Know your rights when it comes to debt

• Debt Collection FAQs: A Guide for Consumers | Facts
• Read the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (.pdf)
• A Consumer Guide to Credit Cards (American Bankers Association)
• Facts for Consumers with Debt (Federal Trade Commission)
• Managing Your Debts: How to Regain Financial Health (Consumer Federation of America)

Support groups and where to turn to for more assistance:

• i-Village debt support group: Support and information from others dealing with debt
• Consumer Action, a non-profit education and advocacy organization for consumers
• Federal Trade Commission: Facts for consumers
• National Association of Attorneys General: Find out how to contact your state attorney general to make a complaint about a debt collector
• National Association of Consumer Advocates, a nationwide organization that represents victims of abusive business practices
• National Consumer Law Center, an organization that defends consumers and promotes marketplace justice
• Bud Hibbs: Consumer advocate site with tips for dealing with debt collectors

MORE FROM THE HANSEN FILES

The Hansen Files Section Front

The debt investigation continues   Debt trap: View original report   From radical to reformer: A new mission Inside the terror plot that 'rivaled 9/11'   From respected school teacher to FBI's most wanted New details on teacher on Most Wanted list See FBI's map of his whereabouts   Inmate scams widows out of thousands The Hansen Files Section Front   Add The Hansen Files headlines to your news reader: