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Selected Federal Agencies |
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Many federal agencies have enforcement and/or complaint-handling duties for products and services used by the general public. Others act for the benefit of the public, but do not resolve individual consumer problems.
Agencies also have fact sheets, booklets and other information which might be helpful in making purchase decisions and dealing with consumer problems. If you wish to access Federal agencies electronically, the websites and/or e-mail addresses are listed for a number of them.
If you need help in deciding whom to contact with your consumer problem, check the index at the end of this book or call the Federal Information Center (FIC) toll free on 800-688-9889.
The Federal agencies listed below respond to consumer complaints and inquiries.
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (ACCESS Board)
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (ACCESS Board)
1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004-1111
202-272-5434
Toll free: 1-800-872-2253
TDD: 202-272-5449; TDD/TTY toll free: 1-800-993-2822
Fax: 202-272-5447
E-mail: info@access-board.gov
Web site: www.access-board.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC National STD Hotline: 1-800-227-8922
Toll free: 1-800-342-AIDS (2437) (24 hrs.)
Toll free: 1-800-344-SIDA (7432) (for Spanish speaking)
TDD toll free: 1-800-243-7889 (for Deaf and hard of hearing callers)
Web site: www.cdcnpin.org
General Inquiries
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mailstop F07
1600 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30333
Toll free: 1-800-311-3435
Web site: www.cdc.gov
(Spanish) www.cdc.gov/spanish
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
Office of Public Affairs
Lafayette Center
1155 21st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20581
202-418-5080
Fax: 202-418-5525
E-mail: opa@cftc.gov
Web site: www.cftc.gov
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Washington, DC 20207
Toll free: 1-800-638-CPSC (2772) (Product Safety Hotline)
TDD toll free: 1-800-638-8270
Fax: on demand: 301-504-0051
E-mail: info@cpsc.gov
Web site: www.cpsc.gov
CPSC oversees the safety of over 15,000 kinds of consumer products, including toys and nursery equipment, appliances, sports, yard and playground equipment, furniture, clothing, computers, and fireworks. It announces about 250 recalls a year of potentially unsafe products. To get information on product recalls or report a hazardous product or product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline (Spanish-speaking staff available), visit its web site, or send an e-mail. To order free publications, visit the web site or write to the address above, Attention: Publications Request.
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Public Affairs
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
4700 River Road, Unit 51
Riverdale, MD 20737
301-734-7799
Fax: 301-734-5221
Web site: www.aphis.usda.gov
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
3101 Park Center Drive, 10th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22302-1594
703-605-4266
202-606-8000 (publication order line)
Fax: 703-605-0809
E-mail: cnpp-web@www.usda.gov
Web site: www.cnpp.usda.gov
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
U. S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-2215
202-720-7947
Fax: 202-690-3162
Web site: www.reeusda.gov
Or consult county government listings in your local telephone directory for the number of your local Cooperative Extension office. Meat and Poultry Hotline
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 2925 South
Washington, DC 20250
Washington D.C. area: (202) 720-3333
Toll free: 1-800-535-4555
TDD/TTY 1-800-256-7072
Web site: www.fsis.usda.gov
Office of Communications
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 506-A
Washington, DC 20250
202-720-2791
Department of Commerce
Bureau of the Census
Department of Commerce
Customer Services
Washington, DC 20233
301-763-INFO (4636)
Fax: 301-457-4714
E-mail: webmaster@census.gov
Web site: www.census.gov
National Institute of Standards
Metric Program
Department of Commerce
100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 2000
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2000
301-975-3690
Fax: 301-948-1416
E-mail: metric_prg.@nist.gov
Web site: www.nist.gov/metric
The metric program educates the public and offers free resources to facilitate greater awareness and understanding of the metric system of measurement. Office of Weights and Measures
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Department of Commerce
Room 223, Building 820
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
301-975-4004
Fax: 301-926-0647
E-mail: owm@nist.gov
Web site: www.nist.gov/owm
The Office of Weights and Measures of the National Institute of Standards and Technology promotes uniformity in U.S. weights and measures laws, regulations, and standards to achieve equity between buyers and sellers in the marketplace. Seafood Inspection Program
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Department of Commerce
1315 East-West Highway, F/SI
Room 10842
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-713-2355
Toll free: 1-800-422-2750
Fax: 301-713-1081
Web site: seafood.nmfs.noaa.gov
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Department of Commerce
Patents: Commissioner for Patents ( 20231)
Trademarks: 2900 Crystal Drive (22202)
Arlington, VA 22202
703-305-4357
Toll free: 1-800-786-9199
TDD/TTY: 703-305-7785
Fax: 703-308-5258
Web site: www.uspto.gov/
Department of Defense
National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Department of Defense
1555 Wilson Blvd., Suite 200
Arlington, VA 22209-2405
703-696-1400
Toll free outside DC: 1-800-336-4590
Fax: 703-696-1411
Web site: www.esgr.com
Provides assistance with employer/employee problems for members of the Guard and Reserve and their employers. See page 124 for Family and Community Service Centers.
