The National Association of Consumer Credit Administrators is an organization of state government agencies responsible for consumer credit regulation.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a federal government agency that acts to prohibit unfair or deceptive practices in commerce. As part of its responsibility, it addresses consumer issues such as credit (non-bank), fair credit reporting and fair debt collection. The FTC is headquartered at 6th Street and Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20580. Its main telephone number is (202) 326-2222. A Northeast regional office is located at 1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004. Consumers may contact the FTC toll-free at 877-FTC-HELP.

The U.S. Consumer Gateway -- "consumer.gov" -- is a "one-stop" link to a broad range of on-line federal information. Categories such as "Credit" direct you to areas within individual federal web sites for related information.

The federal government's Consumer Information Center offers publications on consumer credit and other topics.

Sallie Mae is a federally chartered, stockholder-owned corporation. It provides funds for education loans, account servicing to borrowers and operational support services to lenders and colleges. Sallie Mae is headquartered at 1050 Thomas Jefferson St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007. Its toll-free telephone number is 888 2-SALLIE (272-5543).

Better Business Bureaus (BBB) are private, non-profit organizations supported by membership dues paid by businesses and professional groups. They provide reports on business firms and charity groups, help resolve consumer disputes and promote ethical business standards. The local BBBs are Better Business Bureau - Connecticut and Better Business Bureau - Worcester which serves northeast Connecticut.

The Connecticut Mortgage Bankers Association (CMBA) is the state's mortgage lending industry trade association.

The Money Transmitter Regulators Association fosters cooperation among state and federal agencies for the effective and efficient regulation of money transmitters and check sellers.