Plain-language advice to help you understand your consumer rights and avoid and report scams.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 258
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Includes a list of contacts and practical steps to help you get your finances back on track after a weather emergency.
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What To Know About Prescreened Offers for Credit and Insurance
Companies sometimes try to get new customers by sending “prescreened” offers.
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What To Do if a Debt Collector Sues You
If a debt collector files a lawsuit against you to collect a debt, it’s important to respond — either yourself or through an at
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How To Organize Your Important Papers Before a Disaster Strikes
When it comes to preparing for weather emergencies or other disasters, financial readiness is as important as a flashlight with fully charged batteries. Leaving your home can be stressful, but knowing that your personal and financial documents are up to date, in one place, and easy to find can make a big difference. Here’s how to organize important papers before a disaster strikes.
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Stalkerware: What To Know
Do you think an abusive partner or ex is monitoring you through your phone? They might be using stalkerware to secretly track your device activity. Learn more about stalkerware, how to tell if it’s on your device, and what to do if it is.
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Fixing Your Credit FAQs
Here’s what to know about how to dispute errors on your credit report and avoid credit repair scams.
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Solving Problems With a Business: Returns, Refunds, and Other Resolutions
Disappointed by a product or service?
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Sample Customer Complaint Letter
Are you looking to write an effective complaint letter? It's helpful to explain the problem and say how you want the company to resolve it.
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How To Avoid a Government Impersonation Scam
Scammers pretend to be from government agencies like the FTC, Social Security Administration, and IRS — or say they're calling about your Medicare benefits. Learn the signs and avoid the scam.
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Did a Lender Offer Less Favorable Terms or Deny You Credit?
Did you apply for credit and get turned down? Or did a lender offer you less favorable terms for credit? If so, they have to give you a notice with certain information. Improving your credit may take some time, but taking some steps will help you do it.
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How To Avoid Immigration Scams and Get Real Help
Learn where to go for legitimate immigration help and avoid dealing with a scammer.
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How To Get Generic Drugs and Low-Cost Prescriptions
Prescription drugs can be expensive, especially if you’re taking several medications. Using generic drugs is one way to save money.
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Renting a Car
Comparing prices online can save you a bundle when you rent a car. Learn how to compare the total cost — not just the advertised price. Fees and options can increase the base price dramatically.
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Auto Trade-Ins and Negative Equity: When You Owe More than Your Car is Worth
Some car dealers advertise that, when you trade in your car to buy another one, they’ll pay off the balance of your loan. No matter how much you owe. But what if you owe more than the car is worth? That’s called “negative equity,” and the dealer’s promises to pay off your loan may be misleading. Learn how negative equity works and how to deal with it.
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Scammers Use Fake Emergencies To Steal Your Money
Someone calls or contacts you saying they’re a family member or close friend. They say they need money to get out of trouble. Not so fast. Is there really an emergency? Is that really your family or friend calling? It could be a scammer.
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Robocalls
If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it's a robocall. Robocalls trying to sell you something are almost always illegal. Many are also probably scams. Here’s what to know about robocalls and what to do about them.
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Cosigning a Loan FAQs
When you cosign a loan for a friend or family member, you put your finances and creditworthiness on the line. Here’s what you need to know before you cosign a loan.
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Trouble Paying Your Mortgage or Facing Foreclosure?
If you don’t make your loan payments, you might owe extra fees, damage your credit score, and lose your home. Find out how to get legitimate help.
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Veterans Pension and Disability Benefits
Dishonest advisers try to get veterans to transfer their assets so they appear to qualify for Aid & Attendance benefits but don’t inform them of the negative implications.