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PROBLEMS |
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What is the best way to dispute
an erroneous or fraudulent charge? |
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You need to complain right away
and you need to do it in writing. Tell the company that you dispute the
charge, why you dispute it and provide any supporting documentation.
This letter should never be enclosed with the bill. You need to find out
where the company accepts correspondence about billing problems; it is
probably a different address than where you send your payment. |
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CREDIT/CREDIT REPORTS |
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How long does negative
information stay on my credit report? |
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Negative information that is
accurate can stay on your credit report for seven years. A bankruptcy
can stay for 10 years. |
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Is there anything I can do to
stop getting those pre-approved credit card offers in the mail? |
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The credit reporting industry
has established a toll-free hotline at 1-888-567-8688 that you can call
to opt out of pre-approved credit card mailings. One call does it all!
You can opt out for two years or permanently, so listen to all the
options on the message before you make your choice. You can also do this
online at
www.optoutprescreen.com. |
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NOTE: Because the credit bureau identifies you by your Social Security
number, to opt out, you will have to provide this information. In this case,
that’s nothing to worry about, because you made the call and you know who
you are dealing with. |
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Where do I contact the 3 big
credit reporting agencies? |
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Experian
Equifax Options
Trans Union Corporation |
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CAR REPAIR |
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How do I pick a good repair
shop? |
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The best time to look for an auto repair
facility is before you need one, when you have the time to shop around.
In looking for an auto repair facility, ask for recommendations. The
best referrals are from family and friends who have had positive
experiences with a repair facility. Look for a shop that is a member of
AAA or the Better Business Bureau.
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DEBT COLLECTION |
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Can a debt collector keep
contacting me if I don’t owe them money? |
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Federal regulations say a
collector may not contact you if within 30 days after you receive the
written notice you send the collection agency a letter stating you do
not owe money. Collection activities can begin again if you are sent
proof of the debt, such as a copy of a bill for the amount owed. |
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What is a debt collector
prohibited from doing? |
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According to the Federal Trade
Commission a debt collector may not “harass, oppress, or abuse you or
any third parties they contact.” That means they cannot: use threats of
violence, use obscene or profane language, or “repeatedly use the
telephone to annoy someone.” They are also prohibited from making “false
or misleading statements.” For instance, they cannot: say you will be
arrested if you don’t pay your debt, use a false name, or send you
something that looks like an official government document when it is
not.
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here for more information on your debt collection rights. |
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JUNK MAIL |
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Is there any way to reduce the
amount of solicitations I get mailed? |
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You can reduce the amount of
unsolicited national advertising mail you receive at home by using the
Direct Marketing Association’s
DMAChoice Mail Preference Service. |
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TELEPHONE/TELEMARKETING |
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Can telemarketers call me
anytime they want? |
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No. According to federal
regulation a telephone salesperson cannot call you before 8:00 AM or
after 9:00 PM in your time zone. Click
here for more information about your telemarketing rights. |
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Can I put my cell phone number
on the National Do Not Call Registry? |
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Yes. Residential or cell phone
numbers are accepted; business numbers are not.
Click
here to register a phone number. |
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Will putting my number on the
National Do Not Call registry stop all telemarketing calls? |
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No. It should stop most calls
designed to sell something, but not all. Calls for charities, political
organizations and telephone surveys are still allowed. Of course, you always have the right to tell any
caller that you want to be put on that company’s own do not call list.
Click
here for more about the National Do Not Call Registry. |
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UNCLAIMED FUNDS |
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How do I find out if there’s
“lost money” waiting for me? |
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Every state has millions of dollars in unclaimed funds that are there for
the asking, if you are the rightful owner.
Click
here for Washington State’s web site.
If you’ve lived in any other state, you might want to check there, too.
Click here for the national database at NAUPA (National Association of
Unclaimed Property Administrators). |
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I got a mailing from a company
that says they’ve located funds that belong to me, but they want money
upfront. What should I do? |
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There are lots of offers like this. There are people who make a living
matching up unclaimed funds with their rightful owners, but many of these
offers are scams. Legitimate unclaimed funds locators do not ask for money
in advance. They collect their fee after you get your loot. |