Department of Education
Toll-Free Information Phone Numbers
Department of Education
Web site: www.ed.gov
1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327) TTY/TDD: 1-800-437-0833 email: USA_LEARN@ed.gov Web site: www.ed.gov/offices/OIIA/IRC Use this phone number to obtain information on the Department of Education's programs and major initiatives; publications, videos, and other materials; directory assistance; and referrals to specialists or other experts. 1-800-424-1616 TTY/TTD: 202-219-1699 email: Library@inet.ed.gov Web site: www.ed.gov/NLE Use this phone number to reach the National Library of Education to obtain information about education statistics, research, and publications published by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement. 1-800-LET-ERIC Use this phone number to find out about the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) and the world's largest database of educational materials. Call to learn about new materials or receive referrals to other agencies. EDInfo Electronic Newsletter
E-mail: peter_kickbush@ed.gov
Web site: www.ed.gov/MailingLists/EDInfo/ei-annou.html
Join the EDInfo mailing list by: 1. Addressing an email message to listproc@inet.ed.gov 2. Writing this (and nothing else) in the message: subscribe EDInfo yourfirstname yourlastname (for example "subscribe EDInfo John Doe"). If you have a signature block please turn it off. National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education (NCBE)
Department of Education
The George Washington University
1118 22nd Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-467-0867
Toll free outside DC: 1-800-321-NCBE (6223)
Fax: 1-800-531-9347 or 202-467-4283
E-mail: askncbe@ncbe.gwu.edu
Web site: www.ncbe.gwu.edu
NCBE is funded by the Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs (OBEMLA) to collect, analyze, synthesize and disseminate information related to the education of bilingually and culturally diverse students in the U.S. Office of Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs
Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave SW
Room 5E301
Washington, DC 20202
202-401-0404
Fax: 202-401-8607
Office of Public Affairs
Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave SW
Room 7E231
Washington, DC 20202
202-401-1576
Fax: 202-401-3130
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)
Department of Education
330 C Street, SW, Room 3132
Washington, DC 20202-2524
202-205-8241
TDD: 202-205-4208
Web site: www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS
Publications Center (EDPUBS)
Department of Education
PO Box 1398
Jessup, MD 20794-1398
Toll free: 1-877-4ED-PUBS (1-877-433-7827)
TTY/TDD: 1-877-576-7734
Fax: 301-470-1244
E-mail: edpubs@inet.ed.gov
Web site: www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html
Ed Pubs is the Education Publications Center for the US Department of Education. You can contact ED Pubs to find out what's available on topics of interest to you and to order free copies of publications, videotapes, CD-ROMS, posters, bookmarks, and other products. Many Department publications can be acquired instantly in electronic form via the Internet. You can order copies of publications using one of the ways listed above. Federal Student Aid Information Center
Department of Education
Toll free: 1-800-4FED-AID (433-3243) Use this phone number to receive information about how to apply for federal student (For general information on student loans, grants and scholarships available from the Department of Education.)
Toll free Default line: 1-800-621-3115 (debt collection service)
TTY/TDD: 1-800-730-8913
Fax: 202-708-7970
E-mail: OPE_SFA@ed.gov
Web site: www.ed.gov/finaid.html
If the student has already filed a free Application for Federal Student Aid, he or she can check the status of the application by calling (319) 337-5665. For Direct Loan toll-free services, including information about repayment options call: Direct Loan Origination Center Applicant Services: 1-800-557-7394 Consolidation: 1-800-557-7392 TDD: 1-800-555-7395 School Relations: 1-800-848-0978 Additional web sites for students: www.ed.gov/studentaid for financial professionals: iafap.ed.gov for Direct Loans: www.ed.gov/DirectLoan for information about our organization: www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP
Department of Energy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse
Department of Energy
P.O. Box 3048
Merrifield, VA 22116
Toll free: 1-800-DOE-3732
TDD toll free: 1-800-273-2957
Web site: www.eren.doe.gov
For information about conservation and renewable energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Department of Energy
Washington, DC 20585
202-586-4074
Fax: 202-586-1233
For inquiries about weatherization assistance Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs
Department of Energy
Washington, DC 20585
202-586-1510
Fax: 202-586-5145
Office of Scientific and Technical Information
Department of Energy
P.O. Box 62
Oak Ridge, TN 37832
865-576-1188
865-576-8401 (document requests)
Fax: 865-576-2865
Web site: www.osti.gov
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Web site: www.dhhs.gov
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
330 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20447
703-385-7565 (8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., M-F)
Toll free outside DC: 1-800-394-3366 (8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., M-F, automated system off-hours_)
E-mail: nccanch@calib.com
Web site: www.calib.com/nccanch
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 1675
Rockville, MD 20857
Toll free: 1-888-463-6332 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET)
Web site: www.fda.gov
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Information Line
Food and Drug Administration
Toll free: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366) [10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.]
