Finance
Learn about compliance responsibilities for businesses that provide credit or loans to consumers.
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A Common Sense Look At CAN-SPAM 
The CAN-SPAM Act covers virtually all email with the primary purpose of advertising or promoting a commercial product or service – even if it’s not sent in bulk. Have you modified your email to follow the seven simple rules of the CAN-SPAM Act?
Advertising and Marketing on the Internet: Rules of the Road [PDF]
Advertising on the Internet? The rules that apply to other forms of advertising apply to online marketing, too. These standards protect businesses and consumers – and help maintain the credibility of the Internet as an advertising medium.
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.
Advertising FAQ's: A Guide for Small Business [PDF]
Focusing on federal truth-in-advertising standards, this A-to-Z primer is an essential resource for businesses of any size.
Businesses Must Provide Victims and Law Enforcement with Transaction Records Relating to Identity Theft [PDF]
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) spells out rights for victims of identity theft – and responsibilities for your business. Are you complying with the requirement that you provide victims of identity theft and law enforcers with copies of transaction records related to the theft?
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.
Copier Data Security: A Guide for Businesses [PDF]
Does your company keep sensitive data — Social Security numbers, credit reports, account numbers, health records, or business secrets? If so, then you’ve probably instituted safeguards to protect that information. Your information security plans also should cover the digital copiers your company uses.
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.
Disposing of Consumer Report Information? New Rule Tells How [PDF]
Do you use credit reports in your business? To protect the privacy of personal information and reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft, the law requires you to take appropriate steps to dispose of credit reports – and the sensitive information you derive from them.
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.
How To Comply with the Privacy of Consumer Financial Information Rule of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act [PDF]
Financial institutions covered by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act must tell their customers about their information-sharing practices and explain to customers their right to "opt out" if they don't want their information shared with certain third parties. Is your company following the requirements of the Privacy Rule?
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.
In Brief: The Financial Privacy Requirements of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act [PDF]
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires many companies to give consumers privacy notices that explain the institutions' information-sharing practices. Do your privacy notices give a clear, conspicuous, and accurate statement of the company's practices?
Information Compromise and the Risk of Identity Theft: Guidance for Your Business [PDF]
These days, it is almost impossible to be in business and not have personally identifying information about your customers or employees. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it could put them at risk for identity theft. Find out the steps to take and who to contact if sensitive data is compromised.
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.
Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business [PDF] [En español]
Practical tips for business on creating and implementing a plan for safeguarding personal information.
Protecting Personal Information: Five Steps for Business [En español]
Many security breaches could be prevented by commonsense measures that cost companies next to nothing. Follow these five basic principles for securing sensitive customer and employee data.
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?
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.
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