15 U.S.C. § 1681 (FCRA): Credit Report Rights Explained
Plain-English guide to 15 U.S.C. § 1681, the FCRA's purpose section, with links to the operative rules on background checks, disputes, and damages.
16 min read
Consumer Protection Laws
109 articles · page 1 of 2
A Scammer Has My Information: What They Can Do and How to Fix It
Gave a scammer your Social Security number, bank login, card number, a code or your phone number? What each lets them do, the free fixes and your federal rights.
27 min read
Aetna L-ADR Spine Surgery Settlement: 2 Deadlines Still Open
Final approval came June 5, 2026. The future-surgery path closed Aug 31, 2026; reimbursement claims are due Sept 29 and coverage requests Dec 28, 2026.
8 min read
Alabama Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Alabama buyers of personal goods or services who lost money to a deceptive practice may sue under the DTPA, usually after a 15-day demand. Crypto ATM refunds.
17 min read
Alaska Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Alaska scam victims who lost money to a deceptive practice in trade can seek 3x damages or $500, plus fees if they win. Where to report, crypto ATM refunds, elder help.
17 min read
Amazon PA COVID-Screening Wage Settlement: No Claim Needed
Amazon's Pennsylvania COVID-screening wage settlement pays automatically, no claim form needed. See who is covered and the October 15, 2026 opt-out deadline.
7 min read
Arizona Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Arizona's Consumer Fraud Act covers deception in selling goods or services; a 1974 ruling lets people harmed by it sue. Where to report, plus elder and crypto ATM rules.
17 min read
Arkansas Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Arkansas lets a person who lost money by relying on a deceptive practice sue for that actual loss, no triple damages. Where to report, elder rules, crypto ATMs.
19 min read
Ashley Mattress Fiberglass Settlement: Claim Window Closed
The Ashley/Nectar/DreamCloud/Siena mattress claim window closed July 17, 2026. Opt-outs and objections run to Sept 16, 2026; final hearing Sept 24, 2026.
7 min read
Bank Refused Your Scam Refund? How to Challenge a Fraud Claim Denial
Bank denied your scam or fraud claim? See what it must give you in writing, how to push back, which regulator to complain to, and when federal law lets you sue.
22 min read
California Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
California scam victims harmed by a practice the CLRA bans can sue for damages (fees if they win) after a 30-day notice. Where to report, elder protections.
21 min read
Can I Sue a Scammer? When a Lawyer Actually Helps After a Scam
Most scam victims gain little from hiring a lawyer. Learn when one helps: a bank that broke federal rules, broker fraud, a scammer you can find, and fake law firms.
27 min read
Charity and Disaster Scams: Warning Signs and How to Check a Charity
How to spot a fake charity or disaster relief scam, check a charity with the IRS search tool, give safely on crowdfunding sites, and what to do if you already gave.
19 min read
Click to Cancel Laws: Federal Status and State Auto-Renewal Rules
No federal click-to-cancel rule is in force after the 2025 vacatur. See what ROSCA requires and how state automatic renewal laws handle online cancellation.
13 min read
Colorado Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Right to Sue (2026)
Colorado consumers hurt by a deceptive practice with public impact can sue for actual damages or $500, or 3x for proven bad faith. Here is where to report a scam.
19 min read
Connecticut Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report and CUTPA (2026)
Connecticut scam victims with an ascertainable loss from a deceptive trade practice can sue under CUTPA. Where to report, elder protections and crypto ATM rules.
18 min read
Cosequin Dog Settlement: Claim Window Closed, Awaiting Ruling
The Cosequin dog supplement claim window closed July 21, 2026. The August 13, 2026 fairness hearing has been held and no ruling is posted on the official site yet.
6 min read
Crypto and Investment Scams: Pig Butchering and Bitcoin ATM Scams
How pig butchering and fake crypto trading platforms work, why you should never pay a fee to withdraw, bitcoin ATM scams, and what to do if you sent crypto.
17 min read
D.C. Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
D.C. consumers can sue a merchant under the CPPA for treble damages or $1,500 per violation. Where to report a scam in D.C., elder protections and small claims.
