Credit
If you extend credit to consumers or are shopping for credit for your business, know your rights and responsibilities.
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Advertising Consumer Leases [PDF]
Does your company advertise consumer leases? This publication focuses on your legal obligations under the Consumer Leasing Act and Regulation M.
Complying with the Credit Practices Rule
If your company is a creditor subject to FTC jurisdiction, the Credit Practices Rules applies to you. Read this guide to find out what the Rule requires and what transactions are covered.
Complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule
If your business or organization uses telemarketing, this in-depth guide is a “must read.” Review the do’s and don’ts to make sure you’re playing by the rules.
Consumer Reports: What Insurers Need to Know [PDF]
When using credit reports to consider whether to underwrite policies, insurers must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Credit Reports: What Information Providers Need To Know [PDF]
If you provide information to a consumer reporting agency – like credit bureaus, tenant screening companies, check verification services, and medical information services – the Fair Credit Reporting Act spells out your legal obligations.
Getting Business Credit [PDF]
Thinking about starting your own business or expanding the one you own? When you shop for a loan or line of credit, the law protects you against discrimination. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from denying you a loan based on reasons that have nothing to do with your credit-worthiness.
Getting Noticed: Writing Effective Financial Privacy Notices [PDF]
Financial institutions are required to explain their privacy practices and tell consumers their rights. An effective privacy notice – one that encourages feedback, is easy to read, and uses graphics – can enhance confidence and trust. Are you communicating effectively with your customers?
How to Write Readable Credit Forms
If your company offers consumer credit, you probably use standard forms and notices. The FTC has “plain English” tips on writing credit forms so your customers can understand them.
Medical Identity Theft: FAQs for Health Care Providers and Health Plans [PDF]
Explains how medical identity theft occurs, and how health care providers and insurers can minimize the risk and help their patients if they’re victimized.
Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule: A Compliance Guide for Business [PDF]
The Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule makes it illegal to charge upfront fees and requires specific disclosures in ads and when you forward a lender’s offer to a homeowner. Are you covered by the Rule? Are you up on your compliance obligations?
Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule: A Compliance Guide for Lawyers [PDF]
The Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule includes specific provisions that address attorneys’ obligations. Learn more about activities that fall within the scope of the rule.
New Rules on Electronic Payments Lower Costs for Retailers [PDF] [En español]
If your business accepts payment by credit or debit card, new rules on electronic payments may help you lower your costs.
New Rules on Electronic Payments Lower Costs for Retailers - Chinese [PDF] [In English]
If your business accepts payment by credit or debit card, new rules on electronic payments may help you lower your costs.
Pay As You Go? 
Payment plans can be convenient for shoppers on a budget. But before businesses extend credit to consumers to finance their purchases, they need to be mindful of the law.
Safeguarding Customers' Personal Information: A Requirement for Financial Institutions [PDF]
The Safeguards Rule requires financial institutions to secure customer records and information. But the law defines “financial institution” broadly to cover many businesses who might not describe themselves that way. If you’re covered by the Safeguards Rule, are your standards up to snuff?
Taking the Lead to Prevent Identity Theft
As many as 10 million Americans a year are victims of identity theft. As consumers, we're all concerned, but businesses should pay particular attention. Because the crime hits you in the pocketbook, it’s time to take the lead in the fight against identity theft.
Using Consumer Reports: What Employers Need to Know
Outlines compliance requirements when you hire new employees, and when you evaluate employees for promotion, reassignment, and retention.
Using Consumer Reports: What Landlords Need to Know [PDF]
Landlords may use credit reports to evaluate rental applications — as long as they follow the provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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