Saturday, January 1, 2005 - Page updated at 12:00 a.m.

Consumer Guide

Cable television

Index

If you're having problems with your cable company, try to resolve the problem first with the company. If the matter can't be resolved, contact your local franchise authority to act on your behalf. This information can be found on the back of your billing statement. The local franchise authority will contact your cable company and try to resolve the situation. In some cases you may be eligible for compensation. For example, if you've made an appointment for installation or changes to your current setup and the company fails to meet the appointment, you may receive a credit on your next bill. Check with your local franchise authority to see if you qualify for a low-income or senior discount.

In Seattle
Contact the Office of Cable Communication. Seattle also has a Cable Customer Bill of Rights. The office administers the senior-discount program (30 percent off basic/expanded basic cable). For a copy of the Cable Customer Bill of Rights, or to file a complaint:
206-684-8498
www.seattle.gov/cable

In unincorporated King County
Contact the King County Office of Cable Communications. The office can provide a list of cable-office contacts in 31 surrounding cities, and take complaints.
700 Fifth Ave., Suite 2300, Seattle, WA 98104-5002
206-296-3880
www.metrokc.gov/dias/its/cable.htm

For Pierce County
Rainier Communications Commission is the local authority for Bonney Lake, Carbonado, DuPont, Edgewood, Fife, Fircrest, Milton, Orting, greater Pierce County, Puyallup, Ruston, Steilacoom, Sumner, University Place and Wilkeson.
4400 Steilacoom Blvd. S.W., Lakewood, WA 98499-4002
253-589-5878
www.rcc.pierce.wa.us

In Tacoma
Contact the Office of Franchise Administration.
City of Tacoma, Franchise Administration, 747 Market St., Tacoma, WA 98402
253-591-5285
www.tacomacitynet.org

In Everett
Contact the Mayor's office.
2930 Wetmore Ave., 10th Floor, Everett, WA 98201
425-257-8700

For unincorporated Snohomish County
Contact the Public Works/Franchise Department.
2930 Wetmore Ave., 1st Floor, Everett, WA 98201
425-388-6453

If you can't resolve your dispute through the local cable authority, write the Federal Communications Commission, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau. The agency will not act on behalf of an individual, but notes deceptive practices and patterns of complaints and may take action if it receives enough feedback from the public.
445 12th St. S.W., Washington, DC 20554
888-225-5322 (CALL-FCC).
www.fcc.gov

Charities

Index

You've just received a heart-wrenching phone call from what sounds like a deserving charity. But you wonder: Is the solicitor lining her pockets or helping the less fortunate? Be suspicious if a solicitor wants to send a courier immediately to your home or office to pick up a check. Refuse to be pressured. Take time to check the charity's credentials.

Secretary of State
Learn whether a charity is registered and what percentage of funds goes to the cause.
800-332-4483 (hotline)
www.secstate.wa.gov/charities
2004 Commercial Fundraiser Activity Report [PDF]

For local charities
Contact the Better Business Bureau serving Oregon and Western Washington. Request a copy of their "Wise Giving Guide" brochure. By mail, send a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope to the agency.
1000 Station Dr., Suite 222, DuPont, WA 98327
206-431-2222
www.thebbb.org/search.html

BBB Wise Giving Alliance
Provides information on national and international nonprofits soliciting money or providing services. The Alliance was formed in 2001 with the merger of the National Charities Information Bureau, Council of Better Business Bureaus Foundation, and its Philanthropic Advisory Service. For information, to file a complaint, or request a copy of the "Wise Giving Guide", contact the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203
www.give.org

The Charity Rating Guide
Published by the American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) four times a year, grades approximately 500 charitable organizations based on their expenditures toward donations and percentage of funds spent on programs. Check out a charity online or order a copy of the Charity Rating Guide & Watchdog Report by sending a check for $3 to cover postage and handling to American Institute of Philanthropy:
P.O. Box 578460, Chicago, IL 60657
www.charitywatch.org

Children's issues

Index

Washington State Child Care Resource and Referral Network
A private, nonprofit agency that offers information on parenting issues, Medicaid and child-care referral agencies.
800-446-1114
www.childcarenet.org

Child Care Resources
A private nonprofit serving Seattle and King County that provides information on state-licensed child-care providers, both individuals and centers, in specific areas. A subscription gives you access to an online database of providers. Depending on income, fees range from free to $40 for a six-month subscription. 206-329-1011. The child-care referral line, 206-329-5544, promises to return your call within two business days.
www.childcare.org

Child-care licensing
The Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Child Care and Early Learning, is responsible for licensing child-care homes and centers in Washington. Child-care homes are inspected every 18 months, and child-care centers are inspected every year. For information on a provider's license, to file a complaint or to locate a licensed child-care provider, go online or call the Statewide Licensed Child Care Information Line. 866-482-4325
www1.dshs.wa.gov/geninfo/childcare.html

Abuse, neglect
To report child abuse and neglect, or for family-reconciliation services and child-welfare placements, call the state Department of Social and Health Services, Child Protective Services.
866-363-4276 (866-END-HARM)
www.wa.gov/dshs

Child car seats
For information on seat recalls, and how to correctly install a child car seat or safety restraint, contact the Washington Safety Restraint Coalition. Find out how to report an unbuckled child on their Web site.
800-282-5587 or 425-828-8975
www.800buckleup.org

Contractors

Index

Before you sign with a building contractor, call the state Department of Labor and Industries to learn whether the contractor is registered and carries the proper bond. General contractors must maintain a $12,000 bond; specialty contractors a $6,000 bond. All registered contractors are required to carry general liability insurance of at least $50,000 for damage to property, and $200,000 for public liability. Call for a free copy of "Before Hiring a Contractor."
800-647-0982. In Seattle, 206-515-2800; in Everett, 425-290-1300; in Tacoma, 253-596-3800.
www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/default.asp

Credit issues

Index

Before you try to finance a car, a house or apply for a job, order a copy of your credit report so you'll know what the financial gurus know about you. Starting Dec. 1, you'll be able to check your credit report annually for free.The new law requires the three major consumer-reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian and Trans Union — to provide a free credit report once a year to consumers who ask. Contact the Federal Trade Commission for details.

If you have been denied credit, insurance or employment in the past 60 days, you can request a free credit report at any time. Once you receive your report, check it for accuracy. Make a habit of ordering it yearly.

File complaints about credit issues with the FTC as well.

FTC Consumer Response Center, Room 240, Washington DC 20480
877-382-4357 (877-FTC-Help)
www.ftc.gov

To order a credit report
Give your full name, including generational designation (such as Junior or III); current and previous addresses for five years; spouse's first name, if married; Social Security number; date of birth; daytime and evening phone numbers; and your signature. Contact:

Experian
888-397-3742
www.experian.com

Equifax Inc.
800-685-1111
www.equifax.com

Trans Union Corp.
800-888-4213
www.transunion.com

Crisis

Index

Crisis Clinic:
Your best friend has an array of personal problems and needs professional advice. Tell her about the Crisis Clinic, a private nonprofit agency that deals with mental-health issues, crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Contact their 24-Hour Crisis Line:
206-461-3222; outside Seattle, 866-427-4747. Hearing-impaired, 206-461-3219

The Crisis Clinic's Community Information Line
Offers information on health and human resources, including shelter, financial assistance, food, clothing and household items.
206-461-3200 or 800-621-4636
www.crisisclinic.org