The FDIC and the other federal banking regulators listed on "For General Information from Financial Regulators" have publications, Web sites, staff and other resources that can help answer your questions about credit and your rights as a consumer.

The Federal Trade Commission enforces a number of federal laws concerning consumer credit and nonbank companies, such as credit bureaus. For general information, including consumer brochures and procedures for filing a complaint involving your credit files or an identity theft, call toll-free 877-FTC-HELP—that's 877-382-4357—or go to www.ftc.gov.

Other consumer information from the federal government, including publications available from the Federal Citizen Information Center (call toll-free at 888-878-3256 or go to www.pueblo.gsa.gov) and the Web site FirstGov for Consumers (www.consumer.gov).

Your state government also may offer assistance and information to people having credit-related problems. Contact your state's Attorney General's office or consumer protection office as listed in your phone book or other directories, or visit your state's official Web site.