An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.
The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.
Articles
Plain-language advice to help you understand your consumer rights and avoid and report scams.
Is information on your credit report correct — just not so good? No one promising to repair your credit can legally remove information if it’s both accurate and current. But there are steps you can
If you’re looking for a more secure way to use public Wi-Fi, know the benefits and risks of Virtual Private Network (VPN) apps. How VPN Apps Work What To Know Before You Download a VPN App How VPN
Malware is one of the biggest threats to the security of your computer, tablet, phone, and other devices. Malware includes viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other unwanted software that gets secretly
If you want to improve your chances of being hired or promoted, earning a college degree might help. But not all degree programs are real. Though many online schools and distance learning programs are
Vocational schools, also known as trade or career schools, and certificate programs can be a great way to train for a variety of jobs. But not all of these programs are useful or legit, so it’s
Getting a college degree can give you more job options, and might help you make more money. But not every college is the same. Most will give you a valuable education that can help you achieve your
There are lots of ways to protect your personal information and data from scammers. But what happens if your email or social media account gets hacked? Here are some quick steps to help you recover
There are plenty of good reasons to get your high school diploma through an alternative route. It can open doors to a new job or promotion, or help you get into college or the military. But not all
If a debt collector files a lawsuit against you to collect a debt, it’s important to respond — either yourself or through an attorney. And remember, you have rights when it comes to dealing with debt
The internet has been called the information superhighway. But with scammers, hackers, and other bad guys trying to steal your personal information online, it’s a good idea to know how to lock down
Passwords are the locks on your account doors. You keep lots of personal information in your online accounts, including your email, bank account, and your tax returns, so you want good protections in
Wading through your health insurance options and plans can be complex, overwhelming, and confusing. Dishonest companies and scammers know this and use it to their advantage. Instead of getting the
Use this sample letter to dispute incorrect or inaccurate information that a business supplied to credit bureaus. Your letter should identify each item you dispute, state the facts, explain why you
Use this sample letter to dispute mistakes on your credit report. Your letter should clearly identify each item in your report you dispute, state the facts, explain why you dispute the information
Creditors use credit scoring systems to figure out if you’d be a good risk for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages. Phone companies and companies selling auto insurance and home insurance also use
Credit freezes and fraud alerts can protect you from identity theft or prevent further misuse of your personal information if it was stolen. Learn what they do and how to place them. Credit Freezes
You want your credit report to be accurate because it affects whether you can borrow money — and how much you'll pay — to borrow money. It also may affect getting a job or insurance, or renting a
Was your credit or debit card charged for something you returned, ordered but never got, or don’t recognize? Were you charged without your permission, more than you agreed to pay, or for things you
Effective complaint letters explain the problem and how you’d like the company to resolve it. Try to be clear and include only the details you need to describe the problem and the resolution you want