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Unfair Sales Practices and Consumer Fraud
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Warning: Self-Help Resources are NOT legal advice and may not apply to your case.  Please talk to a lawyer about the facts of your case.

 
There are 111 resources
    Page 1 of 3
   2011 Consumer Action Handbook This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Includes how to be a savvy consumer, how to file a complaint, and the consumer assistance directory.
By: United States General Services Administration
  
   
   5 Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure Scams This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
  
   
   5 Tips for Protecting Your Home from Foreclosure This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)

By: The Federal Reserve Board
  
   
   A Consumer Guide to Filing Construction Complaints This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)

By: California State License Board
  
   
   A Note to Homeowners - Foreclosure Rescue Scams and Loan Modification Scams This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
A message from the Federal Trade Commission to help homeowners avoid scams that claim to be able to "rescue" homeowners from foreclosure.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Ads for International Drivers' Licenses or Permits Could Be a Dead End (Separate Website)
Consumer Alert
By: Federal Trade Commission
  
   
   Advance-Fee Loan Scams: "Easy" Cash Offers Teach Hard Lessons This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
If you're asked to pay a fee for the promise of a loan or credit card, you can count on the fact that you're dealing with a scam artist.
By: Federal Trade Commission
  
   
   Advance-Fee Loan Scams: ?Easy? Cash Offers Teach Hard Lessons (Separate Website)
Signs of advance-fee loan scams and finding low-cost help for credit problems.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   After A Disaster, Don't Get Scammed! This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
A guide to avoiding contractor scams in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
By: Contractors State License Board

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Auction Guides: Not So Hot Properties (Separate Website)
Facts for Consumers
By: Federal Trade Commission
  
   
   Avoiding Credit and Charge Card Fraud This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Steps to take to guard against credit or charge card fraud and information about reporting losses.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Banking On Your Investments (Separate Website)
A pamphlet alerting consumers to the fact that investments are not federally insured - even if you buy them at your bank.
By: Consumer Action

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Before You Add Someone To Your Title (Separate Website)
A fact sheet that lists several points to consider before adding someone to the title of your home.
By: Consumer Action

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Beware of Dishonest Immigration Consultants This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)

By: National Consumer Law Center

    Read this in: Chinese / 中文 , Korean / 한국어 , Russian / Pусский , Spanish / Español , Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
  
   
   Billed for Merchandise You never Received? Here's What To Do This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Information about procedures consumers can take so they don't have to pay for merchandise ordered but were never received.
By: Federal Trade Commission
  
   
   Building or Repairing Your Credit with a Secured Credit Card (Separate Website)
This booklet explains what to look for when shopping for a secured credit card-and what to avoid.
By: Consumer Action

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   California's Lemon Law (Separate Website)
Protection for New and Used Car Buyers
By: Consumer Action

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Can The Client Security Fund Help You? (Separate Website)
You may be eligible for reimbursement if your lawyer has stolen from you.
By: The State Bar of California
  
   
   Check Cashing and Payday Lending This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
How to save money and protect your rights.
By: Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center
  
   
   Complaint Resolution Program This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
The Program is responsible for resolving consumer complaints. Complaints are assigned to a representative, who will assist in resolving the complaint.
By: State of California Department of Consumer Affairs

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Consumer Connection Magazines (Separate Website)
Magazine from the California Department of Consumer Affairs that contain current and relevant information, including consumer protection and scams, for California consumers.
By: California Department of Consumer Affairs
  
   
   Consumer Help After a Disaster (Separate Website)
The last thing a disaster victim needs is to be caught up in a consumer scam. But scam artists often move in after disasters, when victims are most vulnerable. Even people outside the disaster area can be victimized by charity scams.
By: California Department of Consumer Affairs
  
   
   Cramming: Mystery Phone Charges (Separate Website)
Facts for Consumers
By: Federal Trade Commission
  
   
   Credit Repair Scams: They Make Your Money Disappear (Separate Website)
Explains how to correct inaccurate information in your report and advises caution with credit repair companies and guaranteed credit claims.
By: Consumer Action

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Cross-Border Scams (Separate Website)
Facts and information about foreign scams and how to file complaints.
By: OnGuardOnline.gov
  