Web site: www.cfsan.fda.gov
Center for Beneficiary Choices
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850
Toll free: 1-800-MEDICARE
Toll free: 1-800-633-4227
TDD: 1-877-486-2048
Web site: www.medicare.gov
Call 1-800-MEDICARE to get help with your questions about Medicare. You can order Medicare publications (english, spanish, audi-tape, braille), get detailed information about the Medicare managed care plans in your area, order Medicare health plan quality and customer satisfaction information, and listen to recorded questions and answers on topics such as Medicare health plan choices and health plan quality information. CMS runs the Medicare, Medicaid, Clinical Laboratories (under the CLIA program), and Children's Health Insurance programs, and works to make sure that the beneficiaries in Office of the Inspector General - Fraud Hotline
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
PO Box 23489
Washington, DC 20026
Toll free: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
TTY toll free: 1-800-377-4950
Fax: 1-800-223-8164 (cover sheet required/10 page max.)
E-mail: htips@os.dhhs.gov
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Toll free: 1-800-4-CANCER (422-6237)
Web site: www.cancer.gov
National Health Information Center
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
P.O. Box 1133
Washington, DC 20013-1133
301-565-4167 (Maryland)
Toll free: 1-800-336-4797
Fax: 301-984-4256
E-mail: info@nhic.org
Web site: www.health.gov/nhic or www.healthfinder.gov
A health information referral service which links consumers and health professionals who have health questions with organizations best able to provide answers. National Institute of Mental Health
National Institues of Health
Department of Health and Human Services
6001 Executive Boulevard
Room 8184
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
301-443-4513
301-443-8431
Fax: 301-443-4279
E-mail: nimhinfo@nih.gov
Web site: www.nimh.nih.gov
Fax on Demand: 301-443-5158 (Mental Health Fax 4U) NIMH is the federal agency that conducts and supports research that seeks to understand, treat, and prevent mental illness. Contact NIMH for information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, clinical trials and research. A publications ordering system is available on the NIMH website. Some publications are available in Spanish. National Runaway Switchboard
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
3080 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
773-880-9860
Toll free: 1-800-621-4000
1-800-621-0394
Fax: 773-929-5150
E-mail: info@nrscrisisline.org
Web site: www.nrscrisisline.org
Office of Civil Rights
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
212-264-3313
Toll free: 1-800-368-1019
TTY: 212-264-2355
Fax: 212-264-3039
Office of Civil Rights
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
200 Independence Avenue SW, Room 515F
Mail Stop 506F
Washington, DC 20201
202-619-0403
Toll free: 1-800-368-1019
Fax: 202-619-3818
E-mail: E-mail: execsec@os.dhhs.gov
Web site: www.dhhs.gov/ocr
Office of Child Support Enforcement
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
370 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, 4th Floor East
Washington, DC 20447
202-401-9373
Fax: 202-205-5927
Web site: www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cse/
President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
HHH Building, Room 738H
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201
202-690-9000
Fax: 202-690-5211
Web site: www.fitness.gov
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Home Improvement Branch
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh Street, SW, Room 9272
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-6396
Fax: 202-401-8951
Web site: www.hud.gov/homeimpr.html
Home Mortgage Insurance Division
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh Street, SW, Room 9272
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-2121
Inspector General's Fraud Hotline
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Investigations
451 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20410-4500
202-708-4200
Toll free outside DC: 1-800-347-3735
TDD toll free: 1-800-304-9597
E-mail: hotline@hudoig.gov
Web site: www.hud.gov/oig/oighot.html
Manufactured Housing & Standards Division
Office of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh Street, SW, Room 9152
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-6423
Toll free: 1-800-927-2891
Fax: 202-708-4213
E-mail: mhs@hud.gov
Web site: www.hud.gov/fha/sfh/mhs/mhshome.html
The Manufactured Housing Program is a consumer protection program that regulates the construction of certain factory-built housing units called "manufactured homes", formerly known as "mobile homes". HUD works with 35 states to respond to consumer complaints. Office of Affordable Housing Programs
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh Street, SW, Room 7164
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-2685
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh Street, SW
Room 5100
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-4252
Toll free: 1-800-669-9777 (hotline complaints)
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Division
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh Street, SW, Room 9146
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-0502
Toll free: 1-800-217-6970 (Home Buyer Assistance)
E-mail: hsg-respa@hud.gov
Web site: www.hud.gov/fha/sfh/res/respa_hm.html
Handles complaints and provides information regarding real estate loan transactions and borrower rights under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).
