You have rights when you buy a used car, truck, or other vehicle. The text below uses the word used “car,” but many of your rights apply to purchasing used trucks or other vehicles.
Know your rights when buying from a dealer or a private person. Some rules apply only to dealers.
Take steps to protect yourself and do your homework before you buy! Test, inspect and check the history of the car.
Get the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the used car you want to buy.
Keep the VIN in a safe place.
You can use the VIN to find out about the used car you want to buy.
Take the car on a test drive. Drive the car on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
Examine the used car you want to buy. Use an inspection checklist when going over a used car inside and out.
You can find used car inspection checklists in magazines, books, and trustworthy websites dealing with used cars.
You might want to hire a mechanic to inspect the car. You will need to pay to have a mechanic inspect the used car.
Get the car’s maintenance and repair records. You can ask for maintenance or repair records from the owner, the dealer, or the repair shop.
Check out reviews of the car’s history. Use only reliable websites or trustworthy databases.
Below is a government website that can tell you more about the used car you want to buy and the legal title for the car.
The federal government uses a “recall” to tell the public about car safety problems.
Find out before you buy if there is a recall on the car you want. You can use the VIN to find out if the car has a recall.
You can ask the dealer if the car has a recall. If there is a recall on the used car you want, you can find out if it was fixed. Do not rely on what the dealer says; use the car’s VIN to check for recalls yourself.
Enter the VIN on this website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls. You can also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
If there is a recall, ask the dealer to fix it or give you proof that the safety problem covered by the recall was fixed. Federal law does not require dealers to fix recalls on used cars. That means you might need to fix the recall issue yourself.
If you buy the car, fix a problem listed in a recall immediately. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that all safety recalls pose safety risks. Unfixed recall issues might cause accidents.
Usually, a dealership that sells new cars for the make or brand you want to buy will fix a recall issue for free. This is another thing to check before you buy.
Before you buy or put money down, find out what the car is worth. Only talk about the price once you have an idea of a fair price for that car.
There are free websites with pricing information for used cars. Here are some examples of sites with used car prices:
The cost of owning a used car includes repairs and regular maintenance. Use trustworthy websites to find out how reliable the make and model of the used car might be.
Some sites can tell you what repair problems happen with the type of car you want.
You can use the VIN to get this information and search online for companies that sell vehicle history reports. If the report isn’t recent or it seems that things are missing or untrue, the information may not be complete. You may want to get a second report from a different reporting company. Some dealer websites have links to free reports.
The Federal Trade Commission, or “FTC,” is a government agency with rules about car sales, including used car sales. One rule says dealers must post a Buyer’s Guide on every car for sale.
The Buyer’s Guide is important and must tell you these things:
When you buy a used car from a dealer, get the original Buyer’s Guide that was posted on the car. If you can’t get the original buyer’s guide, get a copy of the original Buyer’s Guide.
The Buyer’s Guide must tell you if there are any negotiated changes in warranty coverage. Negotiated means worked out between the buyer and seller. The Buyer’s Guide becomes part of your sales contract.
The Buyer’s Guide controls if there is a different term in the sales contract. Watch out for language about Warranties. If the Buyer’s Guide says the car comes with a warranty and the contract says the car is sold “as is,” the dealer must give you the warranty described in the Buyer’s Guide.
Louisiana law does not give buyers the same rights as they may have in another state.
For Example: In Louisiana, car dealers are not required to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel. Before you buy from a dealer, ask about the dealer’s return policy. Get the return policy in writing. Read it carefully. You do not have any automatic right to cancel the sale at all.
You only have a right to return the car in a few days for a refund if the dealer gives you this right. Dealers may describe the right to cancel as a “cooling-off” period, a money-back guarantee, or a “no questions asked” return policy.
Ask about and read the dealer’s return policy before you put any money down or buy the car. Get the return policy in writing. Read it carefully.
In Louisiana, the sale is not “as is” unless the Buyer’s Guide says so. A dealer must check the box next to “As Is – No Warranty” on the Buyer’s Guide to sell a car “as is.”
What if the dealer says it will repair a car sold “As is – No Warranty”? Do not rely on what the dealer says. Get any promise about repairs to a car sold “as is” added in writing as part of the Buyer’s Guide. If you don’t get the dealer’s promise in writing in the Buyer’s Guide, forcing the dealer to keep its word can be tough.
If you have a written warranty that doesn’t cover your problems, you might be covered by an “implied warranty.”
When a dealer sells a car with a written warranty or service contract, implied warranties are included automatically. There are some exceptions to this rule listed below.
Louisiana law says that cars sold by dealers must meet reasonable quality standards. This is called an implied warranty. An implied warranty is an unspoken, unwritten promise from the seller to the buyer.
