Credit Reports and Credit Cards
Financial Protection Assistance
Offers information on various financial topics, empowering consumers with knowledge on banking, loans, credit, fraud prevention, and more.
Disputing Credit Card Charges
It takes a little patience and knowledge of the dispute settlement procedures provided by the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).
Financial Protection Assistance
Offers information on various financial topics, empowering consumers with knowledge on banking, loans, credit, fraud prevention, and more.
Applying for an ITIN to pay taxes and build credit without a SSN
Please note that the IRS has recently agreed to share ITIN information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (https://www.epi.org/policywatch/ice-and-irs-reach-agreement-to-share-taxpayer-information-of-suspected-undocumented-immigrants/) Please confirm your best next steps with an immigration lawyer if you are concerned about your immigration status.
Building Credit Without a Social Security Number
Lenders typically require a Social Security number when you apply for a credit account. However, if you opened an account without an SSN and the lender reports its accounts to Experian, the account should still appear on your credit report, helping you establish credit.
Dealing with Errors on Your Consumer Report
You have the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information in any consumer report prepared about you by a consumer reporting agency (CRA) including credit reporting agencies (credit bureaus) and specialty agencies (check writing history, medical records, rental history).
New U.S. Immigrants with No Credit Can Establish Good Credit and Obtain a Loan
A resource article aimed at immigrants who lack U.S. credit history, explaining strategies to build credit (such as secured credit cards, credit-builder loans, reporting rent/utilities) and the importance of establishing a credit record for financial inclusion.
Financial Protection Assistance
Offers information on various financial topics, empowering consumers with knowledge on banking, loans, credit, fraud prevention, and more.
Financial Protection Assistance
Offers information on various financial topics, empowering consumers with knowledge on banking, loans, credit, fraud prevention, and more.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
ADR Types and Benefits. The Judicial Council of California has created a video series with descriptions of different kinds of dispute resolution and where each might be helpful.
Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees
In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.
Consumer Reports and Specialty Reports
Did you know that credit reports aren't the only kind of background check out there? You have the right to see what is collected about you and to dispute inaccurate information. They can impact your ability to get phone coverage, insurance, a bank account, or even jobs and housing!
Dealing with Errors on Your Consumer Report
You have the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information in any consumer report prepared about you by a consumer reporting agency (CRA) including credit reporting agencies (credit bureaus) and specialty agencies (check writing history, medical records, rental history).
Debt Collection - Know Your Rights
Thanks to laws enacted in California and nationwide, there are rules that debt collectors and buyers must abide by. In addition, these laws establish rights for consumers that these companies cannot violate. Here are some of the rights you have as a consumer. This page has some of the rights you have as a California consumer.
Debt Settlement Traps!
This .pdf resource shares what to know before you hire a debt settlement company.
Financial Protection Assistance
Offers information on various financial topics, empowering consumers with knowledge on banking, loans, credit, fraud prevention, and more.
Get Real Debt Help!
Having trouble paying your credit card bills? Is your home in danger of foreclosure? Many people are struggling with debts. Ads from companies offering to help may be tempting, but beware – it could be a trap that will leave you worse off than before. Learn how to avoid scams and get real help with your debt problems. This resource has more information on possible options for debt relief! Note that this resource has information on federal legal protections. You may have additional rights under California law. Click "Find Legal Help" to find an attorney to see how this applies to your situation.
Protect Yourself From Fraud Resources to Help You Achieve Financial Security
A consumer-education booklet produced by the DFPI that explains how to spot and avoid financial fraud and scams, safeguard personal data, understand your rights, and where to turn for help — essentially a fraud-prevention starter kit for Californians.
Tenant Background Checks and Your Rights
Are you looking for a new place to live or about to renew your lease? If so, you may want to know that a landlord, property manager, or other housing provider may ask a tenant background check company — also called a tenant screening company — to put together a report about you and other members of your household. That’s called a tenant background check, resident screening report, or tenant screening report. Landlords often use these reports to decide whether to rent to you. This article includes information about tenant background checks and your rights related to them.
Debt Collection - Know Your Rights
Thanks to laws enacted in California and nationwide, there are rules that debt collectors and buyers must abide by. In addition, these laws establish rights for consumers that these companies cannot violate. Here are some of the rights you have as a consumer. This page has some of the rights you have as a California consumer.
Consumer Reports and Specialty Reports
Did you know that credit reports aren't the only kind of background check out there? You have the right to see what is collected about you and to dispute inaccurate information. They can impact your ability to get phone coverage, insurance, a bank account, or even jobs and housing!
