Document Actions
Consumer Rights: Credit
Find local court forms and rules - Use this tool to find and link to the webpages of local courts that contain that court's local rules and forms. Not all courts have a website or have posted local rules or forms to their website.
Free Annual Credit Report Information
- This site allows a consumer to obtain a free credit report every year.
Legal Education
Bankruptcy
-Bankruptcy means filing a petition in federal bankruptcy court asking for protection from those to whom you owe money (creditors).
Consumer and Debtor Rights
-Anyone who buys goods or services is covered under the Ohio Consumer Sales Protection Act. This brochure is published by ProSeniors, a Cincinnati-based organization that provides free legal services to elderly Ohioans.
Credit and Divorce
- This information sheet explains the advantages and disadvantages of individual and joint credit card accounts during and after a divorce.
FTC Enforces Consumer Protection Laws
-The federal government has enacted a number of "consumer protection" laws and regulations which are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Its mission is to eliminate from the marketplace all acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive.
Guard Against Identity Theft
-Identity theft occurs when someone obtains and illegally uses another person’s identifying information.
Laws Protecting Consumers
-Ohio Attorney General website provides information regarding Ohio's consumer protection laws.
Other Resources
Building a Better Credit Record
- This publication from the Federal Trade Commission is designed to help you understand and legally improve your credit report.
FTC Facts: Buying a New Car
- A brochure from the Federal Trade Commission with a worksheet for buying a new car.
How to Out-Smart the Predators
- This article from the Ohio State Legal Services Association provides a detailed explanation on credit, rent-to-own, predatory lending, and credit reports.
HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
- HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues, and reverse mortgages. This page allows you to select a list of agencies for each state.
Keys to Vehicle Leasing: Quick Consumer Guide (Spanish)
- A brochure from The Federal Reserve Board outlining the concerns you should have if you are thinking of leasing a vehicle.
Know Your Rights: Auto Fraud
- A link to the National Association of Consumer Advocates' six quick steps to avoid auto fraud.
Know Your Score
- Flyer from the Consumer Federation of America and Freddie Mac discussing credit scores
Knowing And Understanding Your Credit
- This guide by the FannieMae Foundation explains what credit is and why having good credit is so important.
Payday Lending Overview
- Payday lending is characterized by small-dollar, short-term, unsecured lending to borrowers typically experiencing cash flow difficulties. This article provides additional information about payday lending.
Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft
- Booklet by the Federal Trade Commission discussing steps to take to prevent or react to identity theft.
Cleveland Law Library Association Consumer Law FAQs
- This website contains information on obtaining your credit report, motor vehicle lemon laws, home buying and home ownership, consumer tips for investors in securities and commodities, consumer credit, and other consumer law topics.
Tips on Used Car Buying
- A fact sheet provided by the Federal Trade Commission.
Understanding Vehicle Financing
- A booklet and worksheet prepared by the Federal Trade Commission, the AFSA Education Foundation and the National Automobile Dealers Association.
Your Credit Scores
- The Consumer Federation of America and Fair Isaac Corporation have prepared this pamphlet to help you learn more about credit scores and how they are calculated, and for suggestions about general ways to improve your scores.
Related Library Topics
Bankruptcy
Debt Collection
See More Consumer Rights Topics
| Back to Top of Page | Back to Step 1 |