Warning: dealers can add terms to the sale to undo the implied warranty. Dealers can write a notice with the words “as is” or “with all faults” to undo the implied warranty.
There is no set time limit to act on an implied warranty. There is more than one kind of Implied Warranty.
The most common type of implied warranty is called a “warranty of merchantability.” This kind of warranty means the seller promises that the car will do what it’s supposed to do.
For example, a warranty that the car will run. The Warranty of Merchantability covers basic things a car is supposed to do but does not cover everything that could go wrong with the car. Breakdowns and other problems after you buy do not prove the seller violated the warranty of merchantability.
The buyer must show that the problem was already there at the time of the sale. A problem after the sale might not be because of a defect at the time of sale.
A ''warranty of fitness for a particular purpose” covers a sale based on the dealer’s advice that the car is fit for a particular use.
For Example, the dealer suggests you buy a specific car to haul a trailer. That means the dealer promises that the car can haul a trailer.
Any limit on an implied warranty’s time limit must be included in the written warranty.
Dealers may offer a full or limited warranty on all or some of a car’s systems or parts. Most used car warranties are limited. What a limited warranty covers varies.
A full (not limited) warranty includes the following terms and conditions:
If any of the things listed above are missing or excluded, the warranty is limited. A full or limited warranty doesn’t have to cover the entire car. The dealer may say that only certain things about the car are covered.
Some parts or systems may be covered by a full warranty. Other things about the car may have only a limited warranty. The dealer must check the appropriate box on the Buyers Guide to show if the warranty is full or limited. Look for this information in the Buyer’s Guide.
The dealer must include the following information in the “Warranty” section of the Buyer’s Guide:
You have the right to see a copy of the dealer’s warranty before you buy. Review the dealer’s warranty carefully to find out what is covered. Things to look for:
You can contact the local Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area to see if they can help you solve the problem. In the Greater New Orleans area, the BBB number is 504-581-6222.
The Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission “LUMVC” is responsible for licensing and regulating independent used car dealers. The LUMVC also investigates complaints about used motor vehicle sales, auctions, crushers, automotive dismantlers, rent with the option to purchase, daily rentals, and used parts and accessories.
The LUMVC only covers dealerships. The LUMVC does not cover sales between individuals.
You can call the office at 800-256-2977. Or you can fill out a complaint form found at: https://lumvc.louisiana.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Consumer-Complaint-Process.pdf.
The top of this form has information on where to send it to. Or you can file a LUMVC complaint online at: https://lumvc.louisiana.gov/complaint-form/.
Yes, you can sue. If you paid $5,000 or less for the car, you could sue the seller in Small Claims Court. For most parishes, Small Claims Court is in the Justice of the Peace Court.
For more information about Small Claims Court, check here: https://lasc.libguides.com/c.php?g=583267&p=4027476.
In Orleans Parish, Small Claims Court is in First Parish Court.
If you live in Algiers, Orleans Parish Small Claims Court is in Second Parish Court. Learn more here: https://www.orleanscivildistrictcourt.org/first-city-court-clerk
Learn more about buying a used car on this site from the State of Louisiana: https://lumvc.louisiana.gov/facts-for-consumers-about-buying-a-used-car/
Whether the law calls your mobile home moveable or immovable can affects your finances. This is because it can affect your ability to get loans and affects your property taxes. You may be able to switch the legal label for your mobile home from “moveable” to “immoveable, ” through something called an “Act of Immobilization.” Learn more about the Act of Immobilization document at this link: Act of Immobilization.
After recordation, the owner, or the owner’s agent, must file a certified copy with the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, who creates an Internet-accessible searchable database providing a public record.
You must also submit other required documents to the OMV. Find out more here on the site of the Louisiana OMV: Mobile Home Immobilization.
Louisiana classifies property as either immovable or movable.
Mobile homes are called movable property unless the mobile home is immobilized.
Immobilizing means the home is made a part of the land, both physically and legally. If made immovable, it is legally treated like land and other buildings on the land.
A mobile home is not immobilized if the land and the home are owned by different people. (If the mobile home is owned, but the land is leased, the mobile home is considered moveable under the law and is treated like cars and boats.)
A mobile home is not immobilized if it is not permanently attached to the land, it can usually be made an immovable property.
A mobile home is not immobilized unless an Act of Immobilization has been notarized and officially recorded.
If you do not know if an Affidavit of Immobilization has been done and filed you can search the parish land records, the Louisiana OMV database, and also.
The parish Clerk of Court’s office can tell you where to check for an “Act of Immobilization.” If you find an Act of Immobilization recorded with the conveyance or mortgage records, then your mobile home is labeled immovable unless there is also an “Act to De-Immobilize a Manufactured Home” there.
That should mean your mobile home is classified as moveable.
