Payday Loans, Tax Refunds and Predatory Lending

• Can a tax preparer give me my refund on the spot?

  I plan to file my taxes soon, and I believe I will be receiving a refund. Being elderly and on a fixed income, I could really use the refund. I heard that if I go to a tax preparer, they may be able to give me my refund on the spot. Is this true and how does it work? Read More

  By:

  Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota-Duluth

• Instant Tax Refunds and Other Loans

  As tax return season approaches, some tax preparation companies advertise that they can process "instant" or "fast" tax refunds for their customers. Content Detail

  By:

  Minnesota Attorney General's Office

• Payday Loans = Costly Cash

  Content Detail

  By:

  Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Borrower Beware: The High Cost of Small Loans, Pawn Brokers and Rent-to-Own Stores

  Content Detail

  By:

  National Consumer Law Center (NCLC)

  Read this in:

  Russian / Pусский

  Spanish / Español

  Chinese / 中文

• Consumer Action Handbook

  In this handbook, the GSA's Office of Citizen Services brings you the latest information on your consumer rights and responsibilities. Content Detail

  By:

  General Services Administration

• The Truth About Advance-Fee Loan Scams

  Content Detail

  By:

  Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Dealing with Debt Booklet PDF

  This booklet is a brief guide to help families make good financial and legal decisions when dealing with debt, debt collectors, and credit reporting agencies. Read More

  By:

  Minnesota Legal Services Coalition State Support Center

• Consumer Complaint "How-to" Video

  How to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Content Detail

  By:

  Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Protect Your Investment: Don't Let Predatory Lenders Take Your Home

  Senior citizens are an attractive target for unscrupulous mortgage lenders because they have a lot of equity in their homes after years of diligently paying off their mortgages. While these lenders may encourage seniors to use their hard-earned home equity to secure new loans - they will not tell seniors about the high fees, hidden payments or other disadvantageous loan terms that could lead to the loss of their homes. Content Detail

  By:

  National Consumer Law Center (NCLC)

• Using Credit Wisely After Bankruptcy

  Content Detail

  By:

  National Consumer Law Center (NCLC)