Consumer Information

American Association of Retired Persons

AARP - MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

1-888-687-2277

www.aarp.org

AARP - California office - Membership Information

1-866-448-3614

www.aarp.org

AARP 55 ALIVE MATURE DRIVERS PROGRAM

1-888-227-7669

Description: Classes are held at various sites, call for times and locations.

AARP Mobile Unit (van)

(559) 230-2701

AARP GRANDPARENT INFORMATION CENTER

1-866-448-3615 or (559) 230-2701

www.aarp.org

Description:  Offers resources for grandparents of all types – those living close by or long distance, grandparents raising grandchildren, step grandparents, or those with visitation issues.

Consumer Miscellaneous Programs

CENTENARIAN GREETINGS FROM THE GOVERNOR

Mail to:

Correspondence Unit State Capitol Building

Sacramento, CA 95814

Eligibility: For people 100 years or older. Allow at least three weeks.

Include: Name - Date of Birth - Address

PERSONAL CENSUS SERVICE

www.census.gov

Mail to:

U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

PO Box 1545

Jeffersonville, IN 47131

Description: Census Bureau for lost personal records, i.e.: birth certificates, death certificates.

PERSONAL GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT

1-202-456-5447

(FAX ) 1-202-395-1232

www.whitehouse.gov/greeting

Or mail to:

Greetings Office

The White House

Attn: Greetings Office

Washington, D.C. 20502-0039

Hours: 9:00 - 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, Eastern Time

Eligibility: Over 80 years old or couples married for 50 year or more. Allow 6 weeks for delivery. Clearly written or typed

Include: Name(s)-Mrs., Ms., Mr., Dr. & etc. - Age or year married – Address - Daytime phone number

Consumer Services

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

4201 W. Shaw, #107, Fresno CA 93722

(559) 222-8111

www.bbb.org

Hours: 9:00 - 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Fee: None

Area Served: Fresno, Inyo, Kings, Madera, Mariposa,

Merced, Mono, Tulare and Bakersfield counties

Transportation: None

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: To file complaints or to learn of complaints regarding local businesses.

BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

4152 W. Swift Ave., Suite 104, Fresno, CA 93722

(559) 445-5015

Hours: 8:00 - 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Fee: None

Area Served: Central San Joaquin Valley

Application Procedure: Call to request a complaint form

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: Receives auto repair and smog check complaints. Vehicle that do not pass smog test can be retired for up to $1000.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

SMOG CHECK ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

1-866-272-9642

www.smogcheck.ca.gov

Description: Smog repair assistance and vehicle retirement programs

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

1-800-622-0620

www.dfi.ca.gov

Description: Consumer inquiries or complaints about state chartered banks, credit unions, and other state regulated institutions.

CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSING BOARD

3374 E. Shields Ave., Room E-17, Fresno, CA 93726

(559) 445-5281 or 1-800-321-2752

www.cslb.ca.gov

Hours: 8:00 - 5:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Fee: None

Area Served: Fresno, Kern, Tulare, Kings, Mono, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, and Merced counties

Application Procedure: Call for information

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: Handles complaints against contractors, and gives information on how to obtain a license. 

COUNTY CLERK - (Fresno)

(559) 488-3476

To obtain copies of birth, marriage, death certificates. 

Dealership complaints

(559) 488-4024

To file complaints against car dealerships 

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

1625 N. Market Blvd., #N112, Sacramento, CA 95838

1-800-952-5210

www.dca.ca.gov

Description:  Handles complaints regarding vehicle repairs, smog checks, cosmetology, credit cards, laws protecting consumers, prizes & lotteries, retail, tenant-landlord and more.

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

655 W. Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728

1-800-777-0133

2103 Shaw Ave., Clovis, CA 93611

1-800-777-0133

6420 N. Blackstone, Fresno, CA 93710

1-800-777-0133

www.dmv.ca.gov

Hours: 8:00 - 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, extended hours at some offices

Eligibility: 15½ years and older

Fee: Varies

Area Served: State of California

Application Procedure: Telephone or in person

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: All languages

Description: Driver and auto licensing.

DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE

(559) 445-5009

Description: To file complaints against real estate agents/companies.

FRESNO-MADERA AREA AGENCY ON AGING

3845 N. Clark, Suite #103, Fresno, CA 93726

2085 East Dakota, Fresno, CA 93726

(559) 453-4405 or 1-800-510-2020

Web site:             www.fmaaa.org

(E-mail)               services@fmaaa.org

Description: Plans, coordinates and advocates a comprehensive delivery system to meet the needs of people 60 years and older. Provides information about services available to seniors and disabled individuals.

FRESNO-MADERA OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM

3845 N. Clark Ave., #201, Fresno, CA  93726

(559) 224-9177

www.valleycrc.org/ombudsman.htm

Description:  Advocates for residents of long term care facilities.

FUNERAL CONSUMERS ALLIANCE OF CENTRAL CA

P.O. Box 101, Fresno, CA 93707

(559) 268-2181 or (559) 291-3818

Description:  Provides consumer information and assures simplicity and fair charges for after death services.

HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION (HMO) HOTLINE

1-800-400-0815 or 1-888-466-2219

www.hmohelp.ca.gov

Description: For consumer complaints against HMO insurance agencies.

PROPERTY TAX POSTPONEMENT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

BLIND OR DISABLED

1-800-952-5661

www.sco.ca.gov

Description: Seniors 62+ or disabled may qualify for a program that postpones property taxes.

VOTER SERVICES

(559) 488-3246

2221 Kern St., Fresno, Ca 93721

Consumer Information Tax Assistance

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA LEGAL SERVICES

1401 N. Fulton, suite 700 Fresno CA, 93721

(559) 570-1200 or 1-800-675-8001

www.centralcallegal.org

Hours: Call for days and times of tax clinics

Eligibility: Low income Fresno County residents

Fee: None

Area Served: Fresno County

Application Procedure: Call for appointment

Transportation: No 

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Call for information

Description: Free legal assistance to low income clients, includes help with examinations or audits, collections, appeals, innocent spouse relief and earned income tax credit.

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS)

1-800-829-3676     Forms / Publications

1-800-829-4477     Information / Refunds

1-800-829-1040     Problem Resolution  

www.irs.gov

TAX AIDE PROGRAM/VITA PROGRAM (AARP)

(559) 453-4405 or 1-800-510-2020

Hours: Call the Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging, Senior Information & Assistance Program for days and times of tax clinics.

Eligibility: Seniors 50 years and older and low-income Fresno and Madera County residents

Fee: None

Area Served: Fresno and Madera counties

Application Procedure: Call for appointment between February through April

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Call for information