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Avoiding Credit and Charge Card Fraud
[PDF version]
Steps to make it more difficult for a crook to capture your card or card numbers, and how to report losses and fraud.
Billed for Merchandise You Never Received?
[PDF version]
Explains your rights and steps to take to correct the problem. Includes a sample dispute letter.
Choosing and Using Credit Cards
[PDF version]
Explains credit card terms, how your balance is computed, and how to shop for the best deal. Outlines cardholder protections.
Cosigning a Loan
[PDF version]
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 version]
Outlines procedures for reporting loss or theft, and how to minimize your risk.
Credit and Divorce
[PDF version]
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 version]
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 version]
Explains credit laws that protect your right to obtain, use, and maintain credit. Offers practical tips to help you solve credit problems.
Credit Card Loss Protection Offers
[PDF version]
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 version]
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.
The Credit Practices Rule
[PDF version]
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.
Easy Credit? Not So Fast. The Truth About Advance Fee-Loan Scams
[PDF version]
Tells you 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.
Equal Credit Opportunity
[PDF version]
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits the denial of credit because of your sex, race, marital status, religion, national origin, age, or because you receive public assistance.
Fair Credit Billing
[PDF version]
The Fair Credit Billing Act establishes procedures for resolving billing errors on your credit card accounts. Includes sample dispute letter.
Fair Debt Collection
[PDF version]
Answers commonly asked questions about your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. It prohibits debt collectors from using unfair or deceptive practices to collect overdue bills that your creditor has forwarded for collection.
Getting Credit: What You Need to Know About Your Credit
[PDF version]
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 Web page for more information -- www.ftc.gov/gettingcredit.
Getting Credit When You’re Over 62
[PDF version]
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.
Gold and Platinum Cards
[PDF version]
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.
Payday Loans = Costly Cash
[PDF version]
Explains how these loans work, but cautions that they come at a very high price. Lists alternatives.
Ready, Set... Credit
[PDF version]
For consumers who are about to get their first credit card. Explains how to qualify for a card, get the best deal, and manage your account. Stresses the importance of a good credit history. Discusses federal consumer protections.
Secured Credit Card Marketing Scams
[PDF version]
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.
Understanding Vehicle Financing
[PDF version]
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.
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