AnnualCreditReport.com
Click here to get one free credit report from each of the three major agencies per year.
Avoiding Advance-Fee Loan Scams
Has a lender guaranteed you will get a loan or credit card? Has a lender said it does not matter if you have bad credit or no credit? Read this document for more information about this.
Buying a Used Car
Buying a used car can be confusing and difficult. A quick look may tell you a car is in bad condition, but you can't always tell just by looking. Some dealers hide things from you. Others mislead you. Here are some answers to questions you may have about buying a used car.
Buying a Used Car? Facts for Consumers
Before you start shopping for a car, do some homework. This site covers payment options, dealer sales, warranties, service contracts, private sales, and more. Also in Spanish/Español
Credit Insurance: Is It for You?
The next time you apply for a loan, the lender may ask if you want to buy credit insurance. The lender may even include it in your loan papers. Before you buy it, think about what you are paying - and what you are getting. Read this document for more information.
Dangers of Co-Signing a Loan
Should I co-sign a loan? What happens when I co-sign? If I decide to co-sign despite the risks, what should I do? This document answers these questions.
Dealing with Debt Collection Harrassment
If you are being harrassed by debt collectors, you should consider taking one or more of the eight steps in this brochure. Also in Spanish/Español (You must have a PDF reader on your computer to open this document. To get Adobe’s PDF Reader, click on the Get Adobe Reader icon to download.)
Debt Collection Videos
If you have received court papers from someone who says you owe them money, these videos explain what to expect.
Executions
If you owe money to a person or business and cannot pay, they will try to collect. If a creditor sues you and gets a court judgment, the creditor may have the right to execute against your property. This document explains how a creditor does this and what you can do to protect your property.
Fair Debt Collection Practices
If you use credit cards, owe money on a personal loan or are paying on a home mortgage, you are a "debtor." If you fall behind in making payments, a "debt collector" may call or write to you. Federal law says debt collectors must treat you fairly. This document explains how you are protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Payday Loans (Check Loans)
Some lenders give small cash advances in exchange for a post-dated personal check. They agree to hold these checks until the borrower's next payday. That explains how the loans got their name. This document explains who uses payday loans, why you shouldn't take them out and how you can get the money you need without a payday loan.
Repossessions
If you bought something on credit or put up something you own as collateral, the creditor may have the right to repossess it. Cars are often repossessed. We use a car as an example for repossessions and answer questions about what you can do.
Save Those Papers!
In order to protect your rights, you may need to use papers others have given you. This fact sheet tells you what papers you should save.
Student Aid on the Web
This website has information about student loans, including how to apply, what types of loans are available, and information about repaying your loan. Also in Spanish/Español
Wage Garnishments
This fact sheet explains when someone can garnish your paycheck. It also explains what you can do to stop the garnishment.
Buying a Used Car
Buying a used car can be confusing and difficult. A quick look may tell you a car is in bad condition, but you can't always tell just by looking. Some dealers hide things from you. Others mislead you. Here are some answers to questions you may have about buying a used car.
Credit Insurance: Is It for You?
The next time you apply for a loan, the lender may ask if you want to buy credit insurance. The lender may even include it in your loan papers. Before you buy it, think about what you are paying - and what you are getting. Read this document for more information.
Debt Collection Videos
If you have received court papers from someone who says you owe them money, these videos explain what to expect.