Library: English | Questions & Answers About Privacy & Your Credit Report

Privacy abuses are on the increase, including credit fraud and identity theft, a fast-growing crime in which an impostor applies for credit under a victim’s name. “Questions and Answers about Privacy and Credit Reports” offers in-depth information on privacy and credit reports, bank accounts and marketing as well as new laws designed to help people better control how their personal information is used.

Library: English | Privacy and Your Credit Report

Our personal financial information is more easily available and far less secure in the computer age than it was in the days of old-fashioned filing cabinets. “Privacy and Your Credit Report” explains why the information contained in your credit report can, in the wrong hands, be used to abuse your privacy. It also explains how California residents have strong privacy rights with new laws and an office of privacy protection.

Library: English | Don’t Fall for the Wrong Call: Protect yourself against telemarketing fraud

Telemarketing fraud — using the phone to swindle and cheat — robs U.S. consumers of about $40 billion a year. Don’t fall for the wrong call, an 8-page, in-depth guide provides information on common tricks and charitable donation scams used by telemarketers, how to answer sales calls, warning signs of fraud, how to protect yourself from unwanted calls, your rights under the law and how you can sue telemarketers who do not honor your wishes not to be called. The guide also contains a listing of complaint handling agencies and other helpful resources.

Library: English | Protect Yourself From Identity Theft: It's Your Good Name!

A factsheet explaining what identity theft is, how to prevent it, and what to do if you are a victim of identity theft.

Library: English | Slammed!: What to do when your long distance service is switched without your permission

This brochure explains what to do if you are “slammed” – if your long distance service is switched without your permission. Slamming is prohibited by federal and state law. Includes the new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) consumer protection rules to help you if you’ve been slammed.

Library: English | Don’t get ripped off by a bad private vocational school

An easy-to-read brochure about private trade schools, federal school loans and what to do if your school closes. This publication includes phone numbers for all state licensing agencies for private vocational schools, as well as helpful contacts at the federal level, including the U.S. Dept. of Education.

Library: English | Keeping Your Bank & Credit Card Accounts Safe from Fraud: A manual for community-based organizations

A manual designed to help staff members of community-based organizations educate their clients about avoiding fraud in banking and credit card transactions. Topics covered include banking on the Internet, avoiding financial scams, identity theft and using ATMs. Includes resources for victims of fraud.

Library: English | Preventing Credit Card Fraud: Learn how to protect yourself

A brochure that describes how crooks steal and use credit cards and card numbers, and also describes how to protect your card and what to do if your card has been stolen.

Library: English | Credit Repair Scams: They Make Your Money Disappear

An illustrated fact sheet that describes what a credit report is and how to find out what is in your credit report. Explains how to correct inaccurate information in your report and advises caution with credit repair companies and guaranteed credit claims.

Library: English | Questions and Answers About Home Equity Loan Fraud: CBO leader's guide to accompany 'Don't Lose Your Home: How to Avoid Home Equity Loan Fraud' fact sheet

A manual for community and consumer advocates working to educate senior, low income and minority home owners about the dangers of home equity loan fraud. Topics covered include home improvements, hiring a contractor, warning signs of fraud and the possibility of losing your home through a home equity loan.