Self-help information through various links, documents, publications, etc. Check the Community Directory Channel for more resources.
There are 21 resources
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66 Ways to Save Money
(Separate Website)
This web site lists many ways to save money in transportation, food, housing, banking and other needs. From the Consumer Literacy Consortium, a working group of representatives from federal and state government agencies, consumer groups, business organizations, and educational institutions that seeks to develop and disseminate essential messages to inform and educate consumers.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Bill of Rights
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
Consumer Debts and the Law
(Separate Website)
Do you owe someone money? Having trouble paying off your debt? This brochure can help you understand your rights as a consumer debtor. PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Bar Association
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 - Credit Terms
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
Credit - FAQs on Credit
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
Credit - Sources of Credit
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
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
Credit Cards and Charge Accounts
(Separate Website)
Lawline FAQ: A credit card is a convenience which lets the consumer buy goods and services without having to carry cash and checkbooks. This plastic card represents the legal agreement you have with a creditor such as a department store or bank.
By: South Carolina Bar Association
Definitions and Terms used in the South Carolina High Cost Mortgage and Consumer Home Act of 2003
(Separate Website)
Slide presentation. PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center
Easy Credit? Not So Fast. The Truth About Advance Fee Loan Scams
(Separate Website)
The vast majority of lenders are owned and managed by legitimate professionals. But fraudulent loan brokers and other individuals misrepresenting the availability of credit and credit terms definitely are in business. One of their favorite strategies is the "advance-fee" loan. That's when they guarantee you'll get a loan or other type of credit - but you must pay before you apply.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Equal Credit Opportunity Act
(Separate Website)
Lawline FAQ: This act applies to banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, finance companies, department stores, credit card issuers, car and appliance dealers and all others who regularly grant credit. The Act does not guarantee credit. You must still pass the creditor's tests of creditworthiness, but the tests must be applied impartially, and without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, receipt of public assistance or because you exercise your rights under federal laws.
By: South Carolina Bar Association
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
Overview of Predatory Lending Law
(Separate Website)
Report on current laws regarding predatory mortgage lending. PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center
Personal Financial Education
(Separate Website)
This web site contains information and educational materials about: (1) Consumer Banking, (2) Consumer Protection, (3) Economics, (4) Home and Mortgages, (5) Interest Rates, (6) Loans and Credit, and much much more!
By: Federal Reserve System
Right to Access Free Credit Reports
(Separate Website)
Soon you?ll be able to get your credit report for free. A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The FCRA promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation?s consumer reporting companies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation?s consumer protection agency, enforces the FCRA with respect to consumer reporting companies.
By: Federal Trade Commission
SC High Cost Mortgage and Consumer Home Act of 2003
(Separate Website)
Report on high cost mortgage loans and laws protecting consumers, presented in a slideshow format. PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center
The Truth About Credit Reports and Credit Repair Companies
(Separate Website)
The Truth About Credit Reports and Credit Repair Companies
By: National Consumer Law Center
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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Referral Finder
(Separate Website)