You can sign something called an Act of Immobilization to have your mobile home labeled as “immovable” under the law.
Warning: If you sign this you are swearing that the mobile home will remain permanently attached to the land listed in it.
If you want to move your immovable mobile home, you need to change it from immovable to moveable. There are steps you can take.
A major purchase may come with a warranty. The warranty may come from the seller or the manufacturer. A “warranty” is a promise to stand behind the thing sold to you. The law says that you must be allowed to read what the warranty says before you buy. The warranty law covers purchases in person, online, or with a catalog. Warranties might cover a lot or a little. Look into the details before you buy. You may be given the option to buy an extended warranty. An extended warranty would cover some repairs after the regular warranty expires. Buying an extended warranty is up to you.
Look up the company’s name on the Internet.
Try using words like “complaint” or “review.”
See what other people think of the company or product.
It depends. The warranty period could be days, months, or years.
Read over the fine print on the warranty to find out how long the warranty lasts.
If specific parts or repairs that are not listed in the warranty, you should assume they aren’t covered.
Some warranties make you pay for labor or to ship the product back for repairs.
This could be expensive for heavy items.
Again, read the warranty.
Do you need to send in a product registration card to get warranty service?
Some limited warranties require that.
Other warranties only cover problems that happen when you maintain or use the product according to the directions.
Many warranties won’t cover problems that happen if you misuse a product or change the way it works.
Federal law states that a manufacturer can’t make you use specific parts and services to keep warranty coverage, unless the warranty provides those parts and services for free, or if the company offering the warranty gets permission from the FTC to make that requirement.
You may have to contact the manufacturer for help or the seller.
The company could repair it, replace it, or refund the money you paid for it.
“Consequential damages” are damages the product causes.
Few warranties cover them, or the time and money you spend to repair such damage.
All the things listed above should be in the warranty document. Read the warranty before you buy. Keep a copy of both the warranty and your receipt of the purchase. If the purchase was online, remember to print a copy of the receipt. If any warranty is stated to you verbally by the seller, get it in writing.
Almost everything you buy is covered by an implied warranty. This is so even if there is no written warranty. All states have implied warranties. Here are some common implied warranties:
Merchantability means that the seller promises that a product will do what it’s supposed to do.
For example, a car will run and a toaster will toast.
This warranty covers what happens when you buy a thing because the seller said it is fit for a particular use.
For example, a seller says a certain sleeping bag is good for zero-degree weather.
That means the seller is giving an implied warranty to buyers that the sleeping bag will is fit for use in zero-degree weather.
In Louisiana, the main implied warranty is called “redhibition.” Redhibition covers problems that come up with the product that make the thing so useless or inconvenient that you would not have purchased it or would have purchased it for a lower price. Even if your purchase doesn’t come with a written warranty, it’s still covered by implied warranties. Big exception: the implied warranty protects you unless the seller gives a written notice that there’s no warranty, or the product is marked "as is".
An extended warranty or a service contract is different from the initial warranty that may automatically come with a product. An extended warranty will cost extra. It may cover different issues than a warranty. It is sold separately. Before you buy an extended warranty or service contract, compare it to the warranty to see if you’ll get any extra benefits for the extra cost. You do not have to buy extended warranties.
Having a warranty doesn't mean you’ll automatically get a refund if a product is defective. The company may have a right to try to fix it before it gives you a refund. But if you report a defect to the company during the warranty period and the product isn’t fixed properly, the company must correct the problem, even if your warranty expires before the product is fixed.
If your letter or emails don’t resolve the issue, report problems with a company to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
You can contact the local Better Business Bureau in your area to see if they can resolve your issues. In the Greater New Orleans area, their number is 504-581-6222.
Finally, you can speak to an attorney.
Updated 10/12/2022
The Biden administration announced a three-part plan to help those with federal student loan debt. What happens next?
The current pause on federal student loan repayment has been extended one final time through December 31, 2022. Borrowers should expect to resume making federal student loan payments in January 2023.
The Biden administration is proposing changes to the student loan system so that it is more manageable in the future. These include cutting monthly undergrad loan payments in half, increasing the number of Pell Grants available, and changing the rules for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) so that it is more accessible to borrowers.
What is the Student Loan Relief Plan?
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) in August 2022 announced that the Student Debt Relief Plan that includes one-time student loan debt relief targeted to low- and middle-income families.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) will provide up to $20,000 in debt relief to Federal Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000 in debt relief to non-Pell Grant recipients. Borrowers with loans held by ED are eligible for this relief if their individual income is less than $125,000 (or $250,000 for households).
What types of loans are eligible for this relief?
The following types of federal student loans with an outstanding balance as of June 30, 2022, are eligible for relief:
However, check with your student loan servicer to make sure your particular loan qualifies.
