Discovering errors on your credit report can be unsettling, especially when you know how much these reports influence your financial opportunities. Credit reports affect your ability to borrow money, secure housing and sometimes even get a job. It is important to...
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Consumer Rights
What you need to know about defaulting on a payday loan
When you take out a payday loan, you are borrowing money against your next paycheck. These loans typically have high interest rates and short repayment terms, which can make them difficult to repay on time. If you fail to repay a payday loan, you may face serious...
Signs that your new car may be a lemon
Purchasing a new car is an exciting venture. Unfortunately, some people discover a recently acquired vehicle may be a lemon. Recognizing the signs of a lemon as early as possible allows you to explore appropriate solutions. Frequent unresolved mechanical problems Your...
Common types of deceptive business practices
Consumers may be vulnerable to deceptive practices of unscrupulous businesses. For this reason, federal and state protections exist to shield shoppers from dishonest companies. Recognizing fraudulent tactics lets you protect your interests and make informed choices....
Lemon law in Maryland
In Maryland, approximately 2% of new vehicles sold each year turn out to be "lemons," according to recent statistics from the Attorney General's Office. This figure highlights the importance of understanding lemon law, a safeguard for consumers who unknowingly...
How to identify common car dealer scams
Buying a new car is often stressful, but it becomes even more so when dealerships behave fraudulently. Accordingly, consumers should be aware of common scams that can accompany the sales process. The following schemes can cost you a significant amount of money and...
When may I remove information from my credit report?
Maryland’s statutes allow you to request and review your three consumer credit reports once per year. The Maryland Financial Regulations page notes you may also file a complaint when attempting to resolve disputes related to information on your credit reports. As a...
Does your financed car have a kill switch?
Like many other Marylanders, you have no choice but to drive to and from work. If you cannot afford to buy a car outright, you also might have no choice but to finance one. While it is advisable to purchase your vehicle from a highly-rated dealer, there are plenty of...
Reporting Rental Payment Information to the Credit Bureaus Has Drawbacks
Reporting rental payment information to credit bureaus has drawbacks, especially for lower income renters. The National Consumer Law Center has published a paper on the issues presented when rental payment information is automatically reported to the credit bureaus.
Do you have legal protection when you finance or buy items online?
These days, it is common to find many stores with online shops where you can easily buy items online. Fortunately, the Fair Credit Billing Act protects consumers who use their credit cards online, even if they use them in stores outside of the state. This includes...