In their role as consumers, ordinary citizens of the USA are key players in the market policy of the country. Therefore much of efforts are put in order to protect consumer rights and make them more clear and comfortable for the people. The U.S. Attorney General of a particular state coordinates the division of Consumer protection and its team of consumer fraud attorneys. Complaints and cases are investigated there. Consumer fraud attorney mediates on behalf of the consumer.

The U.S. government has in fact incorporated as the basis of consumer policy, the protection of several fundamental rights, which lie at the heart of national policy. These are: 

1. The protection of consumers’ health and safety.

Only products which will not endanger health or safety may be put on the market. This means setting safety requirements, providing full information about potential risks, protecting consumer against physical injury.

2. The protection of consumers’ economic interests.

There is for example a general ban on misleading advertising and unfair terms in contracts with consumers. Buyer should know exactly what he is going to pay for.

3. Consumer rights to information and education.

Consumers need to be put in a position where they can make an informed choice among goods and services offered. This includes objective information on the features and price of the items available. Consumers also require proper information about their efficient and safe use.

4. The right to redress.

Consumers have the right to receive professional advice and help when seeking redress for faulty products or for injury or damage resulting from the use of goods and services. Procedures for settling complaints and claims need to be simple, affordable, and rapid.
 

5. Consumer representation and participation.

Representatives of consumers (usually his/her attorney) ought to be present in decision-taking procedures concerning cases at local or national level. By the way, their work covers not only specific consumer issues but also other relevant policy areas like food laws, transport, competition policy, financial services, and environment and so on.
 
As a result of advanced policy concerning consumer rights, a number of directives were adopted; they deal with such points as safety cosmetic products, labeling of foodstuff, misleading advertising, and consumer’s rights in door-step selling, product liability and the provision of the consumer credit.

So, you see, a lot of things are done and still there is plenty to be done. The single market needs to balance the interests of buyers and sellers; for gaining this it is necessary to conduct efficient governmental policy. This means not only fixing additional rules for consumer protection but also ensuring that existing regulations are applied correctly (which is not always the case).