   
   Deceptive Mortgage Ads: What They Say; What They Leave Out (Separate Website)
Deceptive Mortgage Ads: What They Say; What They Leave Out
By: Federal Trade Commission
  
   
   Deceptive Mortgage Ads: What They Say; What They Leave Out This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)

By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Diversity Visa Lottery: Read the Rules, Avoid the Rip-Offs This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Consumer Alert
By: Federal Trade Commission
  
   
   Don't Be a Victim of Loan Fraud (Separate Website)
Tips to protect yourself from predatory lending.
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Don't Fall For The Wrong Call (Separate Website)
Protect yourself against telemarketing fraud
By: Consumer Action

    Read this in: Chinese / 中文 , Korean / 한국어 , Spanish / Español , Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
  
   
   Elder Abuse Awareness (Separate Website)
What is elder abuse and what are the indicators?
By: Central California Legal Services, Inc.
 
  
   
   Elder Financial Abuse (Separate Website)
Defines elder financial abuse. Describes indicators, preventative measures, and remedies for financial abuse
By: Central California Legal Services, Inc.
 
  
   
   Elder Fraud Guide: Recognizing Con Games that Target Seniors (Separate Website)
This manual provides the answers to questions about the many scams that target seniors.
By: Consumer Action
  
   
   Facts for Consumers - The Seminar Pitch: A Real Curve Ball This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Consumer alert about investment sales pitch.
By: Federal Trade Commission
  
   
   Fair Credit Billing (Separate Website)
Have you ever been billed for merchandise you returned or never received? Has your credit card company ever charged you twice for the same item or failed to credit a payment to your account?Here is information about the dispute settlement procedures provided by the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Fighting Back Against Identity Theft This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Facts for Consumers
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   For People on Debt Management Plans: A Must Do-List This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)

By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Foreclosure Rescue Scams: Another Potential Stress for Homeowners in Distress This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Information about fraudulent foreclosure rescue scams and where to find help.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Fradulent Sales of Goods and Services in California This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
What is the law? And what are your rights?
By: Inland Counties Legal Services - Riverside office
 
    Read this in: Korean / 한국어 , Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
  
   
   Fraud Alert: Fake "legal aid" wants your money This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
Senior Legal Fact Sheet
By: California Senior Legal Hotline - Legal Services of Northern California
 
  
   
   Frequently Asked Questions about Check Conversion (Separate Website)
Includes: How can I prove that I made the payment? What happens if I disagree with the billing company, store or other business?
By: NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Getting the Best Value from Prepaid Phone Cards (Separate Website)
How do prepaid phone cards work? Where can I buy a card? Common fees and charges. Avoiding fraud.
By: Consumer Action

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Glossary of Legal Terms (Separate Website)
A Glossary of terms from the California Courts Self-Help Center
By: Administrative Office of the Courts

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Going to Court Without a Lawyer - Representing Yourself in Court (Separate Website)
Whatever the reason, you have the right to represent yourself, to be your own lawyer in all cases in California. It is very important that you learn about what is at stake in your case.
By: Administrative Office of the Courts

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   'Gold' and 'Platinum' Cards: Facts for Consumers This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
If you're looking for credit, be wary of some "gold" or "platinum" card offers promising to get you credit cards or improve your credit rating.
By: Federal Trade Commission
  
   
   Help In Managing Your Financial Affairs This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
Senior Legal Fact Sheet
By: California Senior Legal Hotline - Legal Services of Northern California
 
  
   
   Help Wanted....Finding A Job This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Information about scams and fraudulent employment service firms and how to protect yourself.
By: Federal Trade Commission
  
   
   Home Mortgages: Understanding the Process and Your Right to Fair Lending (Separate Website)
This brochure explains about dealing with mortgage lenders. It tells you where to look, what to look for, and what takes place when you apply for a mortgage. You'll also learn about your legal rights to fair lending and what you have a right to expect in fair treatment.
By: The Federal Reserve Board
  
   
   Homeowners, Protect Yourself From Home Repair Fraud This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Know your rights
By: Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
 
  
   
   Home-Use Tests for HIV Can Be Inaccurate (Separate Website)
Consumer Alert
By: Federal Trade Commission
  
   
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