Browse all the Lawforwa Resources on Consumer Law

Resource Description:

Questions answered by the resource:

Automobiles - General Tips
http://www.consumeraction.gov/caw_automobiles_gene
Source: Federal Consumer Information Center, United States General Services Administration

Provides general guidance and links to other websites which provide information on having your vehicle repaired, buying a new or used vehicle, leasing a vehicle, purchasing service contracts, renting a vehicle, and repossession.
full description

• What do I need to know if I am buying, leasing or renting a car?
• I am buying, leasing or renting a car. How can I get a good car and a good deal?
• What should I know about repossession before I take out a loan to buy a car?

Telephone and Telemarketing Fraud Tips
http://www.fraud.org/tips/telemarketing/index.htm
Source: National Fraud Information Center

Detailed description of how to avoid becoming a victim of telephone-related fraud. Included are a general tips and tips regarding specific types of fraud including: advance fee loans, bogus credit card offers, buyers clubs, cramming, credit repair, job scams, Nigerian money offers, prizes and sweepstakes, scholarship scams, work-at-home scams, business opportunities, charity scams, credit card loss protection, investment scams, magazine sales, 900 numbers and pay-per-call services, pyramids and multilevel marketing, slamming, and travel fraud. Some of the tips describe marketing practices that are illegal and list steps consumers should take if they have become a victim of fraud. Also describes how consumers can avoid receiving sales calls. Information is available in Spanish.
full description

• How can I determine if a telemarketing call is legitimate?
• How can I avoid becoming a victim of telemarketing or telephone fraud?
• How can I determine whether a credit card offer/loan offer/job placement service/prize or sweepstakes offer/scholarship search service/charity/business or investment opportunity/magazine offer/travel offer is legitimate?
• How can I get telemarketers to stop calling me?
• There are charges on my phone bill for products or services I did not order or calls I did not make. What should I do?
• My long distances service was switched without my permission. What should I do?

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act- An Overview
http://www.autosafety.org/article.php?did=748&scid
Source: The Center for Auto Safety

Comprehensive description of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a federal statute which provides remedies for failure to honor warranties, including implied warranties, and service contracts for consumer goods, including used goods and motor vehicles. The Act also regulates activities concerning warranties, such as disclosure and disclaimer. Describes what products, warranties, and service contracts are subject to the Act, who can sue and be sued under the Act, grounds for suit under the Act, and available remedies. Includes links to the Act itself and related regulations.
full description

• What federal laws govern warranties and service contracts on consumer products?
• My car/product has stopped working and the manufacturer or seller won't honor the warranty or service contract. Can I return or exchange it?
• What remedies do I have if my car/product has stopped working and the manufacturer or seller won't honor the warranty or service contract?
• What is the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act?

Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC)
http://www.ic3.gov/
Source: FBI

Main Web page for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Internet Fraud Complaint Center ("IFCC"). Describes the IFCC as follows: "For victims of Internet fraud, IFCC provides a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of a suspected criminal or civil violation." From this page, consumers can link to an online complaint form. Also included is a link to tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of Internet fraud. Types Internet fraud covered in the tips include: Internet auctions, non-delivery of merchandise, credit card fraud, investment fraud, and Nigerian letter fraud.
full description

• I bought something over the Internet, but have not received the merchandise or I found out the company does not exist. Who can I complain to?
• How do I file a complaint with the FBI about Internet fraud?
• How do I file a complaint with the IFCC?
• How can I avoid becoming a victim of Internet fraud?
• How can I determine whether an Internet auction is legitimate?
• How can I determine whether a business advertising on the Internet is legitimate?
• Should I use a credit card to make purchases on the Internet?
• If so, what steps should I take to make sure the personal information I provide will be secure?
• How can I determine whether an investment opportunity advertised on the Internet is legitimate?

Prevent Problems
http://www.cybercave.com/Credit/prevent_problems.h
Source: Credit Tutor

Topics on how to prevent credit problems.
full description

• What can I do to protect my credit history?
• How do I prevent credit problems?
• What happens when I make late payments to a creditor?
• How can I avoid being turned over to a collection agency?