1. Consumer Economics Chapter 5
Government Protection, Consumer Groups, and the Media
Copyright©2009 Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business

2. Learning Objectives Explain how to contact an elected official
List consumer functions of government agencies
Discuss the reasons for regulation and deregulation
Describe the three primary interests of consumer groups
Explain the mission of consumer media

3. Introduction Government’s role in consumer protection Funding issues
How consumer economics informs consumer protection

4. Ways to Contact Elected Officials
Use you own paper and your own words
State your problem or issue
Refer to specific legislation
Request a specific action
Say if you live in the elected officials district
Don’t use insulting words; be courteous
Enclose copies of documentation

5. Agencies and Commissions
Federal Trade Commission (FTS)
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Food and Drug Administration (FDC)
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Department of Justice (DOJ)
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Federal Consumer Information Center (FCIC)
State Consumer Protection
Local Consumer Protection

6. Injurious Consumption
Occurs when individuals or groups make consumption decisions that have negative consequences or misuse of products in such a way as to cause injury to themselves or others.
Regulation and deregulation issues
Special interests
Enlightened companies and consumer protection
Nongovernmental pro-consumer groups

7. Consumer Publications
Media Mix
Consumer Reports

8. Chapter Summary How governments protect consumers
Contacting elected state and federal officials
How to complain
List of government protection agencies
Consult pro-consumer government websites