Consumer Information
Many organizations protect consumers’ rights and give consumers an opportunity to be informed about businesses and charities before they use their services or give money to them. See also "Action Guide."
AARP
1-866-295-7274
Tennessee Office
150 Fourth Avenue N., Suite 180, Nashville, 37219
Provides information and referral on services provided by AARP, including volunteer opportunities and advocacy on state and national issues. For publications on a wide variety of subjects, including crime prevention, finances, home modification, reverse mortgages, widowhood, more, write to AARP Fulfillment Unit, 601 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20049. Order by mail only. Call for titles and order numbers.
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Better Business Bureau
692-1600
255 N. Peters Road, Suite A, 37923
Call to get report or find out if there are complaints on file about area businesses; check on charitable organizations. Offers mediation and arbitration to resolve problems. Information about scams and other topics of consumer interest, including how to get information about out-of-area businesses (if you know the ZIP code).
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Business Tax Offices
Knox County 215-2392
300 Main Street, Suite 226, 37902 (street)
P. O. Box 1566, 37901 (mailing)
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Knoxville 215-2083
400 Main Street, Room 445, 37902 (street)
P. O. Box 1028, 37901 (mailing)
Can tell consumers whether a local business is licensed. Check with both the county and city offices before doing business with a provider, particularly with companies that have initiated the contact with you.
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Consumer Credit Counseling of East TN
1-800-251-2227
531 Callahan Drive, Suite 101, 37912
A nonprofit center that provides financial counseling on budgets, debt management, and housing. Education in money management and consumerism. Sliding scale fees.
Do Not Call Register
1-877-872-7030
TN Regulatory Authority
The register is a list of the residential telephone subscribers who do not wish to be solicited by telemarketers. Call to enroll. Effective within 60 days after you enroll, telemarketers are prohibited from calling your telephone number, unless exempted by law. This registration does not expire. Can also enroll online.
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Knox Housing Partnership
637-1679
109 N. Winona Street, 37917
Focuses on affordable housing for low- and moderate-income persons. First-time home-buyers’ counseling. Foreclosure counseling. Financial fitness education for prospective home buyers.
Knoxville Area Urban League
524-5511
1514 E. Fifth Avenue, 37917
Focuses on affordable housing for low- and moderate-income persons. First-time home-buyers’ counseling. Renter’s rights, help and advocacy in locating assistance in crisis situations. Information on reverse mortgage.
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Legal Aid of East TN
637-0484
502 S. Gay Street, Suite 404, 37902
Reviews consumer contracts (home repair, landlord-tenant, buying car, etc.) before they are signed. Consultation for persons age 60+ and legal representation for low-income clients in consumer fraud claims. Call for appointment.
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National Council on the Aging
1-800-373-4906
NCOA Publications, P.O. Box 411, Annapolis Junction MD 20701
Publications on many subjects, including Alzheimer’s Disease, caregiving, and retirement. Prices vary; member discount. Request free list of publications by mail. Also has a Benefits Checkup web site with information on assistance with prescription drugs and other expenses.
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Nondriver Identification
Knox County Clerk’s Office, Driver License Division
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Knox County Walk 215-1501
Knoxville Center Mall, First level
3001 Knoxville Drive, Suite 1291, 37924
Halls Center 922-5215
7028 Maynardville Highway, 37918
Five Points Village Plaza 215-3413
2364 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 37914
Photo ID for nondrivers. Proof of name and identity required, including Social Security ID and certified birth certificate (or other certified document with birthdate on it) and marriage certificate (if applicable). Cost varies. Must be renewed like driver’s license until age 65, after which, card is permanent. Call for details on locations, hours, and ID required. Disabled persons who cannot drive may qualify for a free permanent ID; see "Disability Services" for information.
Opt Out
1-888-567-8688
This toll-free line offered by credit bureaus enables consumers to opt out of having preapproved credit offers sent to their homes for five years. Can enroll online.
Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs
1-800-342-8385
To file a complaint about unfair trade practices, deception, fraud, or illegal practices.
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Tennessee Human Rights Commission
594-6500
531 Henley Street, Suite 701, 37902
Investigates complaints of employment and housing discrimination. Accepts public accommodation complaints and forwards to state office.
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Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA)
1-800-342-8359
460 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, 37243
Monitors quality of services provided by regulated, private, for-profit public utilities (local and long-distance phone companies and some natural gas companies, not gas and water utilities, TVA, and cell phone or cable TV companies). Investigates and mediates unresolved consumer complaints against these regulated utilities. Information on a variety of utility-related topics, such as energy-saving tips, money-saving tips on your long-distance bill, unauthorized switching of your phone service and billing for services or products never ordered, understanding your phone bill, and more.
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