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Consumer Protection Blog
Answers to common questions about your rights under federal and state consumer protection law — written in plain English by consumer protection attorneys.
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2026-05-03
I Was Served With a Debt Collection Lawsuit in New York. What Do I Do?
The first 20 to 30 days after service are the most important window of the case. CPLR Section 320(a) appearance deadlines, the affirmative defenses you must plead under CPLR Section 3018(b), default judgment risk under CPLR Section 3215, the Consumer Credit Fairness Act's tightened proof requirements, FDCPA overlap under 15 U.S.C. Section 1692, and how to vacate a default if one was entered.
Debt Collection Harassment
2026-05-03
I Disputed My Credit Report and It Came Back ‘Verified.’ Can I Sue the Company That Reported It?
Furnisher liability under 15 U.S.C. Section 1681s-2(b). Why the dispute must go through a credit bureau to preserve the private right of action, what a "reasonable investigation" actually requires, the rejected "parroting" defense, willful vs. negligent damages, and the two-year discovery statute of limitations.
Credit Report Errors
2026-04-29
I Was Denied an Apartment Over a Tenant Screening Report. What Are My Rights?
A tenant screening report is a consumer report under the FCRA. Adverse action notice, the 60-day free copy, the dispute path, the Clean Slate Act, and damages when the report was wrong — under 15 U.S.C. Sections 1681e(b), 1681i, 1681m and N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law Sections 380–380-u.
Background Check Errors
2026-04-29
I Was Charged Twice on a Buy Now, Pay Later Plan. What Are My Rights?
After the CFPB's 2024 interpretive rule, BNPL lenders are subject to Regulation Z's billing-error and merchant-claim rules. The 60-day deadline, the lender's investigation duties under 12 C.F.R. Section 1026.13, and damages under TILA, EFTA, and the FCRA.
Credit Card Billing Errors
2026-04-27
Can They Repossess My Car in New York?
A New York lender can repossess a financed vehicle without a court order, but only without a breach of the peace, with proper pre-sale notice, a commercially reasonable sale, and a written explanation of any deficiency. UCC Article 9, FDCPA Section 1692f(6), and your right to redeem.
Debt Collection Harassment
2026-04-27
What Is a Debt Validation Letter and What Are My Rights?
Within 5 days of first contact, a debt collector must send a written validation notice. Under FDCPA Section 1692g and Regulation F, you have 30 days to dispute the debt and force verification before collection can resume.
Debt Collection Harassment
2026-04-24
My Mortgage Servicer Made an Error — What Are My Rights?
Under RESPA and Regulation X, a mortgage servicer must investigate errors, respond to requests for information, and follow strict loss mitigation rules. Notice of Error procedures, 30-day response deadlines, dual-tracking bans, and damages.
Mortgage Servicing Errors
2026-04-24
Can a Debt Collector Garnish My Wages in New York?
A private debt collector generally cannot garnish wages without a court judgment. Federal CCPA limits, New York's 10 percent cap under CPLR 5231, EIPA bank protections, and when threats of garnishment violate the FDCPA.
Debt Collection Harassment
2026-04-23
I Was Denied Credit — What Does the Adverse Action Notice Mean?
An adverse action notice is a federally required document that opens specific rights under ECOA and the FCRA. What the notice must say, the 60-day free credit report window, and how to use it.
Credit Discrimination
2026-04-23
Can a Debt Collector Sue Me for an Old Debt in New York?
New York's statute of limitations on consumer credit debt is three years under CPLR 214-i. Time-barred debt, the Consumer Credit Fairness Act, FDCPA protections, and what to do if you are sued.
Debt Collection Harassment
2026-04-20
Can I Sue a Credit Bureau for Credit Report Errors?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives consumers a private right of action against credit bureaus. Willful vs. negligent violations, damages, and the statute of limitations, explained.
Credit Report Errors
2026-04-20
How Do I Dispute an Error on My Credit Report?
A step-by-step guide to disputing credit report errors under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The 30-day investigation rule, the furnisher dispute path, and how to preserve your right to sue.
Credit Report Errors
2026-04-17
There's a Charge on My Credit Card I Didn't Make. What Are My Rights?
The Fair Credit Billing Act protects you from unauthorized credit card charges. The 60-day rule, your card issuer's obligations, and the $50 liability cap, explained.
Credit Card Billing Errors
2026-04-17
My Expunged Record Is Still Showing on Background Checks. Is That Legal?
Sealed and expunged records still appearing on background checks may violate both the FCRA and New York law. What the Clean Slate Act changed, why the records keep appearing, and how to push back.
Background Check Errors
2026-04-16
I Found an Unauthorized Charge on My Bank Account. What Are My Rights?
If you found an unauthorized charge on your bank account, the EFTA gives you the right to dispute it and recover your money. Learn about error resolution timelines, bank obligations, and what to do if your bank refuses to help.
Unauthorized Bank Debits
2026-04-15
What to Do If Someone Steals Your Identity: A Step-by-Step Guide
If your identity was stolen, fast action preserves both your finances and your legal rights. A step-by-step guide to fraud alerts, credit freezes, FTC reports, and FCRA Section 605B blocking.
Identity Theft
2026-04-15
A Background Check Error Cost Me a Job. Do I Have a Legal Claim?
If an inaccurate background check cost you a job, an apartment, or an opportunity, you may have a legal claim under the FCRA. Learn about the adverse action process, your rights, and available damages.
Background Check Errors
2026-04-14
How to Stop Robocalls and Actually Get Paid for Them
The TCPA lets you recover $500 to $1,500 for every illegal robocall or spam text. Learn how to document violations, revoke consent, and pursue a legal claim.
Robocalls & Spam Texts
2026-04-14
A Debt Collector Is Calling About a Debt I Already Paid. What Can I Do?
If a debt collector is contacting you about a debt you already paid, you may have legal rights under the FDCPA. Learn what steps to take, how to stop the calls, and what damages may be available.
Debt Collection Harassment