Borrower Beware: The High Cost of Small Loans, Pawnbrokers and Rent-to-Own Stores
(Separate Website)
Sometimes you may need to borrow a few hundred dollars because of an unexpected medical bill, broken appliance, or to buy a used car to obtain or keep a job. While the amount of cash you may need is small, the amount of interest you will repay may be large.
By: National Consumer Law Center, Inc.
Consumer Handbook to Credit Protection Laws
(Separate Website)
This handbook explains how the consumer credit laws can help you shop for credit, apply for it, maintain your credit standing, and, if need be, complain about an unfair deal.
By: Federal Reserve Board
Consumer Privacy Issues - FTC Web Site
(Separate Website)
Advances in computer technology have made it possible for detailed information about people to be compiled and shared more easily and cheaply than ever. That's good for society as a whole and individual consumers. For example, it is easier for law enforcement to track down criminals, for banks to prevent fraud, and for consumers to learn about new products and services, allowing them to make better-informed purchasing decisions. At the same time, as personal information becomes more accessible, each of us - companies, associations, government agencies, and consumers - must take precautions to protect against the misuse of that information. The Federal Trade Commission is educating consumers and businesses about the importance of personal information privacy. Read more about our efforts, what we've learned, and what you can do to protect the privacy of your personal information.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Federal Reserve Board Consumer Issues
(Separate Website)
Find answers to questions: What can I do if I have a problem with a bank? Where can I get information about credit cards and credit card interest rates? ...
By: Federal Reserve Board
How to Save Money and Avoid Teft: Cashing Checks and Opening Bank Accounts
(Separate Website)
Living on a tight budget makes every penny count. If you do not use a bank account to cash checks and pay your bills, chances are you are spending too much for these services.
By: National Consumer Law Center, Inc.
Read this in:
Spanish / EspaƱol
Mortgage Discrimination
(Separate Website)
Mortgage Discrimination The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) protect you against discrimination when you apply for a mortgage to purchase, refinance, or make home improvements.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Shopping for Money Wire Services
(Separate Website)
Five steps you can take to avoid fraud and save money
By: National Consumer Law Center, Inc.
What You Should Know About Refinancing
(Separate Website)
Twelve things to consider before refinancing
By: National Consumer Law Center, Inc.
When Is Your Check Not a Check? Electronic Check Conversion
(Separate Website)
Guidance for consumers on what electronic check conversion is, what rights consumers have, and what consumers can do if there's a problem or error.
By: Federal Reserve Board
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