The Federal Trade Commission enforces credit laws that protect your rights with regard to credit. While these laws do not guarantee that everyone will receive credit, they do require businesses to give all consumers a fair and equal opportunity to receive credit and resolve disputes over credit errors. To contact the Consumer Response Center of the Federal Trade Commission, call (202) FTC-HELP, that's (202) 382-4357 or write to the Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580.

• The Fair Credit Reporting Act
  Your credit history is recorded in files maintained by credit reporting agencies (CRA's). If you have ever applied for a credit or charge card, a personal loan, insurance or a job, you probably have a record on file at a credit bureau. The Fair Credit Reporting Act helps ensure that CRA's provide accurate information.
• The Credit Repair Organizations Act
  This law contains specific consumer protections. Credit repair companies must provide a copy of "Consumer Credit File Rights Under State and Federal Law" before a contract is signed. Contracts must spell out all rights and obligations.
• The Fair Credit Billing Act and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act
  These laws establish methods for resolving errors on credit billing and on electronic fund transfers. These laws protect the consumer's credit rating while a transaction is in dispute. They also limit the consumer's liability for unauthorized electronic transfers. It is important for consumers to carefully check all statements for mistakes or improper charges or transfers.
• The Truth In Lending Act
  This law requires lenders to disclose the finance charge, the annual percentage rate (APR), and certain other charges so that consumers can shop around for the best rate.
• Equal Credit Opportunity Act
  This law prohibits creditors from discriminating on the basis of sex, race, age, marital status, religion, national origin or receipt of public assistance.
• Home Equity Loan Consumer Protection Act
  This law requires lenders to disclose all terms, rates and conditions of a home equity line of credit before the first transaction under the home equity plan. If these terms change, the consumer can refuse to continue and is entitled to a refund of application fees. This law also limits the circumstances under which creditors may terminate or change the terms of a home equity plan.
• The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
  This law is designed to eliminate abusive, deceptive and unfair debt collection practices by creditors or debt collectors for personal, family and household debts, including money owed for car loans, medical care or charge accounts.