Credit Cards - Disputing a Charge
Guidance from the California DOJ on how to dispute unauthorized or incorrect credit-card charges, including timelines and what kinds of claims (billing errors, seller-failures) you can raise.
Disputing Credit Card Charges
It takes a little patience and knowledge of the dispute settlement procedures provided by the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).
Fixing Your Credit - Frequently Asked Questions
Is there information on your credit report that's correct — just not so good? No one promising to repair your credit can legally remove information if it’s both accurate and current. Sometimes companies will say they can help, but many are scams. Still, there are ways to fix mistakes and improve your credit. Here’s what you need to know about fixing your credit. You can address many issues with your credit report on your own, for free! Check out this information before seeking professional help or in addition to support from a legal aid attorney.
Sample Letter for Disputing Credit or Debit Card Charges
A resource from the FTC providing a template letter and instructions you can use to formally dispute mistaken or unauthorized card charges.
Using Credit Cards and Disputing Charges
Overview of credit-card rights and responsibilities: how to use a credit card wisely, what issuers must do, and how you can dispute billing errors under federal law.
Credit Cards - Disputing a Charge
Guidance from the California DOJ on how to dispute unauthorized or incorrect credit-card charges, including timelines and what kinds of claims (billing errors, seller-failures) you can raise.
Debt Settlement Traps!
This .pdf resource shares what to know before you hire a debt settlement company.
Get Real Debt Help!
Having trouble paying your credit card bills? Is your home in danger of foreclosure? Many people are struggling with debts. Ads from companies offering to help may be tempting, but beware – it could be a trap that will leave you worse off than before. Learn how to avoid scams and get real help with your debt problems. This resource has more information on possible options for debt relief! Note that this resource has information on federal legal protections. You may have additional rights under California law. Click "Find Legal Help" to find an attorney to see how this applies to your situation.
New U.S. Immigrants with No Credit Can Establish Good Credit and Obtain a Loan
A resource article aimed at immigrants who lack U.S. credit history, explaining strategies to build credit (such as secured credit cards, credit-builder loans, reporting rent/utilities) and the importance of establishing a credit record for financial inclusion.
Protect Yourself From Fraud Resources to Help You Achieve Financial Security
A consumer-education booklet produced by the DFPI that explains how to spot and avoid financial fraud and scams, safeguard personal data, understand your rights, and where to turn for help — essentially a fraud-prevention starter kit for Californians.
Scams and Financial Hardships: Resources for Victims of Financial Crimes
portal listing brochures, alerts and support for victims of online financial crimes, including steps on reporting losses, credit issues, and protecting yourself from future cyber-fraud.
Using Credit Cards and Disputing Charges
Overview of credit-card rights and responsibilities: how to use a credit card wisely, what issuers must do, and how you can dispute billing errors under federal law.
Credit Cards - Disputing a Charge
Guidance from the California DOJ on how to dispute unauthorized or incorrect credit-card charges, including timelines and what kinds of claims (billing errors, seller-failures) you can raise.
Protect Yourself From Fraud Resources to Help You Achieve Financial Security
A consumer-education booklet produced by the DFPI that explains how to spot and avoid financial fraud and scams, safeguard personal data, understand your rights, and where to turn for help — essentially a fraud-prevention starter kit for Californians.
Questions and Answers about Credit Card Fraud
Recognizing, preventing, and dealing with fraud.
Sample Letter for Disputing Credit or Debit Card Charges
A resource from the FTC providing a template letter and instructions you can use to formally dispute mistaken or unauthorized card charges.
Scams and Financial Hardships: Resources for Victims of Financial Crimes
portal listing brochures, alerts and support for victims of online financial crimes, including steps on reporting losses, credit issues, and protecting yourself from future cyber-fraud.
Using Credit Cards and Disputing Charges
Overview of credit-card rights and responsibilities: how to use a credit card wisely, what issuers must do, and how you can dispute billing errors under federal law.
Free Credit Reports
You can (and should!) request your credit report from each of the three main credit reporting agencies for free every year. You are entitled to one copy from each agency, but right now, they are voluntarily offering weekly free credit reports. You should only check your own credit and only if you have a social security number issued by the U.S. government or an ITIN that you have used to build credit. Do not check a minor's credit on this website.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
ADR Types and Benefits. The Judicial Council of California has created a video series with descriptions of different kinds of dispute resolution and where each might be helpful.
