Best of the Web

  • Unbiased information about appliances. Appliance411 also contains a comprehensive "Repair Parts" section that allows you to check parts availability and purchase option online.
  • Information for new drivers, drivers from other states or nations, drivers of motorcycles, also how to schedule a road test, how to get a non-driver ID card and more.
  • Information on requesting birth certificates as well as how to make corrections to these documents.
  • Information on requesting death certificates as well as how to make corrections to these documents.
  • Application for a dog license. Instructions available in Spanish.
  • Links to local and national resources on assisted living and nursing homes.
  • Provides information on over 100 financial products including mortgages, credit cards, automobile loans, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans and online banking fees.
  • Provides store ratings from customers, price and quality comparisons, and special offers.
  • Independent federal regulatory agency dealing with product safety and recalls, public education and research. Find reports on everything from lead paint and toys to microwave ovens and in-line skates.
  • Publications from the New York State Consumer Protection Board. Titles include: Consumer Tips for Online Shopping, A Consumer Guide to Purchasing Life Insurance, Choosing and Using Credit Cards, A Consumer Guide to Preventing Identity Theft. Some available in Spanish and Chinese.
  • Lists quality product information and reviews.
  • Seeks to investigate, inform, and improve the quality of information published on the World Wide Web.
  • A portal to numerous useful consumer resources.
  • Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, is an independent, nonprofit testing and information organization which provides unbiased advice about products and services, personal finance, health and nutrition, and other consumer concerns.
  • A shopping search engine which enables consumers to compare products, prices, and merchants and access consumer reviews and ratings to make buying decisions.
  • On February 17, 2009, federal law requires that all full-power television broadcast stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format. Heres what these requirements will mean for you and your television viewing.
  • Provides consumer electronics information through product reviews, buying advice, and price comparisons of home and car electronics.
  • Provides true market value prices, reviews, and ratings for new and used cars.
  • Links to emergency and disaster preparedness resources.
  • A platform for people to share their experiences after using products and services. This Website features over 1 million reviews and comments.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides information for consumers about vaccines, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, recalls, buying medicines online, buying outside the U.S., and a variety of other topics.

  • Consumer advice and authoritative guides from the federal government on cars, housing, money, travel, and more.

  • Information about identity theft from the Federal Trade Commission. Includes what to do if you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft.

  • A veritable encyclopedia of consumer information on subjects such as privacy, identity theft, e-commerce, automobiles, telemarketing, and travel.

  • Links to a broad range of federal information resources available online, which can be searched by category.
  • Information about home electrical service from Con Edison including energy and special services, rates and billing, products and programs, and safety tips. Site is available in English and Spanish.
  • Provides information about funeral choices, consumer alerts, a FCA law library, how to file a funeral or cemetery complaint, and etc.
  • Consumers' Directory of Certified Efficiency Ratings for heating and water heating equipment. View certified efficiency ratings for residential heating equipment, residential water heating equipment and commerical water heating appliances.
  • Links to information about a variety of health topics.
  • A list of links to health and healthcare resources.

  • Information from the NYC Department of Health concerning health care insurance options for people who are jobless, have low incomes or have special needs.

  • Information about health care access and health insurance, including related NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene programs

  • Web page for New York State's health insurance plan for adults titled Healthy New York. The plan is designed to help small business owners and individuals obtain affordable health insurance. Information on eligibility, benefits, how to apply and much more is provided.

  • Healthy NY is designed to encourage small employers with 50 or fewer employees to offer health insurance coverage to their employees, dependents, and other qualified individuals. Healthy NY is also available to eligible working uninsured individuals including sole proprietors.

  • This is the Federal Trade Commissions Website for information about identity theft. It includes steps to take, ways to place fraud alerts, and more. Additional useful links include access to federal and state laws [New York is NOT included], cases and scams.

  • ITRC is a national non-profit organization focused exclusively on identity theft. Includes resources for victims, consumers, and law enforcement. Also includes information on scams as well as consumer alerts.
  • The Internet Crime Complaint Center, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center, provides a convenient reporting mechanism that alerts authorities to suspected fraud committed over the Internet.

  • This Department of Consumer Affairs publication describes what to look out for with auctions, travel, credit repair and other online services

  • Offers new and used car pricing as well as decision guides, side-by-side comparisons, car reviews and other tools, tips and advice.
  • Links to legal information resources.
  • Helps consumers locate the best price for the exact amount of service they need. Rate calculators are available for services such as wireless, long distance, travel, satellite television, and credit cards.
  • Offers product and pricing information.
  • Provides pricing information for new and used vehicles. Includes details on standard features and specifications.
  • The National Consumers League is a private, nonprofit advocacy group that provides information about issues such as child labor, privacy, food safety, and medication.
  • Source for Internet and telemarketing fraud information. Provides a Fraud Hotline and an Online Complaint Form.
  • NYC agency for consumer and business assistance, consumer protection, complaint filing, business license applications and informative publications.
  • Birth certificates post-1910 and death certificates after 1949.
  • Consumer protection and education on lemon laws, credit reporting and ticket brokers, as well as information on scams involving home improvement, construction, telemarketing, mail, and senior citizens in New York State.
  • Provides information for New York State consumers about arranging a funeral, Medicaid issues, casket purchasing, embalming issues, and other topics related to death and grief.
  • A number of different DMV publications are available here including the Driver's Manual, Road Test Tips, and Child Passenger Safety. Many publications are also available in Spanish.
  • Find reports on products and prices for goods such as books, computers, digital photography, electronics, prescription drugs, home & garden, movies, music, office equipment, sporting goods, video games, and watches.
  • This site, created by the American Bar Association, provides tips for safely shopping online.
  • Offers peer-led support to women with breast or ovarian cancer, their families, and friends. Services include hotlines, survivor-led support groups, wellness programs, educational forums, outreach programs, and advocacy activities.
  • Spanish language version of Your Rights as a Hospital Patient in New York State, which outlines the rights and protections guaranteed to you by the state and federal governments. Includes information on hospital care, admittance and discharge, complaints, medical records, health proxies, Medicare, domestic violence, and provides a patient's bill of rights.
  • Information for consumers from the New York State Public Service Commission on a range of issues related to utilities (electricity, gas, water, phone, and cable tv). Includes information on dispute resolutions. Site is available in English and Spanish.
  • Outlines the rights and protections guaranteed to you by the state and federal governments. Includes information on hospital care, admittance and discharge, complaints, medical records, health proxies, Medicare, domestic violence, and provides a patient's bill of rights.