Here are some links to information about credit and debt. Educating yourself about credit and debt can be very valuable when it comes to deciding the best moves to make to get out of debt.
We are constantly adding new links so you may wish to bookmark this page for future visits.
Our Mission
To Shield families and individuals from the assaults by unsecured creditors.
THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT
806. Harassment or abuse [15 USC 1692d]A debt collector may not engage in any conduct the natural consequence of which is to harass, oppress, or abuse any person in connection with the collection of a debt. Without limiting the general application of the foregoing, the following conduct is a violation of this section:
(1) The use or threat of use of violence or other criminal means to harm the physical person, reputation, or property of any person.
(2) The use of obscene or profane language or language the natural consequence of which is to abuse the hearer or reader.
(3) The publication of a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts, except to a consumer reporting agency or to persons meeting the requirements of section 603(f) or 604(3)1 of this Act.
(4) The advertisement for sale of any debt to coerce payment of the debt.
(5) Causing a telephone to ring or engaging any person in telephone conversation repeatedly or continuously with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass any person at the called number.
FAIR DEBT COLLECTION
Special Report on Credit Reports and Credit Scores Your Credit Record: A Report Card on Your Personal Finances
Your credit history can affect your daily life—from where you live and work to how much you pay for a loan or insurance. Here's a guide to protecting your financial reputation. ...
...Important: Even a modest improvement in your credit file and credit score—which can sometimes result from simple corrections to incomplete or erroneous information in your credit report—may be enough to qualify you for a lower interest rate on a mortgage or credit card and save you hundreds of dollars each year in interest payments. On the other hand, if your credit record weakens, you may face consequences associated with becoming a higher risk, including an increase in the interest rate or a reduction in the credit limit on an existing credit card. "Whether you're an A-plus or a D-minus in handling finances, you want to have the best and most accurate report and credit score possible, because even small differences can cost you or save you a bundle of money," says Janet Kincaid, a Senior Consumer Affairs Officer with the FDIC.
Read the whole story here:
http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnwin0203/cvrstry.html
THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
Fair Credit Billing
Have you ever been billed for merchandise you returned or never received? Has your credit card company ever charged you twice for the same item or failed to credit a payment to your account? While frustrating, these errors can be corrected. It takes a little patience and knowledge of the dispute settlement procedures provided by the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).