New For Consumers:

Your Credit Card Rights

PUEBLO, COLO. — Think resolving credit problems is as difficult as finishing a five-star Sudoku puzzle? Then check out Credit Card Rights, a new, informative package of publications from AARP, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Federal Citizen Information Center. It is filled with helpful tips and advice on how consumers can protect their credit history and fix any errors that may occur.

A credit report includes information on where a consumer lives, how they pay their bills, whether they have been sued or arrested, or if they have filed for bankruptcy. And mistakes on it can affect a consumer’s ability to get insurance, a loan, an apartment, or even a job. That is why it is important for everyone to check their credit report annually with all three of the nationwide consumer reporting agencies. The free report explains how to check a credit record and what to do if inaccurate information is discovered.

Consumers should also be on the lookout for errors on credit card statements. Billing errors can include incorrect credits for payments, charges a card holder did not make, and charges for goods or services that were not received or were not as promised.

Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, card holders have the right to contest the mistake within 60 days after the bill’s statement date. If you think a bill has an error, follow the steps outlined in the Credit Card Rights package to help dispute the amount.

What if a credit card is lost or stolen? Do you know what to do? Once a card is discovered missing, immediately notify the card company. By doing so, card holders do not have to pay more than $50 for unauthorized charges. And remember this protection is guaranteed, so there’s not need to buy “credit card insurance.” It is also a good idea to make a list of all account numbers and the corresponding toll-free phone numbers and keep them in a safe place.

Cost for the Credit Card Rights package is $2 and there are three easy ways to get one: send your name, address, and a check or money order for $2 to Credit Card Rights, Pueblo CO 81009; visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to read or print more credit-related publications and hundreds of other federal publications for free; or call toll-free 888-8-PUEBLO (888-878-3256), weekdays between 8 am and 8 pm Eastern Time and ask for Credit Card Rights. Have credit card handy.

Get even more information and take advantage of online government resources at www.USA.gov and www.GobiernoUSA.gov — your official English and Spanish web portals to the federal government.