Sometimes the hardest part of getting assistance is knowing where to go for help. We offer a comprehensive list of resources so you can contact the agencies best suited to address your needs.
This is a thorough list of services and agencies that can help address many consumer-related concerns, and we have divided it into helpful categories to simplify your search. If you are unable to find a service that meets your needs, please contact us for more information
| Concern | Description | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Freeze | You have the right to ask the consumer reporting agencies that operate on a nationwide basis to freeze your credit files and lift the freeze, whenever you want, at no charge. | Freezing Your Credit |
| Predatory Lending | An in-depth look at the types of small-dollar loans permitted in Georgia, how they are regulated, and who predatory lenders target. This paper also provides some recommendations for changes to state law that will protect consumers from predatory lenders. | Making Small-Dollar Lending Safer for Georgians |
| Senior Consumer Protection | The Georgia Department of Law Consumer Protection Unit created this guide to “empower older adults with the information and resources they need to make wise choices about their money, safety, assets and well-being while avoiding fraud and exploitation.” The guide also educates readers on Georgia’s laws should they fall victim to abuse of any form. | The Georgia Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults |
| Credit Reporting | Each year, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) releases a list of consumer reporting companies. This list includes the three nationwide consumer reporting companies as well as other smaller companies that focus on certain market areas and consumer segments. The list provides tips to help determine which company may be important to you. | CFPB 2018 List of Consumer Reporting Companies |
| Identity Theft | A brief guide about how to protect yourself from identity theft. | Avoiding Identity Theft |
| Identity Theft | Some tips about how to protect your personal and financial information in light of the Equifax breach. | What You Need to Know About Equifax Breach |
| Tax Preparation | Learn about free tax preparation assistance, as well as how to avoid the unnecessary expense of paid preparers, keep more of your tax refunds, and choose your tax preparer wisely. | Preparing for Tax Season |
| Military Consumer Protection | A set of infographics offering useful tips about how to protect yourself in the marketplace. | Military Consumer Protection Tips |
| Military Consumer Protection | A guide containing pertinent information regarding key consumer issues as well as state and federal legal protections for military personnel in the marketplace. | Georgia Military Consumer Protection Guide |
| Debt Counseling | Are you struggling to make ends meet? Certified credit counselors can help you create an action plan to get back on track and put your debt and stress behind you. | ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions |
| ID Theft | Do you need help with an identity theft case? ITRC expert advisors are trained to provide you with one-on-one assistance for all types of identity theft. | ID Theft Center |
| Finance | The Attorney General for Georgia serves as the attorney and legal advisor for all state agencies, departments, authorities and the Governor. | Attorney General |
| Abusive Consumer Practices | Did you know that your stories and complaints help inform the work we do to create a fairer marketplace? An informed consumer is the first line of defense against abusive practices. | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau |
| Foreclosure | If you have a conventional loan, you can speak to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved housing counselor. | Housing Counseling Services |
| Foreclosure | Need help with your mortgage? The HOPE Hotline connects you with free and confidential financial and foreclosure prevention education. | 995 HOPE |
| Concern | Description | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| EMC Transparency | Easy-to-use templates to facilitate future efforts to evaluate EMC governance practices and compliance with IRS regulations | Georgia EMC Report: IRS Compliance and Transparency |
| Utility Bills | Georgia Watch presents to community groups on different ways to save money on utility bills. The presentation content can be found here. | Presentation: Save Money on Your Utility Bills |
| Energy | The PSC works to ensure consumers receive safe, reliable and reasonably priced telecommunications, electric and natural gas services from financially viable and technically competent companies. | Georgia Public Service Commission |
| Energy | We help people change lives! GCAA is a strong, united network of effective community action agencies guided by excellence and integrity in the promotion of social and economic justice in Georgia. | Georgia Community Action Association |
| Utility Bills | Helpful tips on ways you can reduce your energy costs. | 10 Easy Ways to Save (Georgia Watch Flyer) |
| Energy | Maximize your energy dollar. Whether you are building a new home, making improvements to an older home, or just looking for ways to save, Georgia Power is here to help. | Save Money and Energy (Georgia Power EarthCents) |
| Concern | Description | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Access | Short National Consumer Law Center guide for dealing with medical bills and debt. | Dealing with Medical Debt: Consumer Advice from NCLC |
| Healthcare Access | An up-to-date guide for uninsured individuals seeking low-cost healthcare. | Accessing Affordable Healthcare: A Guide for the Uninsured |
| Healthcare Access | Find a healthcare provider in your community using the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies resource line and online search portal: 1-800-300-9003 | Find a Provider |
| Medical Bills | A resource from Georgia Watch on managing medical bills and medical debt. | Georgia Consumer Guide for Medical Bills and Debt |
| Healthcare Access | The Indigent Care Trust Fund (ICTF) is a state-sponsored program that subsidizes care for low-income individuals at participating hospitals. | Indigent Care Trust Fund |
| Medical Bills | A resource for finding assistance with medical bills and medical debt | Medical Bills: Find Help |
| Medical Bills | A one-page resource from Georgia Watch on handling medical bills and avoiding surprise bills | Medical Bills: Know Your Rights! |