Applying for an ITIN to pay taxes and build credit without a SSN
Please note that the IRS has recently agreed to share ITIN information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (https://www.epi.org/policywatch/ice-and-irs-reach-agreement-to-share-taxpayer-information-of-suspected-undocumented-immigrants/) Please confirm your best next steps with an immigration lawyer if you are concerned about your immigration status.
Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees
In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.
Building Credit Without a Social Security Number
Lenders typically require a Social Security number when you apply for a credit account. However, if you opened an account without an SSN and the lender reports its accounts to Experian, the account should still appear on your credit report, helping you establish credit.
Consumer Reports and Specialty Reports
Did you know that credit reports aren't the only kind of background check out there? You have the right to see what is collected about you and to dispute inaccurate information. They can impact your ability to get phone coverage, insurance, a bank account, or even jobs and housing!
Credit Cards - Disputing a Charge
Guidance from the California DOJ on how to dispute unauthorized or incorrect credit-card charges, including timelines and what kinds of claims (billing errors, seller-failures) you can raise.
Dealing with Errors on Your Consumer Report
You have the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information in any consumer report prepared about you by a consumer reporting agency (CRA) including credit reporting agencies (credit bureaus) and specialty agencies (check writing history, medical records, rental history).
Debt Collection - Know Your Rights
Thanks to laws enacted in California and nationwide, there are rules that debt collectors and buyers must abide by. In addition, these laws establish rights for consumers that these companies cannot violate. Here are some of the rights you have as a consumer. This page has some of the rights you have as a California consumer.
Debt Settlement Traps!
This .pdf resource shares what to know before you hire a debt settlement company.
Disputing Credit Card Charges
It takes a little patience and knowledge of the dispute settlement procedures provided by the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).
Financial Protection Assistance
Offers information on various financial topics, empowering consumers with knowledge on banking, loans, credit, fraud prevention, and more.
Fixing Your Credit - Frequently Asked Questions
Is there information on your credit report that's correct — just not so good? No one promising to repair your credit can legally remove information if it’s both accurate and current. Sometimes companies will say they can help, but many are scams. Still, there are ways to fix mistakes and improve your credit. Here’s what you need to know about fixing your credit. You can address many issues with your credit report on your own, for free! Check out this information before seeking professional help or in addition to support from a legal aid attorney.
Free Credit Reports
You can (and should!) request your credit report from each of the three main credit reporting agencies for free every year. You are entitled to one copy from each agency, but right now, they are voluntarily offering weekly free credit reports. You should only check your own credit and only if you have a social security number issued by the U.S. government or an ITIN that you have used to build credit. Do not check a minor's credit on this website.
Get Real Debt Help!
Having trouble paying your credit card bills? Is your home in danger of foreclosure? Many people are struggling with debts. Ads from companies offering to help may be tempting, but beware – it could be a trap that will leave you worse off than before. Learn how to avoid scams and get real help with your debt problems. This resource has more information on possible options for debt relief! Note that this resource has information on federal legal protections. You may have additional rights under California law. Click "Find Legal Help" to find an attorney to see how this applies to your situation.
New U.S. Immigrants with No Credit Can Establish Good Credit and Obtain a Loan
A resource article aimed at immigrants who lack U.S. credit history, explaining strategies to build credit (such as secured credit cards, credit-builder loans, reporting rent/utilities) and the importance of establishing a credit record for financial inclusion.
Protect Yourself From Fraud Resources to Help You Achieve Financial Security
A consumer-education booklet produced by the DFPI that explains how to spot and avoid financial fraud and scams, safeguard personal data, understand your rights, and where to turn for help — essentially a fraud-prevention starter kit for Californians.
Questions and Answers about Credit Card Fraud
Recognizing, preventing, and dealing with fraud.
Sample Letter for Disputing Credit or Debit Card Charges
A resource from the FTC providing a template letter and instructions you can use to formally dispute mistaken or unauthorized card charges.
Scams and Financial Hardships: Resources for Victims of Financial Crimes
portal listing brochures, alerts and support for victims of online financial crimes, including steps on reporting losses, credit issues, and protecting yourself from future cyber-fraud.
Tenant Background Checks and Your Rights
Are you looking for a new place to live or about to renew your lease? If so, you may want to know that a landlord, property manager, or other housing provider may ask a tenant background check company — also called a tenant screening company — to put together a report about you and other members of your household. That’s called a tenant background check, resident screening report, or tenant screening report. Landlords often use these reports to decide whether to rent to you. This article includes information about tenant background checks and your rights related to them.
Using Credit Cards and Disputing Charges
Overview of credit-card rights and responsibilities: how to use a credit card wisely, what issuers must do, and how you can dispute billing errors under federal law.