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| Resources and References |
Avoiding Home Equity Scams - FTC Information
- You could lose your home and your money if you borrow from unscrupulous lenders who offer you a high-cost loan based on the equity you have in your home. Check this information to help avoid the scam artist. Provided by the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Credit Access
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Borrower Beware: Small Loans, Pawn Brokers and Rent-to-Own Stores
- Learn about the high cost of different forms of "small loans." For example, Payday Lenders, Pawnbrokers, or Rent-to-own stores. Brochure from the National Consumer Law Center.
Also available:
 Espanol
Other Topics:
Other Consumer
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Dealing With Debt Collection Harassment
- Information from the National Consumer Law Center, describing eight steps you can take to help deal with Debt Collection Harassment. This is a link to the web site of the National Consumer Law Center.
Also available:
 English brochure
 Spanish brochure
Other Topics:
Collection/Repossession
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Don't Pay to Borrow Your Own Money: Tax Refund Antic
- Think you're getting an instant tax refund? Beware! You may be getting a high-priced "loan" against your tax refund that just means less money for you. Learn more with this brochure from the National Consumer Law Center, describing "Refund Anticipation Loans." This is a link to the web site of the National Consumer Law Center.
Also available:
 Espanol
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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:
Consumer
Collection/Repossession
Credit Practices/Credit Reports
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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:
Consumer
Collection/Repossession
Credit Practices/Credit Reports
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High-Cost Home Loans: Don't Be a Target - brochure
- There are lots of ways that abusive lenders may try to sell you a high-priced loan you can't afford. Learn more about them, and how to avoid them, in this brochure of information from the National Consumer Law Center. This is a link to the web site of the National Consumer Law Center.
Also available:
 Espanol
Other Topics:
Door To Door Solicitation/Home Solicitation Sales
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Home Equity Credit - FTC Information
- Using a credit line to borrow against the equity in your home has become a popular source of consumer credit. Some may have large one-time upfront fees, others have closing costs, and some have continuing costs, such as annual fees. If you're considering a Home Equity loan, look at this information and review the checklist at the end. Provided by the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Credit Access
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Home Equity Loans: The 3-Day Cancellation Rule - FTC Information
- If you’re considering applying for a personal loan and using your home to guarantee repayment, you should know that a federal credit law gives you three days to reconsider a signed credit agreement and cancel the deal without penalty. Find out more with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Credit Access
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Mortgage Discrimination - FTC Information
- The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) protect you against discrimination when you apply for a mortgage to purchase, refinance, or make home improvements. Find out more with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Civil Rights
Discrimination
Homeownership
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Private Mortgage Insurance - FTC Information
- If you put less than 20 percent down on a home mortgage, lenders often require you to have Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). But under federal law, after you have paid 22% of the equity, you may have the right to cancel the extra cost for the PMI. Find out more with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
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Reverse Mortgages - FTC Information
- Whether seeking money to finance a home improvement, pay off a current mortgage, supplement their retirement income, or pay for healthcare expenses, many older Americans are turning to “reverse” mortgages. They allow older homeowners to convert part of the equity in their homes into cash without having to sell their homes or take on additional monthly bills. But there are good and bad ones, and some are scams. Find out more with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Homeownership
Contracts/Warranties
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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
Consumer
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The Truth About Advance-Fee Loan Scams - FTC Information
- Advance-fee loan sharks are preying on unwary consumers, taking their money for the promise of a loan or credit, and leaving them in hot water. Ads and promotions for advance-fee loans suggest — or even “guarantee” — that there’s a high likelihood that a loan will be approved, regardless of the applicant’s credit history. But to take advantage of the offer, the consumer has to pay a fee. Learn more with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices
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What You Should Know About Debt Collection
- This brochure provides a summary of your rights when dealing with debt collectors, and guidelines for deciding which debts should be given priority ina financial crisis. From the National Consumer Law Center.
Other Topics:
Collection/Repossession
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