Home Improvement Scams Alert
(Separate Website)
Many low-income elderly homeowners are targeted by scam artists who use high pressure tactics to sell unneeded and overpriced contracts for "home improvements." Often these scam artists charge more than their quoted prices or their work does not live up to their promises. When the senior refuses to pay for shoddy or incomplete work, the contractor or an affiliated lender threatens foreclosure on the senior's home. In an effort to fight such scams, the National Consumer Law Center focuses this issue of Consumer Concerns for Older Americans on the practices of unscrupulous home improvement contractors. This article concerns information about "Deceptive Sales Tactics", "Deceptive Financing Schemes", "Problems With Contracted Work", and Issues to Consider When Problems Occur.
By: National Consumer Law Center
How Can I Stop Creditors From Harassing Me?
By: Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Alaska's Lemon Law
(Separate Website)
The Lemon Law (AS 45.45.300) provides protection to buyers of new motor vehicles. If a new vehicle turns out to be defective and has not been properly repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the law requires a refund or replacement vehicle
By: Alaska Department of Law, Consumer Protection
Automobile Repair Act - AS 45.45.130 - AS 45.45.240
(Separate Website)
The Alaska Statutes regarding the laws governing the repair, estimate of repairs, notices, charges, authorizations for repairs, and other important laws concerned with automobile repairs.
By: State of Alaska
Dealing With Utility Companies Regarding Disputed Bills and Utility Deposits
(Separate Website)
This covers several subjects, The Public Utilities "Duty to Serve", Billing Disputes, Deposit Requirements, Information About Affordability Programs, Contacting Your State Utility Commission and much more.
By: National Consumer Law Center
Repossession of Your Vehicle
These frequently asked questions help you to understand what may or may not be done when your vehicle has been repossessed. Your rights and responsibilities are addressed as are the rights and responsibilities of the repossessing creditor.
By: Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Complaint Instructions: Better Business Bureau
(Separate Website)
This site explains how to make a complaint, links to the different type of complaint forms, what complaints the BBB does not handle, what happens when a complaint is filed, and how to respond to a complaint.
By: Better Business Bureau
Better Business Bureau Complaint Info
(Separate Website)
BBB Dispute Resolution Services:
In a marketplace where billions of sales take place daily, some errors and misunderstandings are bound to occur. Better Business Bureaus act as a neutral third parties to help consumers and businesses resolve marketplace disputes.
Provide information about charity groups and organizations;
Help resolve consumers' disputes with businesses through telephone conciliation, mediation and arbitration; and
Promote ethical business standards and voluntary self-regulation of business practices.
By: Better Business Bureau
Identity Theft
(Separate Website)
Being a student does not safeguard you against identity theft, one of the fastest growing consumer crimes in the nation. Identity thieves don't steal your money; they steal your name and reputation and use them for their own financial gain. They attempt to steal your future! Identity theft literally steals who you are, and it can seriously jeopardize your financial future.
By: U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Inspector General
What You Should Know About Your Credit Report
If you have ever applied for a credit card, a personal loan, insurance, or a job, there is probably a company keeping a credit file or credit report about you. This file contains information about where you live and work, how you pay your bills, or whether you have been sued, arrested, or have filed for bankruptcy.
By: Alaska Legal Services Corporation
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