Department of Professional & Financial Regulation
Office of Consumer Credit Regulation
35 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333

www.Credit.Maine.gov

1-800-DEBT-LAW (1-800-332-8529)

CONSUMER HINTS AND INFORMATION:

1)  Obtain your free credit reports each year at www.AnnualCreditReport.com

          a)  Note that the proper web address does not contain the word "free"

          b)  Have your printer ready, since your reports will appear on the screen

          c)  Dispute errors in writing, keeping copies of all documents for your records

2)  Read all credit advertising carefully

3)     Place a fraud alert on your credit files, or “freeze” your files (especially if you are a victim of ID theft)

          a)  Alert is a non-binding notice to creditors recommending that they ensure your

               identity

          b)  Freeze is now available for Mainers, free for victims of ID theft, and it prevents

               access by all except your current creditors unless you “unfreeze” the file

4)  Use common sense in obtaining services on the Web

          a)  Anyone can create a sharp-looking Web site

          b)  Check with "home state" for license information

          c)  Use common sense when engaging in all financial transactions, including those

               conducted online

1) Don’t get “partnered”.  In other words, don’t let others involve you in a                scam.  For example, if you sign an application for credit that contains false information, you are at fault, even if you did so at someone else’s suggestion or urging.  It is common for scam artists to make you a “co-conspirator”, since you will then be less likely to complain when things go wrong.

                        2) Don’t fall for sophisticated scams

5)   Opt out of pre-screened offers of credit (this includes credit card offers, “live” checks

     and pre-screened mortgage “trigger” leads) by calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT

          a) Single number leads to all 3 credit reporting agencies

          b) You’ll receive confirming information in the mail

6)  Put your telephone number on the FTC’s “do not call” list by calling 1-888-382-1222

7)   Remember that almost all financial services are regulated, and contact the Office of Consumer Credit Regulation if you have questions or concerns:

          a) www.Credit.Maine.gov

          b) 1-800-DEBT-LAW (1-800-332-8529)

Department of Professional & Financial Regulation
Office of Consumer Credit Regulation
35 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333

www.Credit.Maine.gov

1-800-DEBT-LAW (1-800-332-8529)

Contact the Office of Consumer Credit Regulation if you

have problems with any of the following businesses: