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	Consumer and Small Claims Court > Unfair Sales Practices and Consumer Fraud


	Explaining the Law and Providing Self-Help Information for Low-Income Iowans

There are 8 resources

	In Harm's Way - At Home: Consumer Scams and the Direct Marketing of America's Miltary and Veterans (Separate Website) A 67-page report from the National Consumer Law Center


	Just Say "No" to Unwanted Door-to-Door Sales While there are reputable businesses that sell door-to-door, many use high pressure and assorted tricks to get your money. The best way to deal with a salesperson who is selling something you don’t need or want is to just say “NO”! By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans


	Payday Loans - a Convenience You Can't Afford! The use of "payday loans" (also sometimes known as "cash advance loans", "check advance loans" or "delayed deposit checks") has become a ritual for many working Iowans, including the elderly. Unfortunately, the Iowans using these types of services do not realize what the service is costing them. By: Iowa Legal Aid


	Predatory Lending - Don't Be a Victim Predatory lenders take advantage of unsuspecting consumers by marketing and making mortgage loans with vastly inflated interest rates and fees and other burdensome terms. Predatory lending is a serious problem throughout the country, one that can leave you penniless and homeless. By: Iowa Legal Aid


	Refinancing A lot of people try to deal with debt by refinancing their loans. Refinancing means paying an old debt with a new debt. Sometimes that makes sense because your total cost of borrowing money may be less. Refinancing may look good now when interest rates are lower than they have been in years. However, smaller monthly payments do not always mean that refinancing will be a good deal for you as a consumer. This article takes a general look at this topic and gives some tips to protect yourself. By: Iowa Legal Aid


	The Basic Rules of Credit Cards Using a credit card to cover a major purchase or essential family living expense is generally a bad idea. Credit cards should only be used as a source of funding for emergencies such as car repairs, or for short-term loans for large purchases only. By: Iowa Legal Aid


	The Federal Trade Commission Your funeral may be one of the most expensive consumer purchases you or your family ever makes. Most people, however, do not handle a funeral purchase the same way they approach other major purchases. To avoid overspending, it helps to understand your rights under the "Funeral Rule" enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. By: Iowa Legal Aid


	Watch Your Wallet! Getting into a debt-rut is a lot easier than getting out of it. Here are some tips about special pitfalls common to high-priced debt . By: Iowa Legal Aid


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