Self-help information through various links, documents, publications, etc. Check the Community Directory Channel for more resources.
There are 51 resources
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Auto Title Loans
Abusive Lending Website of the Federal Trade Commission
(Separate Website)
This web site contains documents relating to: (1) home equity loans, home equity credit lines and common home equity scams, (2) high rate, high fee mortgages, (3) reverse mortgages, (4) payday loans, and (5) mortgage discrimination. You may view the documents on-line and print them out or print them in PDF format.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Advance-fee Loan Scams
(Separate Website)
Advance-fee loan sharks are preying on unwary consumers, taking their money for the promise of a loan or credit, and leaving them in hot water. The scam artists often impersonate legitimate lenders to entice consumers into falling for their bogus offer.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Auto Title Loans
(Separate Website)
PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center
Avoid Dangerous Loans - Bank on Your Future
(Separate Website)
Questions to Ask About Loans: Does the interest rate change over time? Are there fees for this service? What is the cost of the interest that I will have paid by the end of the loan period? Are the loan documents available in my primary language?
By: Appleseed Foundation
Borrower Beware: The High Cost of Small Loans, Pawn Brokers and Rent-to-Own Stores
(Separate Website)
When you need cash, you should beware of some of the companies and people who make loans. This web page tells you what to watch for when you do business with small loan companies, pawn brokers and rent-to-own stores.
By: National Consumer Law Center
Car Loans
(Separate Website)
Before you say ?yes,? there are many things
you should know to avoid making a bad deal when taking out a loan to buy a car.
By: Appleseed Foundation
Car Loans: Understanding Vehicle Financing
(Separate Website)
Understanding Vehicle Financing
With prices averaging more than $20,000 for a new vehicle and $9,500 for a four-year-old vehicle, most consumers need financing or leasing to acquire a vehicle. In some cases, buyers use ?direct lending:? they obtain a loan directly from a finance company, bank or credit union. In direct lending, a buyer agrees to pay the amount financed, plus an agreed-upon finance charge, over a period of time. Once a buyer and a vehicle dealership enter into a contract and the buyer agrees to a vehicle price, the buyer uses the loan proceeds from the direct lender to pay the dealership for the vehicle. Use this web site to find out more about car loans.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Cashing Checks and Opening Bank Accounts
(Separate Website)
Cashing Checks and Opening Bank Accounts: How to Save Money and Avoid Theft
By: National Consumer Law Center
Consumer Bill of Rights
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
Consumer Debts and the Law
(Separate Website)
Do you owe someone money? Having trouble paying off your debt? This brochure can help you understand your rights as a consumer debtor. PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Bar Association
Personal Financial Education
(Separate Website)
This web site contains information and educational materials about: (1) Consumer Banking, (2) Consumer Protection, (3) Economics, (4) Home and Mortgages, (5) Interest Rates, (6) Loans and Credit, and much much more!
By: Federal Reserve System
66 Ways to Save Money
(Separate Website)
This web site lists many ways to save money in transportation, food, housing, banking and other needs. From the Consumer Literacy Consortium, a working group of representatives from federal and state government agencies, consumer groups, business organizations, and educational institutions that seeks to develop and disseminate essential messages to inform and educate consumers.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Automobile Warranties
(Separate Website)
Lawline FAQ: There are two types of warranties that may come with the purchase of both new and used cars: express warranties and implied warranties. Be sure you know your rights under express and implied warranties, as well as extended warranties and service contracts.
By: South Carolina Bar Association
Automobiles - FTC Web Site for Consumers
(Separate Website)
This web site contains information about buying a new car, buying a used car, leasing a car, renting a car and fuel costs and expenses. The web site also contains information for businesses that sell or lease vehicles.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Automobiles - Lemon Law
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
Buying Selling, or Leasing a Car
(Separate Website)
So, you plan to buy a car. The thought might excite you, or maybe it makes you anxious. But no matter how you feel about it, the bottom line is that you are about to make a major purchase to part with a substantial amount of hard-earned dollars for an item that is going to be around for a while. Here are some tips on making the experience a happy one.
By: American Bar Association
Car Loans
(Separate Website)
Before you say ?yes,? there are many things
you should know to avoid making a bad deal when taking out a loan to buy a car.
By: Appleseed Foundation
Car Loans: Understanding Vehicle Financing
(Separate Website)
Understanding Vehicle Financing
With prices averaging more than $20,000 for a new vehicle and $9,500 for a four-year-old vehicle, most consumers need financing or leasing to acquire a vehicle. In some cases, buyers use ?direct lending:? they obtain a loan directly from a finance company, bank or credit union. In direct lending, a buyer agrees to pay the amount financed, plus an agreed-upon finance charge, over a period of time. Once a buyer and a vehicle dealership enter into a contract and the buyer agrees to a vehicle price, the buyer uses the loan proceeds from the direct lender to pay the dealership for the vehicle. Use this web site to find out more about car loans.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Complaint Services
(Separate Website)
The South Carolina Consumer Protection Code gives the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs' Administrator broad powers and responsibilities to accept all types of complaints dealing with any consumer transaction arising out of the production, promotion or sale of consumer goods and services. The Division of Consumer Services is responsible for processing and evaluating consumer complaints received by the Department. The division endeavors to determine the probable basis and merit of each complaint. The evaluation of each complaint also includes advising consumers of the results of our determination.
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
Comprando un Vehículo Usado (Buying a Used Car)
(Separate Website)
PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center
Adobe Acrobat Reader required. (If you are using a screen reader that does not support PDF format, copy the PDF link, and use the Access Adobe online form to convert this file to HMTL text.)
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Referral Finder
(Separate Website)