Consolidation loans are eligible for relief, as long as all of the underlying loans that were consolidated were first disbursed on or before June 30, 2022.
How do I apply for this?
Step 1: Check if you're eligible
You're eligible for student loan debt relief if in 2020 or 2021 you:
If you qualify, then you will get:
Step 2: Prepare
Here's what you can do to get ready and to make sure you get our updates:
Step 3: Submit your application (when available)
The application will be available online by early October 2022.
You will be emailed when the application is available. You'll have until Dec. 31, 2023, to submit your application.
For all information on this process, visit: https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation
How do find out if I qualify for the Pell Grant forgiveness?
Federal Pell Grants typically are awarded to undergraduate students with low or moderate income. Most borrowers can log in to StudentAid.gov to see if they received a Pell Grant. You will get information about the aid you received, including Pell Grants, on your account dashboard and your “My Aid” pages.
If you did receive Pell Grant(s), the ED will verify this with your application to make sure you will receive up to the full benefit of $20,000 in relief if you meet the income tests.
ED has data on all borrowers who received a Pell Grant. If you received a Pell Grant prior to 1994, that information won't display in StudentAid.gov, but you'll still receive the full benefit.
Student Debt Relief Scams
Some people are trying to rip borrowers off. Some scams and how to avoid them are:
More info on how to avoid student loan scams: https://studentaid.gov/resources/scams
¿Qué es la "regla de los tres días"? ¿Qué cubre la regla de los tres días?
La regla de los tres días también se llama la "Regla de enfriamiento".
Esta regla cubre los contratos de venta realizados en persona en su hogar, trabajo u otros lugares inusuales.
La regla es proteger a las personas contra ser presionadas para una venta, contrato o trato.
Algunos de estos pueden involucrar a personas que van de puerta en puerta para tratar de que las personas compren cosas o servicios.
La regla se aplica a los siguientes contratos de venta:
Sin embargo, esta regla NO cubre la venta si fue:
¿Qué información debe decirte el vendedor?
En el momento de la venta, el vendedor tiene que informarle sobre su derecho a cancelar la venta.
El vendedor también debe darte:
o Nota: El contrato o recibo debe estar en el mismo idioma que se utilizó en la presentación de ventas.
¿Cuándo puedo cancelar el contrato?
Su derecho a cancelar para un reembolso completo dura hasta la medianoche del tercer día hábil después de la fecha en que se realizó la venta o firmó el contrato. El sábado se considera un día hábil, pero los domingos y los días festivos federales no lo son. Así que:
¿Necesito una razón para cancelar la venta?
No tiene que dar una razón para cancelar.
Tiene derecho a cambiar de opinión.
¿Cómo cancelo la venta?
¿Qué pasa después? ¿Qué tiene que hacer el vendedor después de la cancelación?
El vendedor tiene 10 días para
Dentro de los 20 días, el vendedor debe recoger los artículos que quedan con usted o reembolsarle los gastos de envío si acepta devolver los artículos.
Si el vendedor le dio algún artículo, debe ponerlo a disposición del vendedor en tan buenas condiciones como cuando lo obtuvo. Si no pones los artículos a disposición del vendedor, o si aceptas devolverlos, pero no lo haces, aún tienes que pagarle al vendedor.
¿Qué pasa si el vendedor no sigue las reglas?
Si usó una tarjeta de crédito, puede disputar los cargos de la tarjeta de crédito en función de la violación de la "regla de enfriamiento de la FTC". Vea nuestra publicación sobre esto aquí.
También puede reportar la violación a la FTC en ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
En algunos casos, es posible que pueda usar la violación como parte de una demanda.
Hable con la compañía de agua o energía si se retrasa en su factura.
No ignore las facturas impagas.
Las facturas impagas pueden llevar a cortes.
¿Qué pasa si no puedo pagar mi factura de Entergy?
Primero - póngase en contacto con Entergy.
Hay información en línea sobre la asistencia de pago de Entergy aquí/here.
También puede llamar a Entergy al 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749)
Tienes algunas opciones de pago de Entergy:
¿Cómo solicito obtener dinero para ayudar a pagar estas facturas?
LIHEAP (el Programa de Asistencia de Energía para Hogares de Bajos Ingresos) tiene dinero federal para ayudar a las personas a pagar las facturas de energía y otros gastos relacionados con la energía.
Total Community Action (TCA) conecta a las personas con la ayuda de LIHEAP.
Para ver si califica para LIHEAP, llame a TCA.
(504) 324-8609.
También puede utilizar el sitio web de TCA aquí/ here.
¿Qué pasa si no puedo pagar mi factura de alcantarillado y agua?
Primero, comuníquese con la Junta de Alcantarillado y Agua (SWB).
