July 2020 • Issue 1, Volume 11 • www.consumer-action.org
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What people are saying
It is so vital to have someone to support the consumer; businesses typically always win against a single individual. Thanks for being there and supporting us.
-Consumer Action hotline user, via email
Did you know?
The "big three" credit reporting agencies--Equifax, Experian and TransUnion--are now giving consumers access to free weekly online credit reports through April 2021. (The free reports used to be available only once per year.) Taking this opportunity to stay on top of ever-evolving credit reports can help you to effectively manage your personal finances, since doing so allows you to monitor your credit and payment history--information that lenders and creditors consult when reviewing your applications for loans and other forms of credit. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to access copies of your reports. Be careful when answering the authentication questions, however--if you choose an inaccurate response, you will have to request your reports by snail mail.
Inoculate yourself against the spread of COVID cons with SCAM GRAM
If you're not getting our free monthly e-newsletter on the latest scams and fraud, now is the time to sign up! SCAM GRAM is essential reading; as COVID-19 cases sweep the globe, sick scammers adopt terrible new tactics to isolate you from your money. Boost your immunity! Read more...
Coronavirus concerns: Overcoming housing discrimination (and even despair)
Consumer Action hosted a webinar on fair housing in the age of coronavirus, featuring experts who spoke on the importance of knowing your rights as a tenant (even if you become ill), as well as how to cope with the many stressors that may be impacting your mental health. Read more...
Hotline Chronicles: Crooked deals and shady sales abound on Craigslist
Craigslist is a useful place to find jobs, make connections, and buy and sell items, but before using the platform, it's important to understand the various scams you might encounter. The case of this Minnesota man who was sharp enough to notice a fraud attempt can help you avoid similar scams. Read more...
New publications put social media users on the path to privacy
Two new fact sheets on customizing social media privacy controls--one devoted entirely to Facebook and the other to the options available on more than a half dozen of the other most popular platforms--give users the knowledge to make wise choices when it comes to their online presence. Read more...
Coalition Efforts: Opposing anti-consumer, industry-friendly moves
Consumer Action often joins its allies in letters, comments and complaints calling for change, standing up for consumer rights, supporting or opposing proposed laws and objecting to corporate misbehavior, among other activities. We collect these in the Coalition Efforts section of our website. Each month in the INSIDER we highlight some recent activities. Read more...
CFPB Watch: Limited student debt relief; new task 'farce' is no joke
In this regular feature, we detail recent actions taken by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This month, we report on the relief for bilked student loan borrowers that "almost was," extended assistance for those struggling to pay their rent or mortgage, and a controversial new CFPB taskforce consumer advocates dubbed the "task 'farce'." Read more...
Class Action Database: Rainbow Light pays for heavy metals in its prenatals
Consumer Action maintains a database of class actions so that interested consumers can learn more, join a pending action or make a claim. Class action lawsuits are an important element of consumer protection and can force changes to anti-consumer business practices and make bad actors return ill-gotten gains to consumers. Read more...
About Consumer Action
Consumer Action has been a champion of underrepresented consumers nationwide since 1971. A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Consumer Action focuses on consumer education that empowers low- and moderate-income and limited-English-speaking consumers to financially prosper. It also advocates for consumers in the media and before lawmakers to advance consumer rights and promote industry-wide change.
By providing consumer education materials in multiple languages, a free national hotline, a comprehensive website (www.consumer-action.org) and annual surveys of financial and consumer services, Consumer Action helps consumers assert their rights in the marketplace and make financially savvy choices. More than 6,000 community and grassroots organizations benefit annually from its extensive outreach programs, training materials and support.
Consumer Action ©2020
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