
includes numerous consumer protection resources and a search engine to find
local help. 

http://www.statesidelegal.org/


THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BLACK VETERANS, INC (NABVETS)

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The National Association for Black Veterans, Inc (NABVETS)(link is external),
with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a 501c(3), nationally certified
Veterans Service Organization by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist
veterans with filing claims for VA benefits and to represent veterans before the
Board of Veterans Appeals. 

NABVETS provides strategic advocacy with Congress, the Federal Administration,
State Administrations and other agencies and organizations on behalf of all
veterans; and particularly African American veterans, women veterans, veterans
disabled, homeless, incarcerated or of limited means. NABVETS, with over 50
chapters across the nations and five State Commands works in ‘Unity with the
Community’ to end homelessness, empower low-income and minority veterans and
advocate for disadvantaged youth in all matters related to their successful
passage into adulthood.

NABVETS works closely with the Veterans Enterprise Training & Services Group
(VETS Group), NAACP Veterans Affairs Committee and the Consumer Action Agency to
provide outreach, training and support to veterans and their families
transitioning back into the community.

http://www.nabvets.com/


U.S. COAST GUARD, OFFICE OF WORK-LIFE

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U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Work-Life - For over two centuries the U.S. Coast
Guard has safeguarded our Nation's maritime interests in the heartland, in the
ports, at sea, and around the globe. We protect the maritime economy and the
environment, we defend our maritime borders, and we save those in peril. The
Office of Work-Life Personal Financial Management Program is available to all
Coast Guard personnel and their families to help them obtain the skills and
resources needed to remain resilient and ultimately, reach a state of financial
security. Please visit our site for more information.

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/financial


U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION

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Every month nearly one child dies and another one is injured from window
coverings, cords, and some of these victims are in military families. The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission has designated window coverings with exposed
cords to be one of the top five hidden hazards in homes with young children.
Strangulation deaths and near strangulations can occur anywhere a window
covering has a cord. Children can wrap the cords around their necks or become
entangled in the loops of tangled cords. These tragic incidents happen quickly
and silently- and they are preventable.

At the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Department of Defense, we care
deeply about the safety of children in military homes. We are sure you do as
well. The risk to military families is significant because a large percentage of
families have children less than six years of age (37.4 per cent)--the same age
that most strangulation deaths occur. In addition, because military parents are
deployed months at a time, supervision becomes more challenging.

To minimize the risk associated with corded window coverings, the Consumer
Product Safety Commission and the Department of Defense strongly encourage you
to replace old window coverings with cordless options or window coverings with
inaccessible cords, as well as take time to educate your residents about the
risk of strangulation with exposed cords. To help further educate your
residents, attached are: a window covering safety alert, a child proofmg
checklist, and a listing of seven hidden hazards in the home. We suggest that
you conspicuously display, the safety alert for at least 120 days and distribute
the child proofmg and hidden hazards checklists to all of your residents.

In the past, many consumers have obtained free retrofit kits from the Window
Covering Safety Council (WCSC) for blinds made before November 2000. However,
you should be aware that these retrofit kits do not address the dangling pull
cord hazard associated with many common window blinds. Thank you for joining
with us in the prevention of child strangulation by window covering cords.

http://www.cpsc.gov/


U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD’s mission is to
create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes
for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy
and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes;
utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and
sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does
business.

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD


U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, CIVIL DIVISION

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The Civil Division represents the United States in any civil or criminal matter
within its scope of responsibility – protecting the United States Treasury,
ensuring that the federal government speaks with one voice in its view of the
law, preserving the intent of Congress, and advancing the credibility of the
government before the courts.  In its affirmative litigation, the Division
brings suits on behalf of the United States, primarily to recoup money lost
through fraud, loan defaults, and the abuse of federal funds.  Annually,
hundreds of millions – and often billions – of dollars are returned to the
treasury, Medicare, and other programs as a result of the Civil Division’s
litigation efforts.  Within the Civil Division, the Consumer Protection Branch
works to protect the health, safety, and economic security of American consumers
through criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions.

