Consumer

Chicago Consumers' Checkbook

Contains consumer ratings on businesses and services for the Chicago metro area. Search for plumbers, roofers, doctors, dentists, and more. Now available from home! Note: registration is required. 

Consumer Reports

Contains expert and unbiased product reviews and ratings of cars, appliances, electronics, and more. You'll also find buying guides and news articles.

Consumer Search

Provides evaluations from many different sources of a variety of products.

Epinions

Opinions from consumers on products and services.

Smarter House

Consumer guide to home energy savings. Includes top-rated energy-efficient appliances.

AllData

As of July 1, 2018 the library no longer subscribes to AllData. It is being replaced with Automate, which uses the same source for vehicle repair information and allows remote access to the information.

Automate

This comprehensive vehicle repair database provides the same vehicle repair information as AllData but allows access to the information from outside the library.

Edmund's Automobile Buyer's Guide

Become an informed buyer of a new or used car here.

Illinois Driver's Licensing Tests Online

Illinois specific driving exams, including 11 car practice tests, 9 motorcycle practice tests, 12 CDL (commercial driver’s license) practice tests, 3 online driver’s manuals (car, motorcycle, CDL), and a FAQ  section with detailed answers to over 100 DMV-related questions.

IntelliChoice

Search for new or used cars, get advice on ownership, financing, etc.

Kelley Blue Book

New and used car values plus motorcycle prices and new car previews.

NADA Used Vehicle Values and Appraisal Guides

Provides price information for new cars, used car prices back to 1987, RV prices back to 1989, and classic cars back to 1926.

AnnualCreditReport.com

This central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Better Business Bureau

Lists business, consumer, and charity alerts. You may also file a complaint online.

CardRatings.com

Sponsored by the U.S. Citizens for Fair Credit Card Terms. Provides consumer ratings of credit cards.

CharityNavigator

Evaluates over 5,000 charities as an aid for consumers in their charitable giving. 

Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

Nonprofit, nonpartisan organization created by the Illinois General Assembly to fight utility rate hikes and promote tougher consumer protection laws.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: FAQs

Get the answers to your financial questions on topics ranging from mortgages and student loans to bank accounts and credit scores.

Federal Trade Commission - Consumer Protection

Consumer protection information on credit and loans, identity theft, telemarketing and the Do Not Call registry. File a complaint.

GetHuman

Connect to a live customer service agent faster with these direct phone numbers and shortcuts for thousands of companies worldwide.

Illinois Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division

Offers assistance with consumer fraud and unfair business practices. Provides a downloadable complaint form as well as consumer protection information and alerts.

Illinois Commerce Commission

Resolves consumer complaints with utilities and other entities. Also licenses household movers.

Internet Crime Complaint Center

If you've been a victim of an Internet crime, report your complaint online and learn more about cybercrime activities.

USA.gov - Consumer Protection

Your everyday guide to prevent identity theft, understand credit, and smart shopping. Get information on filing a complaint regarding banks, credit card companies, student loans, and more.