SWB tiene información en línea sobre la ayuda con los pagos aquí.
También puede llamar a SWB.
(504) 529-2837
Vea si califica para el Programa de Ayuda de Agua / Asistencia de Plomería de la Junta de Alcantarillado y Agua.
El programa ayuda a los clientes ancianos, discapacitados y de bajos ingresos a pagar sus facturas de agua y hacer reparaciones menores de plomería.
Total Community Action (TCA) conecta a las personas con la ayuda de este programa.
Usted presenta su solicitud en persona en:
Acción comunitaria total
1424 South Jefferson Davis Parkway
Nueva Orleans, LA 70125
(504) 324-8609
Para obtener esto:
Traiga lo siguiente para aplicar:
Para obtener más información, puede llamar a TCA: (504) 324-8609.
Otras opciones para su factura SWB.
Pregúntele a la Junta de Alcantarillado y Agua sobre un plan de "Arreglo de pago".
Puede calificar para un plan de pago para ayudar a pagar su factura.
El plan le permitirá pagar lo que debe durante varios meses.
Otra ayuda para pagar las facturas de agua y electricidad.
La Ciudad de Nueva Orleans puede ayudar a los inquilinos cuyos ingresos cayeron debido al COVID. La Oficina de Política de Vivienda y Desarrollo Comunitario de Nueva Orleans dirige este programa de ayuda.
Hay algunos pasos para calificar.
Debe haber sido aprobado antes para este tipo de ayuda. Esa aprobación habría sido para el programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia de Nueva Orleans ("ERA").
Debe tener facturas de servicios públicos vencidas. Esas facturas vencidas solo pueden remontarse hasta el 13 de marzo de 2020.
Verifique si califica. Vaya a esta página o aquí para solicitar en línea: https://nola.gov/community-development/utility-assistance-program/
Caridades Católicas de Nueva Orleans - Utility Aid
Llame al (504) 523-3755.
Sitio web: https://www.ccano.org/
Departamento de Servicios Humanos de la Ciudad de Nueva Orleans (anteriormente City Welfare)
Ayuntamiento de Nueva Orleans
Habitación 1W30
Nueva Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 658-3310
Consejo Parroquial de Orleans sobre el Envejecimiento (COA)
2475 Canal Street (4º piso)
Nueva Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 821-4121
¿Qué cargos de tarjeta de crédito puedo disputar?
Si alguna de las cosas a continuación le sucedió, una ley federal llamada Ley de Facturación de Crédito Justo (FCBA) puede ayudarlo.
¿Qué cargos están cubiertos por la Ley de Crédito de Facturación Justa?
La Ley de Crédito de Facturación Justa (FCBA) se aplica a las tarjetas de crédito y cuentas sin un tiempo establecido para pagar la cantidad total que debe.
Esto se llama una cuenta de crédito "abierta". Las tarjetas de crédito y las cuentas de cargo rotativas como las cuentas de grandes almacenes son cuentas abiertas.
La Ley de Crédito de Facturación Justa cubre estos. No cubre los préstamos a plazos.
Un "préstamo a plazos" tiene un cronograma de pagos específico, generalmente pagando la misma cantidad cada mes.
Estos pagos programados generalmente se usan para cosas como automóviles, hogares, muebles, electrodomésticos importantes y "pagarés" (como préstamos bancarios).
¿Qué hace la ley?
La FCBA cubre disputas sobre algunos "errores de facturación":
¿Cómo uso la ley?
Cuando la compañía de la tarjeta de crédito recibe su carta de queja, tiene 30 días para escribir diciendo que recibió su queja.
No tienen que decir que recibieron la queja si el problema se soluciona dentro de los 30 días.
La compañía de la tarjeta de crédito tiene dos ciclos de facturación (pero no más de 90 días) después de recibir su carta para resolver su disputa.
¿Qué sucede después de que sale la carta?
Después de escribir para disputar los cargos, la FCBA le permite hacer algunas cosas.
Puede retener el pago sobre el monto en disputa (y los cargos sobre ese monto) durante la investigación.
Debe pagar cualquier parte de la factura que no esté en cuestión, incluidos todos los demás cargos financieros, sobre los montos que no está disputando.
El acreedor no puede tomar ninguna acción legal o de otro tipo para cobrar el monto en disputa y los cargos relacionados (incluidos los cargos financieros) durante la investigación.
Tu cuenta no se puede cerrar ni restringir.
El acreedor no puede amenazar su calificación crediticia, reportarlo como moroso, acelerar su deuda o restringir o cerrar su cuenta porque su factura está en disputa o usted ha utilizado sus derechos de FCBA.
Es contrario a la ley federal que los acreedores discriminen a los solicitantes de crédito que ejercen sus derechos de buena fe bajo la FCBA.