| Free Clinics | Find a free or charitable health clinic near you with this searchable map from the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics. | Free and Charitable Clinics |
| ACA & Taxes (Spanish) | ¿Qué es la multa? ¿Cuánto costaría la multa? ¿Qué sucede si no solicité mi carta de exención en Internet por medio de la página healthcare.gov? ¿Todavía puedo solicitar una exención? | Asistencia Médica Asequible: Multas y Exenciones |
| Patient Safety | Find out your hospital’s safety grade. | Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade |
| Healthcare Access | Find your county health department where you can get immunizations, prenatal care, pediatric services, cancer screenings, etc. | Public Health Departments |
| Health Insurance | Contact the Insurance Commissioner’s Office to file a complaint regarding any kind of insurance policy in Georgia. | Georgia Department of Insurance |
| Healthcare Access | Search Georgia’s Community Health Centers, an important resource for the uninsured. | Georgia Association for Primary Health Care |
| Hospital Accountability | Financial assistance is a crucial component of the safety net system, as it provides a bridge to care for those who might otherwise not receive it. | Health Voices: Financial Assistance at Hospitals |
| Healthcare Access | Need answers about access to healthcare coverage? HealthCare.gov is your best online resource for subsidized health insurance sold in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. Also, feel free to contact a Georgia Watch navigator for answers. | HealthCare.Gov |
| Medicare | Need assistance with Medicare? Visit the official U.S. Government site for Medicare, providing health insurance for disabled individuals or those 65 and older. | Medicare.gov |
| Healthcare for Kids | Learn more about PeachCare for Kids®, a comprehensive healthcare program for uninsured children living in Georgia. | PeachCare for Kids |
| Medicaid | Medicaid provides a health insurance option for limited groups of low-income Georgians: children, parents, pregnant women, women with breast or cervical cancer and people who are aging, blind and/or disabled. | Georgia’s Medicaid Program |
| Healthcare Costs | The Patient Advocate Foundation provides services related to medical debt negotiation and co-pay assistance. | Patient Advocate Foundation |
| Patient Safety | The GCMB licenses physicians, physician assistants and other provider types. Complaints against physicians and other providers should be filed with the GCMB. | Georgia Composite Medical Board |
| Find Hospitals | This resource provided by the Georgia Department of Community Health allows you to find hospitals, personal care homes, nursing home and ambulatory surgical centers near you. | GAMap2Care |
| Healthcare Access | Charitable care clinics offer free or reduced-cost healthcare services to those who qualify. Find one in your area. | Georgia Charitable Care Network |
| Concern | Description | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| General Concerns | Clark Howard’s Consumer Action Center is a FREE call-in help line available M-F 10am to 7pm. They empower consumers with advice, education and problem resolution. | Clark Howard’s Consumer Action Center |
| Labor Issues | The Georgia DOL works with public and private partners to build a workforce system that contributes to Georgia’s economic prosperity. | Georgia Department of Labor |
| Government Ethics | We deserve open, honest, accountable government. Common Cause works to deliver on that promise. | Common Cause |
| Securities | The Securities Division of the Secretary of State’s Office is charged with the implementation and enforcement of the Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008. | Secretary of State ¬– Securities Division |
| Landlord-Tenant Laws | Do you want to get a better understanding of the requirements and obligations of landlord and tenant relationships? This handbook is a handy reference guide with answers to the most common questions. | DCA Landlord Tenant Handbook |
| Business Complaints | Did you have a bad experience with a business in Georgia? BBB assists with complaints, and also helps people find and recommend businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. | Better Business Bureau |
| Complaints Against Licensed Professionals | The Professional Licensing Boards Division serves as administrative support for 40 licensing boards in Georgia. | Professional Licensing Board |
| Telemarketing | Are you ready to hang up on annoying calls forever? The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. | Do Not Call List |
| Consumer Market Protection | Your A-Z consumer resource guide. The office works to protect consumers and businesses from unlawful, deceptive and unfair practices in the marketplace. | Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection |
| Fraud | Are you a victim of fraud? As the nation’s consumer protection agency, the FTC takes complaints about businesses that don’t make good on their promises or cheat people out of money. | FTC – Bureau of Consumer Protection |
| Concern | Description | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Scams | Tips for avoiding and reporting incidents of identity theft and scams, specifically for older adults. | Avoiding Senior Scams & ID Theft |
| Aging Resources | Formerly named AgeWise Connection, this website provides information about services and programs for older adults in metro Atlanta. | EmpowerLine |
| Aging Resources | Live operators can help consumers access information 24/7 regarding Medicare, housing, recreation, transportation, nursing homes, in-home care, and reporting neglect or abuse: 404-463-3333 | Aging & Disability Resource Connection |
| Long-term Care | Is your loved one receiving less-than optimal care? These services seek to improve the quality of life for residents of long-term care facilities. | Complaints with Nursing Homes and Long-term Care Services |
| Elder Abuse | Are you or is someone you know in need of adult protective services? Every day, older adults and adults with disabilities are suffering from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; often by people they trust the most. | DHS Adult Protective Services |
| Elder Fraud Prevention and Response Networks | This webinar series provides helpful information on how to create, maintain, and expand Elder Fraud Prevention and Response Networks and other topics. | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Elder Fraud Prevention and Response Networks |
