Your Credit Card Rights

Think resolving credit problems is as difficult as
finishing a five-star Sudoku puzzle? Then check out Credit
Card Rights, a new, informative package of publications
from AARP, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Federal
Citizen Information Center. It's filled with helpful tips
and advice on how you can protect your credit history and
fix any errors that may occur.

Your credit report includes information on where you live,
how you pay your bills, whether you've been sued or
arrested, or if you have filed for bankruptcy. And mistakes
on it can affect your ability to get insurance, a loan, an
apartment, or even a job. That's why it's important for you
to check your credit report annually with all three of the
nationwide consumer reporting agencies. Find out how to
order your free report and what to do if you discover
inaccurate information with this useful package.

You should also be on the look out for errors on your
credit card statements. Billing errors include incorrect
credits for payments, charges that you didn't make, and
charges for goods or services that you didn't receive or
that weren't as promised. Under the Fair Credit Billing
Act, you have the right to contest the mistake within 60
days after the bill's statement date. If you think your
bill has an error, follow the steps outlined in the Credit
Card Rights package to help dispute the amount.

And what if your credit card is lost or stolen? Do you know
what to do? Once you discover your card is missing,
immediately notify the card company. By doing so, you won't
have to pay more than $50 for unauthorized charges. And
remember this protection is guaranteed so there's no need
to buy "credit card insurance." It's also a good idea to
make a list of your account numbers and the corresponding
toll-free phone numbers and keep them in a safe place.

Order the Credit Card Rights package today and be an
informed consumer. This package costs $2.00. There are
three easy ways to get your package:

* Send your name, address, and a check or money order for
$2.00 to Credit Card Rights, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.

* Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov/money.htm to read or print more
credit-related publications and hundreds of other Federal
publications for free.

* Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO. That's 1 (888) 878-3256,
weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for Credit
Card Rights. Have your credit card handy.

Labels: credit

posted by Consumer Help Web Editorial Team at 12:40 AM |