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  Know your rights and learn what you can do to help yourself
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Cars
   Save Those Papers!
In order to protect your rights, you may need to use papers others have given you. This fact sheet tells you what papers you should save.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
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Contracts and Warranties
  General Information
 
   Borrower Beware: The High Cost of Payday and Auto Title Lenders, Pawnbrokers and Rent-To-Own Stores This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
This fact sheet describes the high cost of different kinds of small loans - payday loans, pawning your car's title, and renting-to-own a TV, stereo, furniture or appliances.

(You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open this page of their website. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the Get Acrobat Reader icon to download.)
By: National Consumer Law Center
  
   
   Buying a Used Car
Buying a used car can be confusing and difficult. A quick look may tell you a car is in bad condition, but you can't always tell just by looking. Some dealers hide things from you. Others mislead you. Here are some answers to questions you may have about buying a used car.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
   Buying a Used Car? Facts for Consumers (Separate Website)
Before you start shopping for a car, do some homework. This site covers payment options, dealer sales, warranties, service contracts, private sales, and more.
Read this in: Español
By: U.S. Federal Trade Commission
  
   
   My New Car is a Lemon
Alabama law gives rights to people who buy defective new cars. This article talks about those rights. To learn about rights buyers of used cars have, see Buying a Used Car.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
   Dangers of Co-Signing a Loan
Should I co-sign a loan? What happens when I co-sign? If I decide to co-sign despite the risks, what should I do? This document answers these questions.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
   Co-signing a Loan - Facts for Consumers (Separate Website)
What would you do if a friend or relative asked you to cosign a loan? Before you answer, make sure you understand what cosigning involves. Under federal law, creditors are required to give you a notice that explains your obligations. This site includes that notice and other information.
By: U.S. Federal Trade Commission
  
   
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  Related Information
 
   Filing a Consumer Complaint in Alabama (Separate Website)
This website includes tips on how to resolve a complaint. Also has instructions on how to file a complaint by calling or filling out a form online. Includes Alabama's Consumer Hotline telephone numbers.

Link: Alabama Online Consumer Complaint Form
By: Alabama Attorney General's Office
  
   
   Repossessions
If you bought something on credit or put up something you own as collateral, the creditor may have the right to repossess it. Cars are often repossessed. We use a car as an example for repossessions and answer questions about what you can do.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
   Executions
If you owe money to a person or business and cannot pay, they will try to collect. If a creditor sues you and gets a court judgment, the creditor may have the right to execute against your property. This document explains how a creditor does this and what you can do to protect your property.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
   Save Those Papers!
In order to protect your rights, you may need to use papers others have given you. This fact sheet tells you what papers you should save.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
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Debt Collection
  General Information
 
   Debt Collection
What can I do if I don't have enough money to pay all I owe? What can the creditor do if I cannot pay? What if my bill is turned over to a debt collector? Answers to these questions and more are in this document.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
   Fair Debt Collection Practices
If you use credit cards, owe money on a personal loan or are paying on a home mortgage, you are a "debtor." If you fall behind in making payments, a "debt collector" may call or write to you. Federal law says debt collectors must treat you fairly. This document explains how you are protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
   Dealing with Debt Collection Harrassment This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
If you are being harrassed by debt collectors, you should consider taking one or more of the eight steps in this brochure.
Read this in: Español

(You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open this page of their website. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the Get Acrobat Reader icon to download.)
By: National Consumer Law Center
  
   
   Repossessions
If you bought something on credit or put up something you own as collateral, the creditor may have the right to repossess it. Cars are often repossessed. We use a car as an example for repossessions and answer questions about what you can do.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
   Wage Garnishments
This fact sheet explains when someone can garnish your paycheck. It also explains what you can do to stop the garnishment.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
   Executions
If you owe money to a person or business and cannot pay, they will try to collect. If a creditor sues you and gets a court judgment, the creditor may have the right to execute against your property. This document explains how a creditor does this and what you can do to protect your property.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
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  Related Information
 
   Dangers of Co-Signing a Loan
Should I co-sign a loan? What happens when I co-sign? If I decide to co-sign despite the risks, what should I do? This document answers these questions.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
   Co-signing a Loan - Facts for Consumers (Separate Website)
What would you do if a friend or relative asked you to cosign a loan? Before you answer, make sure you understand what cosigning involves. Under federal law, creditors are required to give you a notice that explains your obligations. This site includes that notice and other information.
By: U.S. Federal Trade Commission
  
   
   Don't Miss Out!!! Take Advantage of All the Benefits Available to You
Should you be getting child support? Do you qualify for food stamps? Can your children get free or low-cost health insurance? Can you get a lower telephone bill? Do you need help filing your income taxes? Read this for information about 10 often-overlooked benefits available to many low-income people.
By: Legal Services Alabama
 
  
   
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