Too often, consumer groups say, the division, created in 1971 to toughen the enforcement of consumer laws, has done little more than what company-sponsored better business bureaus do.

If you have endorsements from celebrated customers, associations or business bureaus, you'll want to use them.

The Directory contains listings for national consumer agencies, better business bureaus, trade associations, and state and federal agencies.

Mr. Willson, who was born in Manhattan and graduated from Columbia University, joined the business bureau in 1925.

"But ma'am, surely you knew that it was Al Capone who originally started the better business bureau," a man on the phone to his right said as he passed.

Consequently, he was sent to Funchal during a similar commercial crisis on the island in order to consolidate the Bank of Portugal's interests within the local business bureaus.

Meantime, calls to a better business bureau or to a state law agency, she said, may disclose no trace of a complaint.

Sree won $75 from the business bureau and a plaque in 2013.

"What we advise people to do is to first check with the local better business bureau," Mr. Bennett said.

They belong to the better business bureau and to the Lion's Club.