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Consumer Information

DTV: Digital TV Coming Feb. 17, 2009 »
On February 17, 2009 all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. Digital broadcasting will allow stations to offer improved picture and sound quality and additional channels. If you have one or more televisions that receive free over-the-air television programming (with a roof-top antenna or “rabbit ears” on the TV), the type of TV you own is very important. A digital television (a TV with an internal digital tuner) will allow you to continue to watch free over-the-air programming after February 17, 2009. However, if you have an analog television, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to watch broadcast television on that set. Find out more about whether or not you will be impacted by the digital TV (DTV) transition.

Best Places »
Thinking of moving to another town? Use this site to compare the cost of living, school ratings, tax rates, climate, etc. in different cities. Or, use their tool to describe your ideal place to live and get a list of cities that match your needs. Free registration required for premium content.

Better Business Bureau »
Find your local BBB office, report a business, check out a charity to see if it is legitimate, and find out the latest news about scams.

Consumer Product Safety Commission »
Find out about product recalls, report an unsafe product or injury, find safety information for kids. Includes information en Espanol.

Consumer Reports Magazine - Available online through our
EBSCO Host database »
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Choose MasterFile Premiere.

Consumer Search »
Find reviews and ratings for consumer products of all kinds, including household appliances and electronics, computers, fitness equipment, and cars.

Direct Marketing Association Consumer Assistance »
Reduce junk mail and use this collection of links to remove your name from mailing lists and telemarketers' lists.

Federal Consumer Information Center »
The Federal government's free consumer information on everything
from buying a house to car repair, avoiding scams and fraud, health information, and more.

FirstGov for Consumers »
A portal for consumer information from the U.S. government. Find information on a variety of consumer topics, from food safety and nutrition to job searching, identity theft prevention, automobiles, and more. Find out how government agencies work together to prevent
fraud by linking to the Consumer Sentinel, or Econsumer.gov to report Internet fraud.

Iowa Attorney General: Consumer Protection Division »
The Attorney General's website has lots of information to help consumers with advice on auto repairs, Iowa's "lemon law" for cars, credit cards, scams and frauds, stopping telemarketers, and alerts on scams that target Iowans. Learn how to complain effectively about products or services, and access the attorney general's online consumer complaint form.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration »
Find out about the crash test results for your car or the car you are considering. Also, find information on air bags, child safety seats, recalls, tire safety, and more.

Privacy Rights Now »
A website by consumer advocate Ralph Nader to help citizens learn how to protect their privacy rights. Use this site to opt-out: let banks, credit card companies, and other businesses know you don't want them to share your personal information with other businesses.

Polk County Assessor's Office Property Search »
The Polk County Assessor's Office is the source for information relating to properties and property taxes in the Des Moines and Polk County Area. They also have online maps, property data, and forms.

Safercar.gov »
Safercar.gov is the ultimate link to government information on vehicle safety, including crash tests and rollover ratings, child car seat information, recalls, and tire ratings.

Thomas Register »
Search hundreds of thousands of American and Canadian companies by the products they produce, brand name, service, or company name. Find out who makes your favorite (or not so favorite) products and how to contact them. Requires free registration.