Money, Debt, and Bankruptcy
12 Common Legal Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Get the facts about 12 common legal mistakes. Know the law so you don't make these mistakes.
Fact #1: Oral contracts are still contracts
A contract does not need to be in writing to be...
Answers About Flood Insurance
Unlike a standard homeowner's policy, flood insurance covers losses to your property caused by flooding. Some of the things a standard flood policy will cover include...
Bank Failures, Mergers and Takeovers: A “Phish-erman’s Special”
If the recent changes in the financial marketplace have you confused, you’re not alone. The financial institution where you did business last week may have a new name today, and your checks and...
Bankruptcy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The United States Trustee Program is prohibited from providing legal advice to private individuals. These questions and answers relate to general circumstances involving bankruptcy.
The FAQs...
Being Sued for a Debt?
The National Association of Consumer Advocates has created a series of videos providing information to consumers who are being sued on a debt. You can access those videos...
Cease and Desist Letter for Debt Collectors
If you are being contacted by a debt collector in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you may want to consider writing a Cease and Desist Letter to the debt...
Construcción Residencial
El comprar una casa es parte del sueño americano. También es la decisión más costosa que una persona puede tomar. Por lo tanto, es importante que los compradores potenciales se informen acerca...
Consumer Complaints
At times we find ourselves in a difficult situation involving our bank, a large business, etc. and don’t know what to do. Calling customer service hasn’t led to any real results, so you may be...
Dealing with Debt Collectors
Are you being illegally harassed? If you are having problems with debt collectors, watch this video to learn about your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and state...
Dealing with Identity Theft
What is Identity Theft?
Identity Theft is the largest consumer complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) annually. If you have been the victim of identity theft, it could mean...
Debt Collection Videos
View the videos on the pages above to learn more on a particular topic.
Most Common Problems
Are debt collectors calling you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. or calling you at work without...
Defending Yourself in a Lawsuit
If you want to learn how to represent yourself, hear about common defenses against debt collectors, and gain knowledge of possible outcomes to your trial, then watch this...
Fair Lending Brochure
Idaho Legal Aid Services Fair Lending: Predatory Lending Abuses Brochure.
Fair Lending: Manufactured Housing
What is a manufactured home?
A manufactured home is a structure formerly known as a mobile home. It is built to the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety standards set by HUD and displays a...
Federal Trade Commission's Debt Collection FAQs
The Federal Trade Commission, the government body that enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Debt Collection....
Garnishment of Unemployment Insurance and CARES Act Stimulus During COVID-19
April 15, 2020
Many Idahoans are now receiving unemployment insurance benefits as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Congress recently passed the CARES Act, which provides unemployment benefits...
I Have a Judgment Against Me. Money is Being Taken Away from My Bank Account.
If you lost your debt defense case (or did not know it even occurred) and your wages or bank account is being garnished, learn what you can...
I Received Notice of a Lawsuit; What Should I Do?
If you are having problems with debt collectors, watch this video to learn about your rights! Hear about your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and state laws. Find out what you...
Idaho Consumer Protection Manual
Consumer fraud is a serious problem in Idaho, but, fortunately, it is often a preventable problem. As a consumer, you can protect yourself from fraud by understanding your rights and by making...
Idaho Manual on the Rights of Victims of Crime
For too many years, the criminal justice system ignored the rights of crime victims. In Idaho, that changed with the overwhelming voter ratification of the Victims Rights Amendment to the Idaho...
Internet Safety
The Internet is an exciting tool that puts vast amounts of information at your fingertips. With the click of a mouse, you can buy airline tickets, use research tools, chat with friends or play...
Letter to Credit Bureau
To use the interactive interview to create a letter to a Credit Bureau, seeking investigation and removal from your credit report of items that are the result of identity theft, you will need a...
Letter to Creditor
To use the interactive interview for responding to someone collecting a bill that is in your name, but a bill you did not authorize, you will need a copy of the bill in hand when you start the...
Letter to Debt Collector
To use the interactive interview for responding to a company or law firm that is a Debt Collector, or collecting a bill that is in your name but you did not authorize, you will need a copy of...
Manual de protección al consumidor de Idaho
El fraude al consumidor es Idaho, pero, afortunadamente, por lo general es un problema que se puede prevenir. Como consumidor, usted se puede proteger del fraude conociendo sus derechos y tomando...
Manual del Joven Adulto
El fraude a los consumidores es un problema serio en el Estado de Idaho y cada año los ciudadanos de Idaho pierden grandes cantidades de dinero a causa de los estafadores....
Pirámides, esquemas de donaciones y mercadeo en redes 06/03
Las pirámides están entre los esquemas deshonestos para el consumidor más antiguos y comunes. Mientras que los esquemas de pirámides pueden parecer programas de “regalo” o planes de...
Pyramids, Gift Schemes & Network Marketing
Pyramid schemes are among the oldest and most common consumer scams. While pyramid schemes may be disguised as “gift” programs or “networking” plans, they have certain things in common....
Residential Construction
Owning a home is part of the American Dream. Buying a home is probably the biggest spending decision most people will ever make. Consequently, it is critical that prospective buyers are informed...
Seguridad de internet
La Internet es una herramienta apasionante que le presenta enormes cantidades de información al alcance de su mano. Con un toque del ratón (mouse), puede comprar pasajes aéreos, utilizar...
Solicitaciones Telefónicas
El telemercadeo es un negoc pero a la vez muchos habitantes de Idaho han sido objeto de pérdidas financieras a causa del engaño de telemercaderistas inescrupulosos. De manera similar los...
STOPFRAUD.gov Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force
This site provides resources and information to consumers on how to prevent fraud, as well as how to report fraud when it occurs. StopFraud.gov also provides access to announcements, press...
Telephone Solicitation
Telemarketing is a significant and legitimate business. At the same time, many Idahoans have suffered financial losses due to deception by unscrupulous telemarketers. Similarly, Idahoans report...
The Process of a Civil Lawsuit
This guide goes through the general process of a civil lawsuit in Idaho.
Tips On Avoiding Employment Scams
If you’re looking for a job, you may see ads for firms that promise results. Unfortunately, some firms may misrepresent their services, promote outdated or fictitious job offerings, or charge...
Was I Served Legal Papers Properly?
If you lost your debt defense case (or did not know it even occurred) and your wages or bank account is being garnished, watch this video to learn what you can do. Learn about one of your key...
What is Identity Theft?
What is Identity Theft?
Identity Theft is the largest consumer complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) annually. If you have been the victim of identity theft, it could mean...
Young Adult Handbook on Consumer Fraud
Consumer fraud is a serious problem in Idaho. Every year Idahoans lose too much money to scam artists.