Consumer Action

Freeze Your Credit File

2008-05-14T13:12:00Z

A credit file "security freeze" is a preventive tool to help you avoid identity theft and to block imposters from using your personal information to establish credit. This publication explains how to "freeze" your credit file, which prevents new credit from being established in your name until you temporarily or permanently lift the freeze.

Internet Commerce Issue [Spring 2008]

2008-05-08T15:32:00Z

This issue of Consumer Action News covers many aspects of doing business online, including payment methods, privacy, tips for security, Internet auctions, favorite e-tailer sites and sources of advice and information.

CONSUMER GROUP response to Fed credit card rules

2008-05-05T16:13:00Z

Representatives of national consumer organizations, including Consumer Action, applauded federal banking regulators for proposing initial rules to curb some abusive credit card lending practices. The groups also called on Congress to provide additional consumer protections not proposed by the regulators.

CONSUMER ACTION on the need for financial literacy

2008-04-19T14:05:00Z

April is Financial Literacy Month. The House Financial Services Committee, chaired by Rep. Barney Frank, held a hearing on financial literacy and education on April 15 to examine the effectiveness of governmental and private sector initiatives. Consumer Action has submitted a statement for the record at today’s hearing.

CREDIT CARD HORRORS? Click here to tell us!

2008-04-18T22:10:00Z

Consumer Action wants to hear your credit card horror stories. We are especially interested in your experiences with fees, interest rate hikes, over limit transactions, late payment charges, credit limit reductions and other problems. We offer free advice and referrals for your problems. By sharing your stories, you can help us fight these practices in Congress and in the media.

CONSUMER JUSTICE Caucus forms in Congress

2008-04-18T01:24:00Z

Consumer and civil rights advocates were invited to an April 16 press conference held by Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) to launch the Congressional Consumer Justice Caucus.

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION: Understand your options

2008-04-11T14:32:00Z

If you are faced with foreclosure, you can work to save your home—or at least limit the financial damage caused by foreclosure—if you understand your options and take the appropriate steps.

Understanding Debit Cards

2008-04-01T15:40:00Z

Debit cards look similar to credit cards, but they work differently. This publication explains how they work, what consumer protections exist and how cardholders can address problems with billing and unauthorized use.

State Credit Freeze Chart

2008-03-27T21:57:00Z

Consumer Action has prepared a chart listing guidelines for placing a "security freeze" on your credit file.

Be Careful Where You Get Credit - Powerpoint Slides

2008-03-27T18:03:00Z

This presentation is a companion to the brochure "Watch Where You Get Credit," which compares various sources of credit—from credit unions to pawn shops.

Watch Where You Get Credit

2008-03-26T21:29:00Z

This publication explains the various sources of credit—from credit unions to pawn shops—and includes warnings about credit that consumers might want to avoid.

CONGRESS HEARS credit card abuse stories

2008-03-12T23:27:00Z

Three people out of thousands who have contacted Consumer Action for help with credit card problems will be witnesses at the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit hearing on March 13 titled “The Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights: Providing New Protections for Consumers.”

CREDIT CARD COALITION supports Senate bill

2008-03-12T21:59:00Z

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) was joined by consumer group representatives—including Consumer Action—as he announced a sweeping plan to put an end to deceptive practices and irresponsible marketing by some credit card companies.

List of Toll Free Numbers for California Lifeline Service

2008-03-06T00:40:00Z

Useful list of toll free numbers to give out to consumers while teaching the California Lifeline module.

California Lifeline Glossary of Terms

2008-03-06T00:26:01Z

Detailed description of various federal and state assistance programs.

California Lifeline Quiz

2008-03-06T00:05:01Z

To help you engage your audience while teaching the California Lifeline module, Consumer Action’s outreach and training staff has developed a set of interactive training materials and handouts.

NEW PUBLICATION: Understand your credit score

2008-02-27T16:48:01Z

Your credit score is a “snapshot” of your credit history that is used by lenders, insurers and others to assess your creditworthiness and the likelihood that you will pay your bills and repay outstanding loans. This new publication from Consumer Action explains how to learn your score, how to interpret it and how to maintain or improve it.

Understanding Your Credit Score

2008-02-26T19:45:01Z

Your credit score is a "snapshot" of your credit history that is used by lenders, insurers and others to assess your creditworthiness and the likelihood that you will pay your bills and repay outstanding loans. This publication explains how to learn your score, how to interpret it and how to maintain or improve it.

IRS ALERT: No tax due on forgiven mortgage debt

2008-02-22T00:18:01Z

The Internal Revenue Service has issued information about how taxpayers should handle forgiven mortgage debt when filing their taxes for 2007.

Discounts for consumers with no prescription drug program

2008-02-19T14:24:00Z