Department of Justice
Americans with Diasabilities Act (ADA) Information Line
Civil Rights
Department of Justice
PO Box 66738
Washington, DC 20035-6738
Toll free: 1-800-514-0301
TTY: 1-800-514-0383
Web site: www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
Antitrust Division
Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 3645
Washington, DC 20530
202-514-2401
Fax: 202-514-6543
E-mail: antitrust@usdoj.gov
Web site: www.usdoj.gov/atr
Civil Rights Division
Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530
202-514-2151
Fax: 202-514-0293
Web site: www.usdoj.gov/crt
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Department of Justice
Washington, DC 20537
202-307-1000
Web site: www.dea.gov
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Department of Justice
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20535
202-324-3000
Fax: 202-324-2020
Web site: www.fbi.gov
Department of Labor
Office of Disability Employment Policy
Department of Labor
1331 F Street, NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20004
202-376-6200
TDD: 202-376-6205
Fax: 202-376-6219
Web site: www.dol.gov/dol/odep/
Employment Standards Administration
Department of Labor
Room S2321
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
202-693-0200
202-693-0023 (public affairs office)
Web site: www.dol.gov/dol/esa/welcome.html
Employment and Training Administration
Office of Public Affairs
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Room S4206
Washington, DC 20210
202-693-3900
Fax: 202-693-3839
Web site: www.doleta.gov
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Department of Labor
Ballston Towers #3, 4015 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22203
703-235-1452
Toll free: 1-800-746-1554 (anonymous reporting of hazardous working conditions in mine area)
Web site: www.msha.gov
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Office of Information and Consumer Affairs
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
202-693-1999
Fax: 202-693-1634
Web site: www.osha.gov
Office of Public Affairs
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
202-693-4650 (news media inquiries)
Web site: www.dol.gov
Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration
Office of Program Services
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave., NW
Room N-5619
Washington, DC 20210
202-219-8776
Toll free: 1-800-998-7542
Web site: www.dol.gov/dol/pwba
Provides information and answers questions on private sector, employer-sponsored pension benefit and health benefit plans. Office of the Assistant Secretary
Veteran's Employment and Training Service
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Room S1316
Washington, DC 20210
202-693-4700
Fax: 202-693-4755
E-mail: berg-gordon@dol.gov
Web site: www.dol.gov/dol/vets
Women's Bureau
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20210
202-693-6710
Toll free: 1-800-827-5335 (24 hours)
Fax: 202-693-6725
Web site: www.dol.gov/dol/wb/
The Women's Bureau covers work issues such as sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, and family and medical leave, and dependent care (child and/or elder care) policies.
Department of State
Overseas Citizens Services
Department of State
Washington, DC 20520
202-647-5225 (emergencies and non-emergencies, Mon.-Fri., 8:15 a.m.-10 p.m.)
202-647-4000 (after hours emergencies, Sundays, holidays call and ask for the duty officer)
202-736-7000 (international child abduction; adoption of foreign children)
Fax: Fax: 202-647-2867
Web site: travel.state.gov
For help with emergencies and non-emergencies affecting private Americans abroad. Office of Children's Issues (international child abduction & adoption of foreign children) 202-736-7000 Fax: 202-663-2674 National Passport Information Center
Passport Services
Department of State
1-900-225-5674 These calls are $1.05 a minute to speak with a Customer Service Representative and $.35 per minute for automated service
Toll free: 1-888-362-8668 (for credit card users) These calls require credit card payment for a flat fee of $4.95 per TDD: 1-900-225-7778, TDD Toll free: 1-888-498-3648
Web site: travel.state.gov
For information on U.S. passports, including the status of pending applications, as well as the locations of the over 4,500 passport acceptance facilities. Visa Services
Department of State
Washington, DC 20520
202-663-1225 (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., EST M-F)
Emergency after hours: 202-647-1512
Fax: 202-663-3897
E-mail: usvisa@state.gov
Web site: travel.state.gov/visa_services.html
For information on U.S. visas for foreigners.
