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
How Identity Theft Happens
(Separate Website)
There are many ways that criminals can obtain your personal information. This resource provides information and details on how identity theft may occur and how to prevent identity theft from happening.
By: U.S. Dept of Education, Office of the Inspector General
Reduce Your Risk
(Separate Website)
Identity theft is becoming big business and a very real threat to all of us. Personal information in the wrong hands quickly can cost us. Here are some things you can do to help reduce the chances of being a victim of these scams and thefts.
By: U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of the Inspector General
What To Do If Your Personal Information Has Been Compromised
(Separate Website)
Are you worried about identity theft? If you have received a notice from a bank, credit card company, or other reputable institution informing you that your personal information may have been accidentally disclosed, stolen, or lost, there are some things you can do to minimize the potential for the theft of your identity.
By: Federal Trade Commission
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Fair Debt Collection
(Separate Website)
This web site describes your basic federal rights in connection with debt collectors.
By: U.S. Federal Trade Commission
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
Sixteen Rules About Choosing Which Debts to Pay First
(Separate Website)
You should direct your limited resources to what is most necessary for you or your family-- typically food, clothing, shelter and utility service. Unfortunately, there is no universally applicable list of the order in which debts should be paid. Everyone's situation will be different. Instead what follows are sixteen rules about how to set priorities, from Surviving Debt (National Consumer Law Center, 3rd ed. 1999).
By: National Consumer Law Center
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
Helping People Avoid Predatory Lending Practices
(Separate Website)
By: Freddie Mac
EL Fraude EN CASA
(Separate Website)
For most consumers, their home is the largest single investment they will ever make. Therefore be very careful whom you chose to repair or remodel your home. Includes spotting scams and finding a reputable contractor from the Consumer Protection Division.
By: State of Alaska
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