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The growth of the Internet has paved the way for consumers to become their own advocates, not only handling disputes after they arise but avoiding them from the start.

The most important thing a consumer can do to avoid problems is check out a company before doing business with it. The first step should be visiting www.bbb.org, the national Web site for the Better Business Bureau. It offers immediate online company reports from its hundreds of bureaus across the country. Just click on “USA Site,” then “Company Reports,” and then put in the company’s name, address, phone number or URL.

Here are several other sites consumers should have on their “favorites” list, to check regularly for consumer news, alerts and updates on legislation:

_The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has a Web site at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov, full of great information on the state Consumer Fraud Act, and other state laws protecting consumers. You can check up on a home improvement contractor’s registration or a charity’s registration with the state, get detailed information on everything from the state Used and New Car Lemon Laws to the state Do Not Call list, and file complaints against companies, too.

_The Consumers Union Web site at www.consumersunion.org is a wonderful site for information about a huge range of national consumer issues, with special programs to handle problems with cell phone companies, hospitals and infection rates, and dealing with credit card companies. The union also covers legislation both proposed and passed, and advocacy for changes in how business is conducted.

_The Federal Trade Commission Web site at www.ftc.gov is dedicated to national issues related to interstate trade, direct mail companies and regulation on a national level. Pay particular attention to the consumer education portion of the site, where the latest scams and lawsuits against unscrupulous companies will be highlighted.

_The Federal Consumer Information Center in Pueblo, Colo., has its Consumer Action Handbook online at www.consumeraction.gov. It includes contact information for all the BBBs in the country; state, county and local consumer affairs offices; credit bureau contacts; corporate contacts for major companies; and contacts for banking and insurance officials in all 50 states.

_National Consumer Law Center at www.consumerlaw.org has focused lately on mortgage foreclosures, credit card company abuses and problems in the banking system. It provides information, surveys and advocacy on national issues.

If you become a regular visitor to these sites and read their news releases, alerts and consumer materials, you can be an effective consumer advocate for yourself and your loved ones.

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