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
202-208-3711
Web site: www.doi.gov/bureau-indian-affairs.html
Bureau of Land Management
Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
202-452-5125
Fax: 202-452-5124
Web site: www.blm.gov
Fish and Wildlife Service
Department of the Interior
18th and C Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20240
202-208-4131
Web site: www.fws.gov
Geological Survey
Department of the Interior
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20192
703-648-4000
Web site: www.usgs.gov
National Park Service
Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
202-208-4747 (public affairs office)
Fax: 202-219-0190
Web site: www.nps.gov
Department of the Treasury
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Department of the Treasury
650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20226
202-927-7777
Fax: 202-927-7862
Web site: www.atf.treas.gov/
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Office of External Relations
Department of the Treasury
14th and C Streets, SW, Room 533 M
Washington, DC 20228
202-874-3019
Fax: 202-874-3177
Web site: www.bep.treas.gov/
Office of the Commissioner
Bureau of the Public Debt
Department of the Treasury
999 E Street, NW, Room 500
Washington, DC 20239
202-691-3502
Web site: www.publicdebt.treas.gov
Customer Assistance Group
Comptroller of the Currency
Department of the Treasury
1301 McKinney St, Suite 3710
Houston, TX 77010
Toll free: 1-800-613-6743
Web site: www.occ.treas.gov
United States Customs Service
Department of the Treasury
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20229
202-354-1000
202-927-1350 (library and information center)
Fax: 202-927-1380
Web site: www.customs.gov/
Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Financial Management Service
Department of the Treasury
Liberty Center 401, 14th Street, SW
Room 555
Washington, DC 20227
202-874-6740
Fax: 202-874-7016
Web site: www.fms.treas.gov
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Department of the Treasury
Toll free: 1-800-829-1040 (information and problem resolution)
Toll free: 1-800-829-3676 (to order tax forms)
TDD: 1-800-829-4059
Web site: www.irs.gov
Office of Thrift Supervision
Compliance Policy
Department of the Treasury
1700 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20552
Toll free: 1-800-842-6929
Web site: www.ots.treas.gov
The Office of Thrift Supervision handles complaints about Federal savings and loans and Federal savings banks. Savings Bonds Marketing Office
Department of the Treasury
999 E Street NW, Ste. 313
Washington, DC 20239
202-691-3535
Toll free: 1-800-4US-BOND (toll free recording)
Web site: www.savingsbonds.gov
Customer Service Center
United States Mint
Department of the Treasury
10003 Derekwood Lane
Lanham, MD 20706
1-800-872-6468
Web site: www.usmint.gov/
Department of Transportation (DOT)
United States Coast Guard
Navigation Center
Department of Transportation (DOT)
7323 Telegraph Road
Alexandria, VA 22315-3998
703-313-5900
Toll free: 1-800-368-5647 (Customer Information line)
Web site: www.navcen.uscg.gov
National Response Center
United States Coast Guard
Department of Transportation (DOT)
2100 Second Street, SW, Room 2611
Washington, DC 20593
Toll free: 1-800-424-8802
Fax: 202-267-2165
Web site: www.nrc.uscg.mil
NRC must be called immediately if there is environmental release of hazardous chemicals, biological, radiological or etiological agents or oil pollution; NRC provides the WMD hotline. Federal Aviation Administration (ASY- 300)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Washington, DC 20591
Toll free: 1-800-255-1111 (Air safety hotline for general public and aviation community to report unsafe aviation
Federal Aviation Administration
Department of Transportation (DOT)
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20591
202-366-4000
Toll free: 1-800-FAA-SURE (322-7873) (consumer hotline other than safety issues, see above, 8 am-4 pm, M-F)
Web site: www.faa.gov
Aviation Consumer Protection Division
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-2220
Web site: www.dot.gov/airconsumer
Airline Service Complaints. Office of Safety (RRS)
Federal Railroad Administration
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Office address: 1120 Vermont Ave NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-493-6300
Fax: 202-493-6309
Railway Safety Mailing Address: Federal Railroad Administration 400 Seventh Street, SW Mail Stop 25 Washington DC 20590 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
400 7th Street, SW Room 5232
Washington, DC 20590
Toll free DOT Safety Hotline: 1-888-DASH 2 DOT (1-888-327-4236)
Web site: www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Auto Safety Hotline. NHTSA wants to hear from consumers regarding potential defects in their cars. NHTSA's hotline has information on safety recalls; crash test ratings; child safety seats; bicycles; air bags; and impaired driving prevention.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Toll free: 1-800-827-1000
For information about VA medical care or benefits, write, call or visit your nearest VA facility. Consumer Affairs Service (075B)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
202-273-5760
For consumer information or general assistance. National Cemetery Administration (402B2)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
202-273-5221
Fax: 202-273-6698
For information about burials, headstones or markers, State cemetery grants program, and presidential memorial certificates. Veterans Benefits Administration (20S5)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
202-273-7588 (for publications only)
Toll free: 1-800-827-1000
Web site: www.va.gov
For information about benefits. Veterans Health Administration (10C3)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
1-877-222-8387
Fax: 202-273-9609
For information about medical care.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Energy Starr Program
