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Personal Finance Fact Sheets

Credit & Debt
Credit Cards
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/choosing_using_credit_cards.pdf
Provides consumers with information on how to choose and use credit cards without falling into debt.

Credit Counseling and Debt Mediation http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/credit_counseling_factsheet.pdf
Are you overwhelmed with debt? A credit counseling agency might be a good choice for you. This resource may help guide you understand what these agencies do and provide tips if you decide you want to use their services.

Credit Freeze Sample Letters to the Three Major Credit Reporting Agencies http://www.nysconsumer.gov/letter_to_credit_reporting_agencies.htm
Consumers can request a security freeze be placed on their credit report by the three major credit reporting agencies in different ways. Use these sample letters to make your request.

Credit Reports & Scores http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/unraveling_the_mystery_behind_credit_reports_mar_08.pdfAssists consumers in accessing and understanding their credit reports and scores, what to look for and how to correct your information.

Financial Planners
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/financial_planner_factsheet.pdf
During these difficult economic times, getting assistance from a financial planner may be a consideration. This sheet provides information about financial planning services.

Illegal Debt Collection Practices http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/debts_you_owe_debts_you_dont_mar_08.pdf
How to spot and fight illegal debt collections tactics

Payday Loans
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/payday_loans5.pdf
Tips when considering payday loans, as well as alternatives to payday borrowing

Repossession of Merchandise in New York State http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/repossession_of_merchandise.pdf
Worried about repossession? Know your rights in New York State

Identity Theft
Consumer Guide to Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/id_theft_online_version.pdf

Identity theft is the most common consumer fraud complaint, and the fastest growing financial crime. Learn how to prevent falling victim to this crime and the steps to take if it happens to you.

Cell Phone Privacy Tips
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/cell_phone_privacy_tips.pdf
Tips to help make consumers aware of possible threats to their privacy and the potential for identity theft associated with mobile devices.

Key Contacts for Identity Theft Victims http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/id_theft_card_side_by_side_layout.pdf
Five key steps to take and agencies to contact if you are a victim of identity theft

New York State Laws Relating to Identity Theft, http://www.nysconsumer.gov/publications.htm#Financial
This brochure enumerates a number of State laws related to identity theft

Information Privacy
College-Bound Privacy 101
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/btsb_college.pdf
Tips that can help keep your personal information private while attending college, trade school or graduate school.

Make Privacy Your Policy
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/privacy_questions.pdf
Ten questions you need to answer before providing personal information online while playing games, booking travel, communicating through social networking sites and other Internet-based activities to safeguard your privacy.

NYS Security Breach Law
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/security_breach_tip_card.pdf
What consumers should know about the security breach law and notification

Record Retention
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/record_retention.pdf
Protecting your personal information by disposing of your documents in the appropriate manner and timeframe.

Tax Filing and Privacy Tips
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/tax_filing_privacy_2_25_08.pdf
Providing state taxpayers with important tips to remember when preparing and filing tax returns

Scams & Fraud
Avoid Scams
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/10_ways_to_avoid_a_scam.pdf
Find out how you can avoid scams

How to Avoid Employment Scams in New York State
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/how_to_avoid_employment_scams_factsheet.pdf
Get-rich-quick schemes, work-at-home scams, pyramid schemes, and numerous other approaches promising employment and wealth are used to separate job seekers from their money. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to avoid becoming a victim of an employment scam.

Phishing Scam Prevention Tips http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/phishing_scam_prevention_tips_for_consumers.pdf
Phishing e-mails trick people into sending money or providing personal information to identity thieves. Follow these tips to help avoid getting "hooked" by a "phisherman"

Common Phishing Scams
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/phishing_scam_spotlight.pdf
This resource provides information about common troublesome Phishing scams

Scams Targeting the Military
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/operation_military.pdf
Identifies common scams affecting military personnel and their families and provides tips on how to avoid those scams

Shopping & Stretching Your Dollars
At Home Food Prep Tips http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/on_your_syde_at_home_food_prep_tips.pdf

Gasoline Prices
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/gas_savings_short_version.pdf
Offering New Yorkers some suggestions on how to maximize your money and save at the gas pump, including links to check for the lowest gas prices in your neighborhood.

General Savings and Cost Cutting Tips
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/on_your_syde_general_savings_tips.pdf

Gift Card Tips
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/gift_card_tips.pdf
Be aware of the terms and conditions when purchasing and using a gift certificate or card; tips to inform and empower consumers of their rights.

Grocery Shopping Tips
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/on_your_syde_grocery_shopping_tips.pdf

Household Savings Tips http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/on_your_syde_at_home_food_prep_tips.pdf

Safe Online Shopping
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/savvy_online_shopping.pdf
Tips and advice to help ensure that transactions you make online are safe and secure

Textbook Savings Guide
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/textbooks.pdf
Students, look here for ways to save money on required reading materials

Tips for the wise consumer
http://www.nysconsumer.gov/pdf/wise_tips.pdf

Be an informed and empowered consumer