Por ejemplo, un acreedor no puede negarle crédito solo porque usted ha disputado una factura.
La cantidad en disputa puede contar contra su límite de crédito.
El acreedor puede informar que usted está impugnando su factura.
Si resulta que su factura tiene un error, el acreedor debe explicarle, por escrito, las correcciones que se harán a su cuenta.
Además de acreditar su cuenta, el acreedor debe eliminar todos los cargos financieros, cargos por pago atrasado u otros cargos relacionados con el error.
Si el acreedor determina que usted debe una parte de la cantidad en disputa, debe darle una explicación por escrito. Puede solicitar copias de los documentos que demuestren que debe el dinero.
Si la investigación del acreedor encuentra que la factura es correcta, se le debe informar de inmediato y por escrito cuánto debe y por qué. Puede solicitar copias de los documentos pertinentes.
En este punto, deberá el monto en disputa, más cualquier cargo financiero de cuando el monto estaba en disputa. También es posible que tenga que pagar la cantidad mínima que no pagó debido a la disputa.
¿Qué sucede si no estoy de acuerdo después de que el acreedor investigue mis reclamos?
Si no está de acuerdo con los resultados de la investigación, puede escribir al acreedor.
Debe hacerlo dentro de los 10 días posteriores a la recepción de la explicación.
Puede decir que se niega a pagar la cantidad en disputa. Pero el acreedor ahora puede comenzar los procedimientos de cobro.
Si el acreedor lo reporta a una compañía de informes de crédito como moroso, el informe también debe decir que usted no cree que deba el dinero.
El acreedor debe decirle quién recibe estos informes de crédito. El acreedor también debe informar de inmediato cualquier final posterior de la morosidad reportada a todos los que recibieron un informe.
El acreedor que no siga el procedimiento de liquidación debe deducir $ 50 de su factura (o los montos en cuestión y los cargos financieros sobre ellos si son inferiores a $ 50).
Esta regla de $ 50 se aplica incluso si la factura resulta ser correcta.
Por ejemplo, si un acreedor reconoce que su queja es demasiado tarde, o tarda demasiado en resolver una disputa, se aplica la multa.
La multa también se aplica si un acreedor amenaza con informar, o informa incorrectamente, su falta de pago durante el período de la disputa.
¿Qué puedo hacer si creo que ha habido una violación de la FCBA?
La Comisión Federal de Comercio hace cumplir la FCBA para la mayoría de los acreedores, excepto los bancos.
Si cree que un acreedor ha violado la FCBA, presente una queja ante la Comisión Federal de Comercio.
También puede demandar a un acreedor que viole la FCBA.
Si gana en la corte, se le pueden otorgar daños y perjuicios, más el doble del monto de cualquier cargo financiero, siempre y cuando sea entre $ 500 y $ 5,000, o montos más altos si se establece un patrón o práctica de violaciones.
El tribunal también puede ordenar al acreedor que pague los honorarios y costos de su abogado.
Si es posible, contrate a un abogado que esté dispuesto a aceptar lo que le otorgó el tribunal como la tarifa completa por representarlo.
Es posible que algunos abogados no tomen su caso a menos que usted acepte pagar sus honorarios (ganar o perder) o hacerle agregar a la cantidad otorgada por la corte si creen que es demasiado baja.
¿Qué pasa si la queja es sobre la calidad de los bienes o servicios comprados?
Las disputas sobre la calidad de los bienes y servicios no son "errores de facturación."
El procedimiento de disputa anterior no se aplica a las quejas sobre la calidad de los bienes o servicios.
Si tiene un problema con los bienes o servicios que pagó con una tarjeta de crédito o de cargo, puede tomar las mismas acciones legales contra el emisor de la tarjeta que puede tomar bajo la ley estatal contra el vendedor.
Solo puede usar esta protección, si debe haber realizado la compra en su estado de origen o dentro de las 100 millas de su dirección de facturación actual y la cantidad cobrada fue más de $ 50.
Primero debe hacer un esfuerzo de buena fe para resolver la disputa con el vendedor.
Las limitaciones de dólar y distancia no se aplican si el vendedor es el emisor de la tarjeta de crédito, o si existe una relación comercial especial entre el vendedor y el emisor de la tarjeta de crédito. Debido a este derecho a demandar, el emisor de la tarjeta puede estar dispuesto a eliminar un cargo que usted impugne. Pero los procedimientos de la FCBA anteriores no se aplicarán.
¿Qué pasa con otros derechos de facturación que pueda tener?
Las empresas que ofrecen crédito "abierto", como las tarjetas de crédito, también deben hacer estas cosas:
¿Qué pasa si en su lugar llamo a la compañía de la tarjeta de crédito para disputar el cargo?
