Consumer Information Resources
The National Consumer Reporting Association is pleased to provide the the following links and resources for consumers:
Consumer Information Resources
Curbstoning
Nate saved his money for months, taking extra shifts at the restaurant where he worked every chance he could. He could only borrow his roommate’s car for so long, and though the car he noticed parked on the street with a huge For Sale sign on his way to work wasn’t exactly what he was looking for, the price seemed too good to pass. He met the owner of the car on Friday afternoon a couple hours before his evening shift. Kevin seemed like a nice guy.
“The car belongs to my daughter,” he said. “She just got married and doesn’t need it anymore.” Nate can’t believe his luck. Forking over half the cost of what he expected to pay for a used car, ...
Full article on curbstoning - Author Sean Pour
Consumer Credit Education
Watch as consumers ask and get answers to their credit questions!
Man on the Street Video Series
The following information is provided by the Federal Trade Commission. The link below is directly to documents on their website at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/credit/loans.shtm if there is a problem with a link on the FTC's website please contact them.
Microsites
- Getting Credit [en español]
Provides tips on shopping for credit cards, using cards carefully, and keeping your credit record clean. Also explains credit reports and credit scores, how to protect your identity, improve your credit record, and what to do if you are a victim of identity theft. A good source of information for people learning about credit.
- Credit Card Insider
Credit Card Insider is your resource for unbiased consumer and commercial lending options. We are advocates of the responsible use of credit, building and managing your credit history, and making informed decision when selecting a credit card.
Facts for Consumers
- Advance-Fee Loan Scams: 'Easy' Cash Offers Teach Hard Lessons [PDF] [en español]
Provides tips on how to spot a scam and avoid losing your money. Rule number one: Legitimate lenders never "guarantee" or say that you are likely to get a loan or a credit card before you apply, especially if you have bad credit, no credit, or a bankruptcy. 8.5"x11", 2 pages. - Avoiding Credit and Charge Card Fraud [PDF] [en español]
Steps to make it more difficult for a crook to capture your card or card numbers, and how to report losses and fraud. - Before You File for Personal Bankruptcy: Information About Credit Counseling and Debtor Education [PDF]
Advises consumers about the new bankruptcy law requiring credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy and debtor education after filing. - Billed for Merchandise You Never Received? [PDF]
Explains your rights and steps to take to correct the problem. Includes a sample dispute letter. - Building a Better Credit Report [PDF]
Learn how to legally improve your credit report, how to deal with debt, how to spot credit-related scams, and more. - Check 21: Substitute Checks, Electronic Processing and What It Means to You [PDF]
By law, your paper checks can be replaced with copies called "substitute checks" or other electronic items. - Choosing A Credit Card: The Deal is in the Disclosures [PDF]
Explains credit card terms, how your balance is computed, and how to shop for the best deal. Outlines cardholder protections. - Co-signing a Loan [PDF]
Lists your obligations if you decide to cosign on a loan for a friend or relative. At the top of the list: you may have to pay up to the full amount of the debt if the borrower does not pay. - Credit, ATM and Debit Cards: What To Do If They're Lost or Stolen [PDF] [en español]
Outlines procedures for reporting loss or theft, and how to minimize your risk. - Credit and Divorce [PDF]
Encourages recently divorced consumers, and those contemplating divorce, to look closely at issues involving credit. Understanding the different kinds of credit accounts opened during a marriage may help illuminate the potential benefits - and pitfalls - of each.
Credit and Debit Card Blocking [PDF]
Blocking often occurs when you use a credit or debit card to check into a hotel or rent a car. The clerk usually contacts the company that issued your card to give an estimated total. If the transaction is approved, your available credit (credit card) or the balance in your bank account (debit card) is reduced by this amount. Learn why blocking may be a problem, and how to avoid it. - Credit and Your Consumer Rights [PDF] [en español]
Explains credit laws that protect your right to obtain, use, and maintain credit. Offers practical tips to help you solve credit problems. - The Credit Practices Rule
The Rule prohibits many creditors from including certain provisions in consumer credit contracts. It also requires creditors to provide a written notice to consumers before they cosign obligations for others about their potential liability if the other person fails to pay. - Electronic Banking [PDF]
- Electronic Check Conversion [PDF]
Explains how electronic check conversion works. Offers tips on keeping close tabs on your accounts. - Equal Credit Opportunity: Understanding Your Rights Under the Law [PDF] [en español]
A brief summary of the basic provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which prohibits credit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because you get public assistance. 8.5"x11", 6 pages, color. - Fair Credit Billing [PDF] [en español]
The Fair Credit Billing Act establishes procedures for resolving billing errors on your credit card accounts. Includes sample dispute letter. - The Federal Trade Commission Presents Focus on Finances: Preparing For Your Future [PDF]
A newspaper supplement to help educate young people about credit, identity theft, and buying a car. - Fiscal Fitness: Choosing a Credit Counselor [PDF] [en español]
Defines debt repayment plans, explains the differences between secured and unsecured debt, and offers questions to ask credit counseling agencies if you consider using their services. - Foreclosure Rescue Scams: Another Potential Stress for Homeowners in Distress [PDF][en español]
Explains how various foreclosure rescue scams work, and where consumers can find legitimate help. - For People on Debt Management Plans: A Must-Do List [PDF] [en español]
Lists must-dos for anyone with a Debt Management Plan, and the steps to take if the credit counselor handling your DMP has gone out of business. Also offers a list of questions to ask when choosing a credit counselor. - Getting Credit: What You Need to Know About Your Credit [PDF]