18 min read
Debt Relief and Student Loan Forgiveness Scams: Signs and Your Rights
How to spot debt relief, student loan forgiveness and credit repair scams. Federal law bars many upfront fees. Learn your rights and where to report.
20 min read
Delaware Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Delaware lets victims of fraud tied to a sale or ad sue under its Consumer Fraud Act; victims 65+ or disabled can recover fees and extra damages. Where to report.
21 min read
Dovenmuehle Mortgage Pay-to-Pay Fee Settlement (NC)
NC borrowers charged phone/IVR fees by Dovenmuehle: preliminary approval granted, payment is automatic, opt-out/objection deadline Sept 23, 2026.
7 min read
Elder Fraud: Scams Targeting Seniors and How to Report Them
Elder fraud explained: the scams that cost older adults the most, grandparent and AI voice scams, warning signs, how families can help, and where to report.
22 min read
Fake Check and Money Mule Scams: Why the Victim Can Owe the Bank
A check that shows as available can still bounce, and the FTC says you can end up repaying the bank. What federal law says about fake checks and money mules.
20 min read
Fandango Settlement: Claim Window Closed, Awaiting Court Approval
Fandango's convenience fee and FanClub claim window closed August 17, 2026, and the August 7 approval hearing was held. Epiq and the San Diego court post what comes next.
9 min read
Florida Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Florida scam victims: where to report, suing under FDUTPA for actual damages, elder exploitation protections, bank holds, and the crypto ATM law starting in 2027.
16 min read
Georgia Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Georgians hurt by deceptive consumer practices can sue under the FBPA after a 30-day demand; 3x damages only if intentional. Where to report and elder protections.
19 min read
Gift Card Scams: What to Do If You Paid a Scammer With a Gift Card
Only scammers demand payment by gift card, the FTC says. If you already paid, call the card company now, keep the card and receipt, and know what the law covers.
16 min read
Government Impersonation Scams: IRS, Social Security, Jury Duty, Police
How IRS, Social Security, jury duty, arrest warrant and Medicare impostor scams work, how real agencies contact you, where to report, and the federal law.
20 min read
Grandparent Scams and Family Emergency Scams: Signs and What to Do
How grandparent and family emergency scams work, from fake lawyers and cash couriers to virtual kidnapping, what to do in the first hour, and where to report.
18 min read
Grubhub Settlement: Claim Window Closed, Hearing Oct 7, 2026
Grubhub's California delivery fee claim window closed August 7, 2026. The final approval hearing is now October 7, 2026, and credits follow 60 days after approval.
6 min read
Hawaii Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Hawaii consumers hurt by a deceptive practice can sue for the greater of $1,000 or 3x damages plus fees. Where to report, elder protections, crypto kiosk ban.
18 min read
Home Repair and Contractor Scams: Signs and Your Right to Cancel
How to spot a home repair or storm-chaser contractor scam, what to do now, and when the FTC Cooling-Off Rule lets you cancel a contract signed at home within 3 business days.
18 min read
Honda Auto Idle Stop Settlement: Approved, Claim Window Closed
Honda's Auto Idle Stop settlement won final approval May 20, 2026, and the reimbursement claim window closed August 18, 2026. Warranty extensions reach two model years.
9 min read
How to Cancel a Crunch Fitness Membership
Crunch says some clubs offer online cancellation in the Member Portal and that notice depends on your agreement. State law, a letter, proof and disputes.
8 min read
How to Cancel a Gym Membership: State Laws and a Letter
How to cancel a gym membership: read your contract, check your state gym law, send a provable written notice and dispute later charges. Rules for each state.
19 min read
How to Cancel a Planet Fitness Membership
Planet Fitness lists three ways to cancel: mail to your home club, in person, or the member portal. Notice dates, the $58 buyout, state law and proof.
12 min read
How to Cancel an Anytime Fitness Membership
Anytime Fitness says each independently owned location's membership agreement sets how to cancel and the cost. How state law, proof and disputes fit in.
4 min read
How to Cancel an LA Fitness Membership
LA Fitness lists mail to its Irvine P.O. Box, in person, or online, plus email in some states. The 5-business-day rule, fees, the FTC suit and state law.