Los estados de cuenta de la tarjeta de crédito tienen un número al que llamar sobre problemas con la factura.
Muchas personas llaman al número cuando ven un error. Esto puede resolver la mayoría de los problemas.
Programe un recordatorio para asegurarse de que el problema se solucione dentro de los 45 días posteriores a la factura que tuvo el problema.
Si no se soluciona, envíe la carta descrita anteriormente para que la carta llegue a la compañía de la tarjeta de crédito dentro de los 60 días posteriores a la factura con el problema.
Yo recibí un cheque en el correo. ¿Debería de depositarlo?
Necesariamente, no. Debería de tener cuidado a leer la letra pequeña si es un cheque de una agencia confiable como el Internal Revenue Service (IRS) o si es un común “Live Check Loan.”
¿Qué es un “Live Check Loan” o “cheque vivo”?
Un préstamo con cheque vivo es una oferta de préstamo enviada por las agencias de préstamos a prestatarios preaprobados que ofrecen un préstamo pequeño, generalmente de $ 500 a $ 2500, generalmente a tasas de interés muy altas a menudo por encima del 25% APR. Esta oferta de préstamo incluirá un cheque extendido a usted listo para cobrar. Los préstamos de cheques en vivo también deben incluir: una divulgación de las tarifas del préstamo, la tasa porcentual anual (APR), el cronograma de pagos, el acuerdo de préstamo, un aviso de privacidad sobre el intercambio de su información personal, su derecho a excluir su nombre de futuras ofertas, llamado aviso de exclusión voluntaria, e información de contacto del remitente. Al cobrar o depositar el cheque, usted está aceptando todos los términos y condiciones adjuntos al préstamo. Asegúrese de leer la letra pequeña incluida con este cheque para determinar si este préstamo es adecuado para usted.
¿Es esta oferta de préstamo preaprobada una estafa?
Los estafadores a veces envían ofertas de préstamos falsas por correo, correo electrónico o mensaje de texto. Estos pueden parecer muy similares a las ofertas reales de préstamos con cheques en vivo, pero se utilizan para obtener su información personal o financiera con el fin de cometer robo de identidad o fraude. Si el préstamo le pide que envíe dinero, información personal o financiera a cambio, lo más probable es que sea una estafa. Visite la Base de Datos de Quejas del Consumidor de la Oficina de Protección Financiera del Consumidor para ver si el prestamista tiene licencia en su estado y si hay quejas en su contra en https://www.consumerfinance.gov/data-research/consumer-complaints/ Si cree que esta oferta es una estafa, puede informarlo a la Comisión Federal de Comercio en https://reportefraude.ftc.gov/#/
¿Cómo funciona un cheque en vivo?
Si desea aceptar el préstamo de cheque vivo, debe respaldar el cheque firmando el reverso del cheque y cambiando o depositando los fondos en su cuenta bancaria. Esto crea un acuerdo de préstamo que debe pagar con intereses de acuerdo con el plan de pago incluido. Si paga tarde o no paga, es posible que se le cobren tarifas junto con intereses, y el prestamista puede informar su deuda a una agencia de informes de crédito, lo que podría afectar su puntaje de crédito. Para rechazar la oferta de préstamo, debe destruir de forma segura, triturando y tirando, el cheque en vivo para evitar un posible uso fraudulento por parte de otros.
¿Cómo determino si debo aceptar esta oferta de préstamo?
Los préstamos de cheques en vivo pueden ser convenientes ya que no tiene que completar una solicitud de préstamo o presentar documentos. Sin embargo, los préstamos con cheques vivos pueden tener tasas de interés mucho más altas que otros préstamos o tarjetas de crédito. Si está interesado en un préstamo o línea de crédito, debe seguir estos sencillos pasos:
¿Qué debo hacer con este cheque en vivo?
Si decide que desea aceptar la oferta de préstamo, simplemente endose el reverso del cheque con su firma y efectivo o deposite el cheque en su cuenta bancaria. Si decide que no desea aceptar la oferta de préstamo, rompa el cheque y tírelo. Si no destruye el cheque antes de tirarlo, corre el riesgo de que alguien cobre el cheque a su nombre y se haga responsable de un préstamo que no recibió.
¿Cómo detengo estas ofertas de préstamos no solicitados?
Si no desea recibir cheques en vivo u otras ofertas de préstamos no solicitados, tiene derecho bajo la Ley de Informes de Crédito Justos a optar por no recibir ofertas futuras durante cinco años o de forma permanente. Para optar por no participar por cinco años, llame al 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) o https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t para optar por no participar permanentemente, visite https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t y devuelva un "Formulario de elección de exclusión permanente" firmado, que enviarán después de realizar la solicitud.
Ya cobré el cheque. ¿Qué hago ahora?
