Your guide to being an informed consumer

The Better Business Bureau is always a great place to start. You can also file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI if you think you're being scammed.

In Maryland, if you are dealing with home issues, connect with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.

Maryland has several resources in place to help homeowners throughout the state. We've compiled 3 great links to get you started. The Maryland Office of the Attorney General has a Home Builder Registration Unit, we've provided a link to a form you'll want to fill out to report any issues. You'll also find links to Maryland's "Home Builder Guaranty Fund" and a booklet outlining your consumer rights as a home buyer in Maryland.

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration can help you with all sorts of complaints, all in one location. The MVA deals with everything from handicap parking complaints to dealer complaints.

The Maryland Insurance Administration is best equipped to resolve insurance-related disputes. The agency serves as a mediator between consumers and insurers and can better review your policy and ensure it's being honored. The administration deals with all types of insurance issues: car, home, health, etc.

We get a lot of calls and emails to the newsroom when people face eviction and other uncertain housing situations. Below are a list of resources compiled over the years to help people facing eviction, but also to inform you of your rights as a tenant in Maryland.

Maryland has established several programs to help families get through difficult times. Whether it's problems paying your water and energy bill or needing food the links below will help guide you.

-If you have a complaint in Baltimore City about trash or housing inspections contact 3-1-1
-For water billing issues for Baltimore City water customers call 410-396-5398