http://www.justice.gov/civil/index.html


U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

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The Food and Drug Administration assures the safety, efficacy and security of
human and veterinary drugs, biological products and medical devices and assures
the safety and security of the nation’s food supply, cosmetics and products that
emit radiation. FDA which is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, advances the public health by helping to speed innovations to
market that make medicines and food more effective, safer and more affordable
and assisting the public in getting the accurate, science-based information they
need to use medicines and foods to improve their health. The FDA works to
protect the public from health fraud scams. For information in English and
Spanish on how to spot health fraud scams visit: www.fda.gov/healthfraud.
Consumers can report a problem with an FDA regulated product online at
www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem

http://www.fda.gov/


U.S. POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE

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The United States Postal Inspection Service, founded by Benjamin Franklin, is
one of our country’s oldest federal law enforcement agencies. Postal Inspectors
have a long, proud, and successful history of fighting criminals who attack our
nation’s postal system and misuse it to defraud, endanger, or otherwise threaten
the American public. The Postal Inspection Service enforces more than 200
federal laws related to crime that adversely affects or fraudulently uses the
U.S. Mail and postal system. Learn more at postalinspectors.uspis.gov or visit
“Postal Inspectors: The Silent Service,” a special exhibit at the Smithsonian’s
National Postal Museum, also available online.

https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/


U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC)

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The SEC provides a variety of services and tools to address the problems and
questions you may face as an investor. We cannot tell you what investments to
make, but we can help you to invest wisely and avoid fraud.

http://www.sec.gov/


U.S. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

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The mission of the U.S. Social Security Administration is to deliver Social
Security services that meet the changing needs of the American public. In 2013,
we estimate that about 163 million people will work and pay Social Security
taxes, and an average of almost 58 million people will receive benefits each
month. We deliver services through a nationwide network of over 1,400 offices
that include regional offices, field offices, card centers, teleservice centers,
processing centers, hearing offices, the Appeals Council, and our State and
territorial partners, the Disability Determination Services. We also have a
presence in U.S. embassies around the globe.

Our website, socialsecurity.gov, is a valuable resource for information about
all of Social Security's programs.  At our website, you can apply for
Retirement, Disability, Medicare and so much more.  Military service members can
receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security.  The
expedited process is used for military service members who become disabled while
on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the
disability occurs.  For more information go to
www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. 

You can stay informed and up to date on Social Security by connecting with us on
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest at our Social Media Hub.  For a
smartphone user, we now offer Social Security Mobile, which allows for a
smoother and more enjoyable online experience for getting the information you
need quickly and efficiently, just type www.socialsecurity.gov on your
smartphone browser.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/


VETERANS ENTERPRISE TRAINING & SERVICES GROUP, INC. (VETS GROUP)

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It is well-known that one of the best ways to get ahead is by obtaining a good
job or by starting or expanding your own small business.  Yet, many Veterans,
especially after serving in the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, require assistance
and support to get there. The VETS Group(link is external), a non-profit 501(c)
3, community-based organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., provides a
holistic program for Veterans and their families to Achieve Economic Empowerment
through Education, Entrepreneurship, and Employment.  Assistance with affordable
housing, family strengthening, and health rehabilitation is also offered.

The VETS Group offers training in Federal Procurement, Small Business
Development; education in Financial Literacy with the Consumer Action Agency in
Credit Repair, Money Management, Banking Basics, Identity Theft and is now in
the process of implementing an initiative to identify more procurement
opportunities for Veterans in the private-sector.  Partnerships are being formed
with large corporate enterprises to offer Veterans employment opportunities,
business education, mentoring, technical assistance, growth capital, and access
to international markets. 

In order to continue our broad initiatives, programs and advocacy for veterans,
the VETS Group has Joined Forces with Metro Data Networks to offer training in
Microsoft Windows, Cisco Networks, and Cyber Security and joined with Warriors 4
Wireless to offer Tower Climbing training for 4G Networks at its State of the
Art, Enterprise Training & Services Center, located in the heart of the Nation’s
Capital.

http://vetsgroup.org/


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