Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580 Telephone: 202-326-2222 or toll free 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
Websites: www.ftc.gov; www.fraud.org; www.consumer.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. The FTC enforces a variety of federal antitrust and consumer protection laws, and other financial and lending practices affecting consumers including Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) violations involving mortgage and consumer finance companies.
As part of its consumer education campaign, the FTC has a large clearinghouse of consumer fact sheets in English and Spanish and lists of federal Rules and Acts that protect consumers on a variety of topics, including credit, privacy and investments.
Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries
Windsor Park Building
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
Telephone: 800-772-1213
Website: www.ssa.gov
Social Security was set up in 1935 as a way for the community to respond to life's uncertainties and times of vulnerability, such as unemployment, illness, disability, death, and old age. The SSA pays retirement, disability and survivors benefits to workers and their families and administers the Supplemental Security Income program. It also issues Social Security numbers. Its website has helpful information on these programs and how to apply for benefits.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20410
Telephone: 202-708-1112 TTY: 202-708-1455
HUD's mission is to increase homeownership, support community development, and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. HUD has a wealth of information on housing assistance programs, as well as useful housing information related to buying, selling, owning, renting, homelessness, and home improvements. In addition, it establishes partnerships particularly with faith-based and community organizations that leverage resources and improve HUD's ability to be effective on the community level. In the Consumer Information section of its website, HUD has consumer tip sheets on avoiding fraud, information on homebuyer's and borrower's rights, and many resources for potential homebuyers, including information on shopping for a mortgage, working with a real estate agent and calculating an affordable mortgage.
HUD also has a Hurricane Recovery Resources Web page, which is listed above.
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210 Telephone: 866-487-2365 TTY: 877-889-5627
Website: www.dol.gov
The Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration assists workers in getting the information they need to protect their benefit rights. Its website offers consumer information on topics such as retirement, pension benefits, health benefits and insurance.