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Resources and References
Document 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: Document  Espanol 
Other Topics: Loans 
Document 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: Document  Espanol 
Other Topics: Consumer 
Document Choosing a Career or Vocational School - Brochure - FTC - Private career or vocational schools offer a wide variety of training programs: dental assistant; hair stylist; secretary; paralegal; truck driver, to list just a few. While many of these schools are reputable and teach the needed skills, others make promises they do not deliver. Learn more about precautions and identifying deceptive practices, so you can help protect yourself. 
Other Topics: Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices  Vocational Education 
Document Choosing a Vocational School - FTC Information - A private vocational or correspondence school can be an excellent starting point for furthering your career. But some may not be so trustworthy. Learn more to protect yourself and find the right school, with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission. 
Other Topics: Vocational Education 
Document Flood Victims booklet - WV Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division - In this booklet the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division has outlined common scams that typically surface after the flood waters recede. The best protection is knowledge.  
Document Funerals: A Consumer's Guide - FTC Information - When a loved one dies, grieving family members and friends often are confronted with dozens of decisions about the funeral - all of which must be made quickly and often under great emotional duress. The increasing trend toward pre-need planning - when people make funeral arrangements in advance - suggests that many consumers want to compare prices and services. Learn more about your choices and protections with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission. 
Other Topics: Contracts/Warranties 
Document Gamble Too Much? - Brochure - Learn the warning signs that may indicate a problem with gambling. Connect with sources of help in West Virginia so you can overcome a gambling problem.  
Document Home Repair After a Disaster - FTC Information - If your house has been damaged by natural disaster - flood, fire, snow/ice - chances are you're on the hunt for a reputable contractor. Enter the home repair rip-off artist, who may overcharge, perform shoddy work or skip town without finishing your job. Look here for information on how to avoid the scam artist, or reporting fraud and abuse. Provided by the US Federal Trade Commission  
Other Topics: Contracts/Warranties 
Document Home on Wheels: Helping Mobile Home Owners Stay Put - Mobile homes are an important source of housing for older Americans. Learn about he most common problems mobile home owners face, with this information from the National Consumer Law Center. 
Other Topics: Other Senior Citizens  Mobile Home Parks 
Document Making a Buck: Employment and Work-at-Home Information - If you’re out of work these days, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, scam artists are out there, preying on consumers like you who are just trying to make an honest buck. Click on these links from the Federal Trade Commission for help in finding out what you can expect from federal and postal job "services" and many work-at-home "opportunities," and for information about your rights when it comes to fair debt collection.  
Other Topics: Other Employment 
Document Manufactured Housing Frequently Asked Questions - Having a problem with your mobile home, or "manufactured housing"? Look at these FAQs posted by the WV Division of Labor for more information.  
Other Topics: Mobile Home Issue 
Document Medicare Part D Solicitations: Words to the Wise About Fraud - Information about the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan is in the news just about every day. Unfortunately, not everyone who contacts you about the new drug plan has the best intentions. Scam artists are reportedly contacting seniors claiming to represent a Medicare Part D provider, when all they really want is personal information to commit financial fraud. Learn more and protect yourself with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.  
Other Topics: Part D prescription drug benefit 
Document Modeling Agency Scams - Brochure - FTC - This brochure will give you tips on how to detect and avoid fraudulent modeling schemes and tell you where you can go for help if you become a victim of a scam. Written by the Federal Trade Commission. 
Other Topics: Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices 
Document Problem Gambler Help Network of WV - Brochure - Frequently asked questions and helpful information from the "Problem Gambler Help Network of West Virginia." They also offer a 24-hour toll-free help line. 
Document Shopping for Money Wire Transfer Services - brochure - If you're sending money "by wire" to a creditor or another person, you should be careful about how much you're paying. Some cost a LOT more than others. Learn more steps to protect yourself when using Money Wire Transfer services, with this brochure posted on the web site of the National Consumer Law Center. 
Also available: Document  Espanol 
Document Unauthorized Charges "Crammed" Onto Your Phone Bill - FTC Information - Under the terms of a recent settlement involving unauthorized charges on telephone bills, some consumers may be eligible for a refund. The charges may have been for website design, voice mail, club memberships, hospital phone rental, other "enhanced" services, or 900 number services that were "crammed" onto phone bills. Find out more with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.  
Other Topics: Telephone 
Document Unordered Merchandise - FTC Information - What do you do when you receive merchandise that you didn’t order? According to the Federal Trade Commission, you don’t have to pay for it. Federal laws prohibit mailing unordered merchandise to consumers and then demanding payment. Learn more about your rights with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission. 
Other Topics: Contracts/Warranties 
 
Forms
Document Pre-Need Funeral Contract Complaint Form - WV Attorney General - Do you have a problem or a dispute regarding a pre-need funeral contract? You can file a complaint with the WV Attorney General Consumer Protection Division, and they may be able to help you work out a resolution. Click here for the Pre-Need Funeral Complaint form. 
Other Topics: Contracts 

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