Self-help information through various links, documents, publications, etc. Check the Community Directory Channel for more resources.
There are 27 resources
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Credit
(Separate Website)
The use of credit is a way of life in the United States. At any one time, about three-fourths of American households have some form of debt, including credit purchases of cars, appliances, clothing, vacation trips and other goods and services. Just over two-fifths of households have loans secured by their homes—in other words, mortgages. This web site will help you understand the rules, regulations, and laws about consumer installment credit, designed to protect you, the consumer.
By: American Bar Association
Credit - An FTC Consumer Law Web Site
(Separate Website)
This web site contains over 100 documents that deal with credit issues, including credit scams, privacy issues, identity theft, electronic banking and credit cards. The web site also contains information for businesses. The documents may be viewed and printed from the screen or printed in PDF format.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Credit and your Consumer Rights
(Separate Website)
A good credit rating is very important. Businesses inspect your credit history when they evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, and even leases. They can use it when they choose to give or deny you credit or insurance, provided you receive fair and equal treatment. Sometimes, things happen that can cause credit problems: a temporary loss of income, an illness, even a computer error. Solving credit problems may take time and patience, but it doesn’t have to be an ordeal.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Criminal Identity Theft: What to Do if It Happens to You
(Separate Website)
Criminal identity theft occurs when an imposter gives another person's name and personal information such as a drivers' license, date of birth, or Social Security number (SSN) to a law enforcement officer during an investigation or upon arrest. Or the imposter may present to law enforcement a counterfeit license containing another person's data.
Defend: Recover From Identity Theft
(Separate Website)
Take steps to respond to and recover from identity theft as soon as you suspect it.
Deter. Detect. Defend. Avoid ID Theft
(Separate Website)
Each year, millions of Americans have their identity stolen. The Federal Trade Commission wants you to have the information you need to protect yourself against identity theft. This video can help educate viewers to save time and money by minimizing the risk of becoming a victim and reducing the emotional stress that often comes with identity theft.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Fast Facts - How to File a Complaint
(Separate Website)
PDF document (may load slowly).
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
Fast Facts - SC Department of Consumer Affairs
(Separate Website)
PDF document (may load slowly).
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
Fraud - Frauds, Schemes and Rip-offs
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
Fraud - Rules for Health Skepticism
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
Fraud - Types of Fraud
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
FTC Web Site: E-Commerce and The Internet
(Separate Website)
Education is a key tool to prevent consumer injury. In this section of our website, you’ll find publications with advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs, as well as tips on other consumer topics.
By: Federal Trade Commission
How Do I Protect My Privacy
(Separate Website)
Protect your privacy and information from identity theft and financial fraud.
By: Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma
Identity Theft
(Separate Website)
How can someone steal your identity? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years - and their hard-earned money - cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, are refused loans, education, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number
(Separate Website)
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. When a dishonest person has your Social Security number, the thief can use it to get other personal information about you. Most of the time identity thieves use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, they use the credit cards and do not pay the bills. You do not find out that someone is using your number until you are turned down for credit, or you begin to get calls from unknown creditors demanding payment for items you never bought.
By: Social Security Administration
Identity Theft Web Site
(Separate Website)
This web site explains: (1) how to keep your identity and personal information (such as your name and social security number) from being stolen, and (2) tells you what to do if someone has already stolen your personal information and used it. The web site also contains information about federal and state laws against identity theft and about how to file a complaint.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Identity Theft: The Growing Problem of Wrongful Criminal Records
(Separate Website)
Identity Theft: What to Do if It Happens to You This guide provides victims of identity theft with instructions on how to regain your financial health and who to contact for more help. You must act quickly and assertively to minimize the damage.
National Association of Consumer Advocates
(Separate Website)
The National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) is a nationwide organization of more than 1500 members who represent and have represented hundreds of thousands of consumers victimized by fraudulent, abusive and predatory business practices
By: South Carolina Legal Services - Columbia
National Consumer Law Center
(Separate Website)
The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) is the nation?s consumer law expert, helping consumers, their advocates, and public policy makers use powerful and complex consumer laws on behalf of low-income and vulnerable Americans seeking economic justice.
By: South Carolina Legal Services - Columbia
Adobe Acrobat Reader required. (If you are using a screen reader that does not support PDF format, copy the PDF link, and use the Access Adobe online form to convert this file to HMTL text.)
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