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| Resources and References |
Better Business Bureau - filing a complaint
- Have a dispute with a business? One option is to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, which may try to help you and the business reach an agreement. Click here to link to the "file a complaint" page for the Better Business Bureau office that covers West Virginia.
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Cashing Checks and Opening Bank Accounts: How to Save Money and Avoid Theft
- If you don't use a bank account to cash checks and pay bills, chances are you are paying TOO MUCH to do these things. Learn more about alternatives to 'check cashing places' and money orders as a way of handling your money. Brochure of information posted on the web site of the National Consumer Law Center.
Also available:
 Espanol
Other Topics:
Other Consumer
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Consumer "Frequently Asked Questions" in WV - Attorney General's Office
- The Consumer Protection Division of the WV Attorney General's office has a lot of FAQs on its website. These cover a wide range of subjects, from Bad Checks to Hearing Aids to Home Improvement Scams to Used Cars to Debt Collection Violations, and many more. We can only link you to the WV Attorney General's home page. From that page you'll have to click on "For Consumers" and then on "FAQs" to get to the information.
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Consumer Law Borchures - Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
- The "Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project" (NEDAP) has posted a wide range of consumer law brochures and FAQs, in English and Spanish. Issues include Credit Reports, Debt Collection, Defending Collection Suits, and more. Click here to go to their web site with the brochures.
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Exempting Wages and Property from Legal Collection
- You may be able to protect some or all of your wages, or your personal property, from being garnished to pay a judgment debt. West Virginia law allows a Head of Household to protect certain items of property from being taken, even for payment of a valid legal judgment. Learn more about the protections and the limitations.
Also available:
 Printable pamphlet
 Form to Claim Exemption
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Getting Professional Assistance With Your Debt Problems
- Link to the web site of the national Consumer Law Center for this excerpt from their excellent book “Guide to Surviving Debt.” Learn more about finding the right lawyer, or working with a good credit counselor.
Also available:
 Order a copy of “Guide to Surviving Debt”
Other Topics:
Collection/Repossession
Credit Practices/Credit Reports
Loans
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Guide to Surviving Debt - Book
- Link to the web site of the National Consumer Law Center for information about the Fifth Edition (2006)of their book "Guide to Surviving Debt." US News & World Report called it "A gold mine on topics like how to handle collectors, which debts to pay first, and how collection lawsuits work." The book costs $20.00.
Other Topics:
Collection/Repossession
Credit Practices/Credit Reports
Loans
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Hoax Targeting Elderly African-Americans: FTC Information
- Flyers proclaiming "Social Security reimbursement for slave reparations" are circulating in many Southern and Midwestern African-American communities. In fact, they are attempting to trick people into revealing personal identifying information that could, in turn, cost them money or damage their credit ratings. Protect yourself, and find out more, with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices
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Magazine Subscription Scams - FTC Information
- Beware of telephone sales pitches for "free," "pre-paid" or "special" magazine subscription deals. An impulse purchase could leave you with years of monthly payments for magazines you may not want or could buy for less elsewhere. Learn how to protect yourself with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Contracts/Warranties
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Money Matters - "Women and The Law" 2007 Edition
- This chapter of Women and the Law: A Legal Rights Handbook, Online Edition, gives women information about matters that affect their finances. Topics included are the importance of obtaining and keeping good credit; identity theft; consumer protection laws, including the “lemon law”; automobile, health, homeowners, and life insurance; pensions; and taxes, among them federal income, West Virginia income, gift, estate, and property taxes. Produced by the Women’s Commission and the Women Lawyers Committee of the WV State Bar.
Other Topics:
Insurance
Credit Access
Credit Practices/Credit Reports
Income Taxes
Taxation
Pensions
Women & The Law
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National Fraud Information Center
- A web site coordinated by the National Consumers League. Get information, or submit a complaint, about a range of types of consumer fraud: telemarketing, internet fraud, scams against elders, counterfeit drugs, and others.
Other Topics:
Privacy/Identity Theft
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Sixteen Rules About Which Debt to Pay First
- Link to the web site of the national Consumer Law Center for this excerpt from their excellent book “Guide to Surviving Debt.” Guidance about how to set “debt priorities” that will be best for you and your family.
Also available:
 Order a copy of “Guide to Surviving Debt”
Other Topics:
Collection/Repossession
Credit Practices/Credit Reports
Loans
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Solving Consumer Problems - FTC Information
- No doubt you've purchased a product or service that you weren't happy with. Rather than accepting the situation, take action. After all, businesses want to keep you happy so you'll keep coming back. Learn more about some simple strategies for resolving a problem you may have with a product or service, with information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
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Tell It to the FTC: Toll-Free - FTC Information
- The FTC has made it easy for consumers to report a fraud to the law enforcement agency through a toll-free Consumer Help Line, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The line is staffed by counselors from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. Learn more about the complaint line with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
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Test Your Knowledge - Your Rights under WV Consumer Laws
- What are your rights under West Virginia's Consumer Laws? Knowledge is power and it may mean the difference between being taken advantage of in the marketplace as a consumer. Empower yourself with the knowledge you need to combat fraud, scam, and others. Test your knowledge to better prepare yourself against consumer fraud in the real world. Click here to go to the WV Attorney General's "Consumer Knowledge" page, to learn about your rights in West Virginia.
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Web Site - National Consumer Law Center
- The National Consumer Law Center has been, for more than 30 years, one of the leading voices for consumer protection in America. Connect to their web site for helpful information, brochures, books and publications, reports, and all sorts of consumer information.
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Website - WV Attorney General's Office
- This is a link to the WV Attorney General's web site. On that site, click "For Consumers" to go to the Consumer Protection & Anti-Trust Division. There you will find much helpful information about consumer rights and protections.
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| Forms |
Complaint Form - WV Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
- The first step for consumers who have been a victim of unlawful practices in the purchases of goods and service is to fill out the Consumer Complaint Form and return it to the West Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. If you have questions or need assistance filling out this form, please call the Consumer Hotline at 1-800-368-8808.
Also available:
 Instructions for Complaint Form
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Motor Vehicle Complaint Form - WV Attorney General Consumer Protection
- Do you have a complaint about a car or truck that you bought in West Virginia? Or about the dealer that sold it? You can file a complaint with the WV Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. That office may be able to help you work out a resolution with the seller. Click here to get the Motor Vehicle Complaint form.
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