| A | B |
|---|
| class action suit | a lawsuit filed on behalf of a group of people who all have the same complaint. |
| small claims court | a court of law in which disputes involving sums under a certain amount are resolved by a judge. |
| arbitration | a procedure in which a neutral person or panel listens to both sides of a dispute, weighs the evidence, and reaches a decision. |
| mediation | a process in which two parties try to resolve a dispute with the help of a neutral third party. |
| chain letter | a message sent by postal mail or email that instructs the recipient to send copies to a certain number of other people. |
| pyramid scheme | an illegal get-rich quick plan. |
| fraud | deceitful conduct designed to manipulate another person for some gain. |
| bait and switch | when a retailer advertises a product that it has no intention of selling, hoping to persuade customers to buy another product at a higher price. |
| deceptive advertising | advertising that is likely to mislead consumers through false statements, omitted information, or other unfair means. |
| online profiling | a practice in which companies collect information about the websites a consumer visits. |
| identity theft | the illegal use of an individual's personal information. |
| social security number | the unique nine-digit number used to keep track of your earnings. |
| media | channels of mass communication, such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and related websites. |
| consumer action panels | groups formed by trade associations to address consumer complaints |
| consumer affairs departments | groups that communicate with customers about their rights and needs as consumers. |
| FDA | enforces laws and regulations on the purity, quality, and labeling of food, drugs, and cosmetics. |
| FCC | regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. |
| consumer advocates | people or organizations who work on behalf of consumers. |
| retailers | those who sell goods and services directly to consumers, strive to offer the right mix of products and to provide helpful service. |
| marketplace | all of the goods and services available for sale to the public. |
| consumer | someone who uses goods and services. |
| goods | physical objects that are produced. |
| services | actions that are performed for someone. |