Provides tips on shopping for credit cards, using cards carefully, and keeping your credit record clean. Also explains credit reports and credit scores, how to protect your identity, improve your credit record, and what to do if you are a victim of identity theft. A good source of information for people learning about credit. Includes a dedicated website for more information -- www.ftc.gov/gettingcredit. - Getting Credit When You're Over 62 [PDF]
Under the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, it's against the law for a creditor to deny you credit or terminate existing credit simply because of your age. Explains your rights and offers tips for applying for and maintaining credit. - Giving the Bounce to Counterfeit Check Scams [PDF] [en español]
How to recognize, avoid, and report counterfeit check scams. - Gold and Platinum Cards [PDF]
If you're looking for credit, be wary of some 'gold' or 'platinum' card offers promising to get you credit cards or improve your credit rating. Lists tip-offs to rip-offs. - How to Manage Your Mortgage If Your Lender Closes or Files for Bankruptcy [PDF] [en español]
Publication to help consumers evaluate what to expect in today's mortgage market. - Knee Deep in Debt [PDF] [en español]
If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. Tips on getting back in the black. - Mortgage Payments Sending You Reeling? Here's What to Do [PDF] [en español]
For consumers who may be having trouble paying their mortgage. Explains options to help save their homes, and how to recognize and avoid foreclosure scams. 8.5"x11", 4 pages. - Prescreened Offers of Credit and Insurance [PDF]
Many companies that solicit new credit card accounts and insurance policies use prescreening to identify potential customers for the products they offer. 8.5"x11", 4 pages, color. - Need Credit or Insurance? Your Credit Score Helps Determine What You'll Pay [PDF]
Explains the system creditors and insurance companies use to help determine whether to grant you credit or insurance, and on what terms. - Real Estate Marketplace Glossary: How to Talk the Talk [PDF]
This glossary defines a host of terms consumers may encounter when they apply for a mortgage and go through the process of buying a home. 8.5 x 11, 18 pages, color. - Secured Credit Card Marketing Scams [PDF]
A secured card requires you to open and maintain a savings account as security for your line of credit; an unsecured card does not. Describes common advertising and marketing scams for secured credit cards. - Student Loans: Avoiding Deceptive Offers [PDF]
How to spot potentially deceptive claims or business practices some private companies may use to get your student loan business. 8.5"x11", 4 pages, color. - Understanding Vehicle Financing [PDF]
Get the facts on dealership financing - what it is, how you apply, special financing offers, cash back and rebates you may be eligible for, and more. - Utility Credit [PDF]
Summarizes consumers' credit rights when securing utility services.
Consumer Alerts
- Advertisements Promising Debt Relief May Be Offering Bankruptcy [PDF] [en español]
Urges consumers to use caution when reading ads pitching debt relief. Lists what to look out for, and offers tips if you're having trouble paying your bills. - Buying, Giving, and Using Gift Cards [PDF] [en español]
What to look for when buying and using gift cards, especially the terms and conditions of their use. - Credit Card Loss Protection Offers [PDF]
Since your liability for unauthorized charges is limited to $50, there's no need to buy loss protection insurance. - Credit Insurance: Is It For You? [PDF] [en español]
Helps borrowers decide if credit insurance, which is usually optional, is right for them. Explains the four main types of credit insurance and offers shopping tips. - Deceptive Mortgage Ads: What They Say; What They Leave Out [PDF] [en español]
Learn how to recognize mortgage offers that may be less than complete. - Financial Readiness: As Critical as Fully Charged Batteries [PDF]
Tips for financial readiness in case of an emergency. - Holiday Shopping, Circa 2008: Tips from the Federal Trade Commission [PDF]
Tips for creating and sticking to a budget, shopping holiday sale ads, and learning about layaway plans. - How to Be the Class 'Value-Dictorian' [PDF]
Alerts students and recent graduates to important consumer protection tips. - Just When You Thought It Was Safe...Advance-Fee Loan "Sharks" [PDF]
- Payday Loans Equal Very Costly Cash: Consumers Urged to Consider the Alternatives [PDF] [en español]
Explains how these loans work, but cautions that they come at a very high price. Lists alternatives. - The Secrets of Mystery Shopping Revealed [PDF]
Prospective mystery shoppers are targeted by illegitimate companies claiming resources for becoming a mystery shopper, selling false certification and charging for services that can otherwise be sought for free. - Shopping for a Home Equity Loan [PDF]
- Using a Credit Card: Your Rights and Responsibilities [PDF]
Regardless of whether you're using your credit card to buy a laptop or laundry soap, you have rights and responsibilities under the law. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
Tools
- Credit Card Payoff Calculator
Wondering how long it will take to pay off your credit card(s)? Based on the information you provide, the calculator will give you an estimate of how long it will take you to pay off your credit card balance.
Promotional Items
- Money Matters Bookmark [PDF]
A bookmark promoting the FTC website - ftc.gov/MoneyMatters - where consumers can find short, practical tips, videos, and other resources to help them weather tough economic times. 2.5"x 8.5", 2 pages, color.
Articles You can reprint these articles in your newsletter, magazine or website.
- Giving The Bounce To Counterfeit Check Scams [PDF]
How to recognize, avoid, and report counterfeit check scams. - Prescreened Offers Of Credit And Insurance [PDF]
The Federal Trade Commission wants you to know how prescreening works, what opting out means, and how to opt out, if you decide to do so. - Private Student Loans: How to Spot Deceptive Offers [PDF]
How to spot potentially deceptive claims or business practices some private companies may use to get your student loan business. - Recognizing Foreclosure Rescue Scams [PDF]
Explains how various foreclosure rescue scams work, and where consumers can find legitimate help.