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Consumer Protection Laws - Credit and Debt

The federal government has passed a number of important credit laws to help protect your rights to gain, utilize, and maintain credit. Not only do these laws protect your right to a fair and equal opportunity to receive credit, but also help resolve disputes over credit errors, and offer assistance in resolving credit and debt problems. Learn about the four most significant credit and debt laws.


Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA):
The ECOA protects consumers from credit discrimination based on sex, race, marital status, religion, national origin, age, or receipt of public assistance. Although creditors are allowed to request this information in some situations, they cannot use this information to discriminate against you when deciding whether or not to give you credit. The ECOA also applies to businesses that are applying for credit.


Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA):
The accuracy and privacy of information contained in your consumer credit reports is protected by the FCRA. It requires all consumer reporting agencies (CRAs), such as credit bureaus, to supply complete and correct information to other businesses for use in evaluating your credit application.
 
Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and Electronic Fund Transfer Act(EFTA):
The FCBA and EFTA set up guidelines for resolving any inaccuracies credit billing and electronic fund transfer account statements.


Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA):
The FDCPA protects consumers with debt problems from abusive, unfair, or deceptive treatment from debt collectors when collecting debts. The FDCPA applies to personal, family, and household debts, including car loans, medical care costs, and charge accounts.

For additional information on these laws and other consumer and credit-related rights, visit the Federal Trade Commission's web site at www.ftc.gov.



Related Article: Fair Credit Reporting Act >>
The Learning Center
Credit
Fair Credit Reporting Act Equal Credit Opportunity Act Fair Credit Billing Act and Electronic Fund Transfer Act What is Credit? How Credit Bureaus Work Personal Credit Report - A Financial History What is a Credit Score? Keeping an Eye on your Personal Credit History How Do I Clean Up My Credit Report? Choosing the Best Credit Repair Services TransUnion - Credit reporting agency Experian - A Leading Credit Bureau Equifax - Personal Credit Solutions
Debt
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Selecting a Debt Management Program or Debt Counseling Service Finding the Right Debt Consolidation Agency
Personal Finance
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