In order to protect yourself, you need to understand your rights and the laws that cover your credit issues.

Consumer Protection Laws – What rights do you have under the law and where can you find out more information?

• Consumer Financial Rights - Brief descriptions of federal and state laws, and the complaint filing process.

What are your rights when a creditor calls?

• Fair Debt Collection (www.ftc.gov)

How can you put an end to receiving unwanted telephone calls and "junk" mail solicitations?

• Unsolicited Mail, Telemarketing and Email: Where to go to "Just Say No" (www.ftc.gov)

If you want more specific information; here are direct links to the laws:

• Equal Credit Opportunity Act
  Prohibits credit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, martial status, religion, national origin, age or receipt of public assistance.
• Fair Credit Billing Act
  Establishes procedures for the prompt correction of errors on open-end credit accounts. It also protects a consumer's credit rating while the consumer is settling a dispute.
• Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
  Requires debt collectors to treat you fairly by prohibiting certain methods of debt collection.