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Room 6202J
Washington, DC 20460
Toll free: 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937)
E-mail: info@energystar.gov
Web site: www.energystar.gov
The ENERGY STAR label is awarded to products for the home and office that are highly energy efficient. Buying appliances, consumer electronics, lighting, heating and cooling equipment and other products that carry this label helps protect the environment and saves money as well. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Information Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
PO Box 37133
Washington, DC 20013
703-356-4020
Toll free: 1-800-438-4318
E-mail: IAQINFO@aol.com
Web site: www.epa.gov/iaq/iaqxline.html
The IAQ is an easily accessible, central source of information on indoor air quality, created and supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Inspector General's Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW Mail Code 2410
Washington, DC 20460
202-260-3137
Fax: 202-260-0711
Web site: www.epa.gov/
EPA Headquarters Information Resources Center
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Office location: 401 M Street, SW, Room M2904
Washington, DC 20460
202-260-5922 (general information)
Fax: 202-260-5153
E-mail: public-access@epamail.epa.gov
Mailing address: 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mailcode 3201 Washington DC 20460 This is the EPA headquarters library, which provides assistance in locating EPA and environmental information, including general interest, non-technical publications on a variety of environmental topics. National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Oregon State University, 333 Weniger Hall
Corvalis, OR 97331-6502
Toll free: 1-800-858-7378 (United States, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)
Fax: 541-737-0761
E-mail: nptn@ace.orst.edu
Web site: ace.orst.edu/info/nptn/
A service that provides objective, science-based information about a wide variety of pesticide-related subjects, including: pesticide products, recognition and management of pesticide poisonings, toxicology, environmental chemistry. Public Liaison Division
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
202-260-4454
Fax: 202-260-0130 or 202-401-8150
Web site: www.epa.gov
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
RCRA, Superfund and EPCRA Hotline
Washington, DC 20460
703-412-9810 (DC metro area)
Toll free outside DC: 1-800-424-9346
Toll free hotline: 1-800-535-0202 (9-6 EST)
TDD toll free: 1-800-553-7672
Fax: 703-412-3333
E-mail: epahotline@bah.com
Web site: www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hotline
Safe Drinking Water Hotline
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
401 M Street, SW
MC 4604
Washington, DC 20460
Toll free: 1-800-426-4791
Fax: 703-285-1101
E-mail: hotline-sdwa@epamail.epa.gov
Web site: www.epa.gov/safewater
Answers questions on the Safe Drinking Water Act, rules and regulations, and consumer questions. Toxic Substances Control Act Assistance Information Service Hotline (TSCA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-554-1404
TDD: 202-554-0551
Fax: 202-554-5603
E-mail: tsca-hotline@email.epa.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
1801 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20507
202-663-4900
Toll free outside DC area: 1-800-669-4000 (file-a-charge information)
Toll free: 1-800-669-3302 (publications)
TDD toll free outside DC area: 1-800-800-3302 (publications)
TDD toll free outside DC area: 1-800-669-3302 (file-a-charge information)
Web site: www.eeoc.gov
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Consumer Information Bureau
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
445 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
Toll free: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
Toll free: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322)
E-mail: fccinfo@fcc.gov
Web site: www.fcc.gov
Public inquiries, informal complaints, cable, radio, satellite, telephone, television and wireless
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Consumer Affairs Section
Compliance and Consumer Affairs Division
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
550 17th St., NW
Washington, DC 20429
202-942-3100
Toll free: 1-877-275-3342
TDD: 1-800-925-4618
Fax: 202-942-3098
Web site: www.fdic.gov/consumers/questions/customer/index.html
FDIC handles questions about deposit insurance coverage and complaints about FDIC-insured state banks which are not members of the Federal Reserve System.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Federal Insurance Administration
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
National Flood Insurance Program
500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20472
202-646-2780
Toll free: 1-888-CALL-FLOOD
TDD: 1-800-427-5593
Fax: 202-646-2531
Web site: www.fema.gov
U.S. Fire Administration
National Emergency Training Center (NETC)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
301-447-1117 (Office of the Superintendent, National Fire Academy)
301-447-1286 (Office of the Superintendent, Emergency Management Institute)
1-800-238-3358
Web site: www.usfa.fema.gov
Office of Emergency Information and Media Affairs
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
202-646-4600
Fax: 202-646-4086
E-mail: opa@fema.gov (general inquiries)
Web site: www.fema.gov/about/eima.htm
Office of Inspector General
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Toll free: 1-800-323-8603 (Government Waste Hotline)
Web site: www.fema.gov/ig/
Response and Recovery Directorate
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
500 C Street, SW, Room 705
Washington, DC 20472
1-800-465-9029
TDD toll free: 1-800-462-7585
Web site: www.fema.gov/r-n-r
Disaster victims living in presidentially-declared major disaster area can find out if they are eligible to apply for disaster assistance by calling the toll free number.
