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Articles
Plain-language advice to help you understand your consumer rights and avoid and report scams.
Do you owe back taxes and don’t know how you’re going to pay them? Tax relief companies say they can lower or get rid of your tax debts and stop back-tax collection. They say they’ll apply for IRS
Is a debt collector calling? What can you do? What are your rights? The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) makes it illegal for debt collectors to use abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices
After a relative dies, the last thing a grieving family member wants is a call from a debt collector asking them to pay a loved one’s debt. Here’s what to know about the rules and your rights when a
Scammers promise to make changes to your mortgage loan or take other steps to save your home, but they don’t deliver. Never pay a company upfront for promises to help you get relief on paying your
Reverse mortgages are a way for older homeowners to borrow money based on the equity in your home. Here’s what to know about the potential risks, how reverse mortgages work, and how to get the best
Your card may be declined for a number of reasons: the card has expired; you’re over your credit limit; the card issuer sees suspicious activity that could be a sign of fraud; or a hotel, rental car
Do you have a legal settlement related to your disability that gives you regular payments? If you need more money in a hurry, you might consider working with a company that offers to give you quick
Dealing with your mortgage can feel confusing and frustrating. But you have rights when it comes to making your payments and how your servicer manages your account. What Is a Mortgage Servicer? How To
Fill in the details of this sample letter to raise questions or dispute charges with your servicer. You might wish to send this letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. [Date] [Your
Ready to buy a house? Shop around for mortgage loans by getting details and terms from several lenders or mortgage brokers. Use our Mortgage Shopping Worksheet to help you compare loans and prepare to
How you handle credit and paying your bills is an Important factor in your credit history and affects how much you will pay to get credit. When it comes to using a credit card, you have rights and
If you’re worried about how to get out of debt, here are some things to know — and how to find legitimate help. What You Can Do On Your Own Credit Counseling Debt Settlement Debt Consolidation Loans
If your credit, ATM, or debit card is lost or stolen, federal law limits your liability for charges made without your permission, but your protection depends on the type of card — and when you report
Discriminating against someone who’s trying to get a mortgage loan is against the law. Know your rights and what to do if you suspect discrimination. Fair Lending Laws and Your Rights Before and
Federal law gives you protections when you deal with any organizations or people who regularly extend credit. That includes, for example, banks, small loan and finance companies, retail and department
We hear a lot about credit — credit reports, credit scores, credit freezes, credit monitoring. What does it all mean for you? Your credit matters because it affects your ability to get a loan, a job
Some scammy debt relief companies will say just about anything to get your money. They promise to get you a lower credit card interest rate, claiming to be able to save you thousands of dollars but
If you’re thinking about getting a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit, shop around. Compare financing offered by banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and mortgage companies. Shopping