The views expressed in Economy Matters are not necessarily those of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta or the Federal Reserve System.
Editor's note: Throughout Economy Matters, "Southeast" refers to the six states that, in whole or in part, make up the Sixth Federal Reserve District: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Financial Tips from the Atlanta Fed: Consumer Rights
March 3 to 9 is National Consumer Protection Week, which provides an opportunity for individuals to understand their consumer rights and make well-informed decisions about money. These tips can help you better understand your rights and responsibilities as a consumer.
- Consumers can file a complaint if they have had an issue with their bank
or a problem with a financial product or service such as a student loan, a mortgage, payday loan, credit report, or debt collection. - Consumers may unknowingly have been a victim of cybercrime and need to take steps to protect themselves against identity theft.
- Consumers have the right to receive a free copy of their credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting companies. It is important to review your credit report regularly to ensure the accuracy of the information. Errors on your credit report can be costly since they may negatively affect your credit score.