Federal Maritime Commission
Federal Maritime Commission
Office of Consumer Complaints
800 North Capitol Street, NW
Washington, DC 20573
202-523-5807
Fax: 202-275-0536
E-mail: complaints@fmc.gov
Web site: www.fmc.gov
Regulatory agency maintaining statutory authority over ocean carriers and certain other entities, operating in the waterborne foreign commerce of the United States. Our assistance is available to consumers engaged in disputes with transporting carriers as well as with cruise operators.
Federal Reserve System
Division of Consumer and Community Affairs
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
20th & C Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20551
202-452-3693 (complaints only)
202-452-3204 (public affairs)
TDD: 202-452-3544
Web site: www.federalreserve.gov
The Board of Governors handles consumer complaints about state-chartered banks and trust companies which are members of the Federal Reserve System.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Consumer Response Center
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580
Toll free: 1-877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
TDD/TTY: 202-326-2502
Web site: www.ftc.gov
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint, or to get free information on any of 150 consumer topics, call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or use the complaint form at www.ftc.gov. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S and abroad.
General Services Administration
Business Service Centers
General Services Administration
Toll free: 1-888-633-4472
Web site: www.gsa.gov
These centers provide practical information on contracting procedures for small businesses wishing to do business with GSA. Call 1-888-633-4472 for information on how to reach the center serving your area or access the GSA web site at www.gsa.gov/oed. Federal Consumer Information Center
Federal Consumer Information Center (FCIC)
General Services Administration
Pueblo, CO 81009
719-948-4000
Toll free: 1-888-8PUEBLO (catalog orders only)
Web site: www.pueblo.gsa.gov (access to the Catalog and full
FCIC publishes the free Consumer Information Catalog, which lists more than 200 free and low-cost Federal booklets on a wide variety of consumer topics, and maintains a one-stop federal consumer information web site at www.pueblo.gsa.gov. For more information, see page (1). Federal Information Center (see page 2)
General Services Administration
Toll free: 1-800-688-9889
1-800-326-2996
Federal Information Relay Service (see page 114)
General Services Administration
Surplus Federal Property Sales
General Services Administration
GSA disposes of both personal property and real estate. GSA's Public Buildings Service sells most surplus government real estate. For information, you may call 1-800-472-1313 or access the GSA web site at : www.gsa.gov/pbs/pr/prhome.htm. GSA's Federal Supply Service manages the disposition of surplus Federal personal property. Such property may be (1) donated to public agencies or qualified nonprofit organizations, or (2) sold to the general public. For more information, you may access the web site at www.gsa.gov.
Government Printing Office (GPO)
Superintendent of Documents
Government Printing Office (GPO)
P.O. Box 371954
Pittsburgh, PA 15250
202-512-1800
Toll free outside DC: 1-866-512-1800
Fax: 202-512-2250
E-mail: orders@gpo.gov
Web site: bookstore.gpo.gov
The Government Printing Office (GPO) sells many Government publications and subscriptions of interest to consumers. GPO accepts orders by mail, telephone, fax, and e-mail, and operates 24 bookstores nationwide. For a free catalog of new and popular titles, which includes a list of the Government bookstores, write to: Free Catalog, P.O. Box 37000, Washington, DC 20013. To order publications and subscriptions, write to: Gov't Publications address in PA listed above.
Immigration and Naturalization Service
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
Department of Justice
Toll free: 1-800-375-5283 (National Customer Service Center)
Border Patrol Recruitment: 1-800-238-1945
Other Office Corps Positions: (612) 725-3253
TDD: 1-800-767-1833
Web site: www.ins.usdoj.gov
National Archives and Records Administration
National Archives and Records Administration at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
301-713-6800
E-mail: inquire@nara.gov
Web site: www.nara.gov
NARA is an independent Federal agency that helps preserve our nation's history by overseeing the management of all Federal records. NARA's mission is to provide ready access to essential evidence that documents the rights of American citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and the national
National Council on Disability (NCD)
National Council on Disability (NCD)
1331 F Street, NW
Suite 850
Washington, DC 20004
202-272-2004
TDD: 202-272-2074
Fax: 202-272-2022
E-mail: mquigley@ncd.gov
Web site: www.ncd.gov
The National Council on Disability is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on policies affecting 54 million Americans with disabilities.