10 min read
How to Get Money Back After a Scam: Your Rights by Payment Method
Lost money to a scam? Your refund rights depend on how you paid. Federal deadlines and first steps for cards, bank transfers, Zelle, wires, gift cards and crypto.
25 min read
How to Tell if Something Is a Scam: Texts, Calls, Emails and Websites
Check a suspicious text, email, call, website, QR code or payment request yourself. The tells for each channel, and the one rule that stops most scams.
20 min read
Hyundai/Kia Immobilizer Theft Settlement: Payout Guide
36-state Hyundai/Kia theft settlement pays up to $4,500 for thefts on or after April 29, 2025. Limited fund pays until exhausted, so do not wait to file.
9 min read
I Got Scammed: What to Do, How to Get Money Back, Where to Report
Scammed? What to do in the first hour, the FTC's four warning signs, your refund rights by payment method, recovery scams to avoid, and when a lawyer actually helps.
29 min read
Idaho Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Idaho scam victims who bought or leased goods or services can sue under the ICPA for actual damages or $1,000 plus fees. Where to report, elder holds, deadlines.
20 min read
Illinois Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Illinois lets a person with actual damage from a deceptive act in trade or commerce sue under the Consumer Fraud Act. Where to report, crypto ATM refunds, elder law.
21 min read
Indiana Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Indiana lets a person deceived by a business in a consumer deal sue for actual damages or $500, maybe more if willful. Where to report, elder rights, the crypto ATM ban.
17 min read
Iowa Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Iowa consumers who lose money to deception in a sale of household goods or services can sue under Chapter 714H. Where to report, elder rules, and crypto ATM law.
19 min read
Job Scams and Task Scams: Fake Job Offers, Red Flags, What to Do
How to spot fake job offers, task scams and reshipping jobs, what to do if you paid or gave your SSN, and what FTC and FBI data show about job scam losses.
23 min read
John Deere Right-to-Repair Settlement: Claims Open to Dec 31, 2026
The $99M John Deere repair settlement is taking claims through December 31, 2026. Exclusion and objection close December 4, and the final hearing is January 19, 2027.
8 min read
Kaiser Permanente Out-of-Network Health Claims Settlement
Kaiser's DOL settlement lets CA members seek reimbursement for out-of-network mental health care. Not a lawsuit; deadline is 180 days from your notice.
8 min read
Kansas Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Kansas consumers hurt by a supplier's deceptive practice can sue under the KCPA for damages or up to $10,000 a violation. Where to report, elder rules, crypto ATMs.
19 min read
Kentucky Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Kentucky scam victims who bought goods or services for personal use can sue for actual damages under KRS 367.220. Where to report, elder protections, deadlines.
18 min read
Leesa, Helix, Bear, Brooklyn Bedding Settlement: Claims Closed, Hearing Oct 16
Leesa, Helix, Bear and Brooklyn Bedding claims closed September 25, 2026. The final approval hearing is October 16, 2026; the court and administrator post updates.
9 min read
Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams: Fake PCH Calls and Prize Fees
Real prizes are free. How to spot fake Publishers Clearing House and foreign lottery scams, what federal law says, and what to do if you already paid.
19 min read
Louisiana Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Louisiana scam victims who lost money to a deceptive trade practice can sue under LUTPA within one year. Where to report, crypto ATM refunds and bank holds.
18 min read
Mail Theft and Check Washing: What to Do If Your Check Was Stolen
Check stolen from the mail and washed? Call your bank right away and report it to USPIS. How check washing works, who pays, and how to protect your mail.
15 min read
Maine Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Maine household buyers who lost money to a deceptive practice can sue for actual damages, plus fees if they win, after a 30-day demand. Where to report, crypto ATMs.
17 min read
Maryland Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
Maryland lets a person who lost money to a practice its Consumer Protection Act bans sue for that loss. Where to report, elder bank holds, crypto ATM limits.
18 min read
Massachusetts Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, How to Sue
Massachusetts lets a person injured by a deceptive practice in trade or commerce sue under Chapter 93A after a 30-day demand. Where to report and elder protections.
18 min read
Medicare and Health Insurance Scams: Warning Signs and Reporting
How to spot Medicare and health insurance scams, from free genetic tests and braces to broker plan switching, read your Medicare Summary Notice, and report fraud.
17 min read