National Credit Union Administration
National Credit Union Administration
1775 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-3428
703-518-6330
Web site: www.ncua.gov
The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund provides Federal insurance for nearly 10,300 credit unions.
National Labor Relations Board
Office of the Executive Secretary
National Labor Relations Board
1099 14th Street, NW, Room 11600
Washington, DC 20570
202-273-1940
Fax: 202-273-4270
Web site: www.nlrb.gov
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Office of Consumer Affairs
Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Washington, DC 20555
301-415-8200
Fax: 301-415-2234
E-mail: opa@nrc.gov
Web site: www.nrc.gov
The NRC regulates the commercial use of nuclear materials and nuclear power in the U.S. to protect public health and safety.
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Customer Service Division
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
1200 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005-4026
202-326-4100
Toll free: 1-800-400-PBGC
TDD: 202-326-4115
Fax: 202-326-4156
E-mail: webmaster@pbgc.gov
Web site: www.pbgc.gov
Postal Rate Commission
Office of the Consumer Advocate (OCA)
Postal Rate Commission
1333 H Street, NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20268-0001
202-789-6839
TTY: (202) 789-6881
Fax: 202-789-6819
E-mail: prc-oca@prc.gov
Web site: www.prc.gov
The Commission holds hearings and makes recommendations to the Governors of the Postal Service on proposed changes in postal rates and mail classifications. The Office of the Consumer Advocate represents the interests of the general public in such cases. The Commission and the OCA are separate from the Postal Service and have no involvement in mail delivery or service matters.
Railroad Retirement Board
Railroad Retirement Board
844 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611-2092
312-751-4500
Toll free: 1-800-808-0772 (Helpline)
Toll free: 1-800-772-4258 (To report fraud or abuse)
TDD/TTY: 312-751-4701
E-mail: help@rrb.gov
Web site: www.rrb.gov
The Railroad Retirement Board is an independent agency in the executive branch of the Federal Government. The Board's primary function is to administer comprehensive retirement-survivor and unemployment-sickness benefit programs for the nation's railroad workers and their families, under the Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment Insurance Acts.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Office of Investor Education and Assistance
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
450 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20549-0213
202-942-7040 (information and complaints)
Toll free: 1-800-SEC-0330 (to order publications)
TDD: 202-628-9039
Fax: 202-942-9634 (information and complaints)
Web site: www.sec.gov/complaint.shtml
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Toll free: 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (827-5722) (information)
Toll free: 1-888-REG-FAIR (734-3247) (Your rights to regulatory fairness)
TDD: 704-344-6640
Fax: 202-481-6190
E-mail: answerdesk@sba.com
Web site: www.sba.gov
SBA offices are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. For the office nearest you, look under "U.S. Government" in your telephone directory.
Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries
Social Security Administration
Windsor Park Building
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235
Toll free: 1-800-772-1213 (24 hours)
1-800-269-0271 (to report Social Security or SSI fraud)
Web site: www.ssa.gov
The Social Security Administration provides retirement, survivors and disability benefits, as well as, administers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. To report Social Security or SSI fraud, call toll free: 1-800-269-0271.
Surface Transportation Board (STB)
Surface Transportation Board (STB)
1925 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20423-0001
Complaints about railroad rates and services. Office of Congressional and Public Services
Surface Transportation Board (STB)
1925 K Street, NW
Suite 840
Washington, DC 20423-0001
202-565-1592
Fax: 202-565-9016
Office of Press Services
Surface Transportation Board (STB)
1925 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20423-0001
202-565-1596 (press releases)
Fax: 202-565-9016
Press Releases.
U.S. Postal Service
Office of Consumer Advocate
U.S. Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW Room 5801
Washington, DC 20260-2202
202-268-2284
Toll free: 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777)
TTY: 1-877-877-7833
Web site: www.usps.gov
For consumer convenience, all post offices and letter carriers have postage-free Consumer Service Cards for reporting mail problems, or for submitting comments and suggestions. If the problem cannot be resolved by local post office personnel or using the Consumer Service Cards, call or visit us U.S. Postal Inspection Service
U.S. Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC 20260
Web site: www.usps.gov/postalinspectors
If you believe you have been the victim of a crime involving the U.S. mail or need assistance with postal-related problems of a law enforcement nature, you should contact your nearest Postal Inspection Service office. Addresses and telephone numbers can be found in the government pages of your telephone book or by visiting the Postal Inspection Service Web site. |
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