Al cobrar el cheque, usted quedó obligado a los términos y condiciones de la oferta de préstamo. Si no puede pagar los pagos como se describe en la oferta, comuníquese con el prestamista sobre las posibles opciones para pagar su préstamo. Si paga tarde o no paga sin llegar a un acuerdo con el prestamista, estos pueden cobrar tarifas junto con intereses, informar su deuda a una agencia de informes de crédito o tomar medidas para embargar sus salarios o embargar su propiedad.
Como muchos estados, Louisiana permite que trabajadores firmen un acuerdo de no competencia si sus empleadores lo piden.
¿Que Son?
Acuerdo de no competencia es un contrato que se prohíbe trabajar en un trabajo similar a lo que estaba haciendo hasta dos años después que dejes el trabajo anterior. El contrato se respeta, aunque una persona deja el trabajo por propia voluntad o por decisión del empleador. Empleadores frecuentemente les dan a nuevos trabajadores este acuerdo con muchas otras paginas para que la persona que esta firmando no se de cuenta de lo que esta firmando. Entonces es muy importante que una persona sepa lo que está firmando. Estos acuerdos iniciaron para proteger los secretos e inversiones de las compañías, pero ahora son parte de muchos trabajos en Louisiana como restaurantes, tiendas, y trabajo de casa.
¿Porque no deberías firmar uno?
Un empleador que no contrata a una persona a menos que firme un acuerdo de no competencia frecuentemente demanda a esa misma persona por dinero y para que esa persona pare de trabajar en su nuevo trabajo si viola el acuerdo. Esto puede pasar si una persona empieza a trabajar en una nueva compañía o si la persona es un trabajador independiente. Lo mejor es que no firme un acuerdo. Si un empleador se pide que firme un acuerdo de no competencia debería de decirle que no. No es ilegal que se pidan que firme el acuerdo, pero no es necesario que firme el acuerdo. Puede decirle al empleador que está dispuesto a trabajar para el/ella, pero sin firmar el acuerdo.
Es difícil rechazar un trabajo cuando una persona necesita trabajo y es difícil encontrar trabajo, pero cuando una persona firma un acuerdo de no competencia se limita a trabajos en el futuro hasta para dos anos cuando termina de trabajar para ese empleador. Tal vez está dispuesto a trabajar para ese empleador sabiendo que se está limitando en trabajos en el futuro, pero cuando más y más empleadores están usando estos acuerdo para restringir los derechos de los trabajadores, se convierte en una problema para toda la gente que trabaja por un sueldo o para la gente que aspira para empezar su propio negocio.
¿Qué pasa si firma un acuerdo de no competencia?
Protéjase de demandas del empleador. Se el acuerdo es legal, el empleador se puede demandar por dinero perdido de su compañía y un corte puede ordenar que pares de trabajar en tu nuevo trabajo. Si no está seguro si el acuerdo es legal, consulta con un abogado si puede. Si el legal, espera que el tiempo requerido en el acuerdo se expire antes de empezar trabajo que podría ser contemplado en el acuerdo de no competencia. Si se demandan, busca un abogado inmediatamente.
What is the “three day rule”?
What does the three day rule cover?
The three day rule is also called the “Cooling Off Rule.”
This rule covers sales contracts made in person at your home, work, or other unusual locations.
The rule is to protect people against being pressured into a sale, contract, or deal.
Some of these may involve people who go door to door to try to get people to buy things or services.
The rule applies to the following sales contracts:
However, this rule does NOT cover the sale if it was:
What information must the seller tell you?
At the time of the sale, the seller has to tell you about your right to cancel the sale.
The seller also must give you:
When can I cancel the contract?
Your right to cancel for a full refund lasts until midnight of the third business day after the date the sale was made or you signed the contract. Saturday is considered a business day, but Sundays and federal holidays are not. So:
Do I need a reason to cancel the sale?
You don’t have to give a reason for canceling.
You have a right to change your mind.
How do I cancel the sale?
What happens next? What does the seller have to do after the cancelation?
The seller has 10 days to
Within 20 days, the seller must either pick up the items left with you, or reimburse you for mailing expenses if you agree to send back the items.
If the seller gave you any items, you must make them available to the seller in as good condition as when you got them. If you don’t make the items available to the seller — or if you agree to return them but don’t — you still have to pay the seller.
What if the seller does not follow the rules?
If you used a credit card, you can dispute the credit card charges based on the violation of the “FTC Cooling off rule.” See our post on this here.
You can also report the violation the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
In some cases you may be able to use the violation as part of a lawsuit.
What credit card charges can I dispute?
If any of the things below happened to you, a Federal law called the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) may be able to help.
What charges are covered by the Fair Billing Credit Act?
The Fair Billing Credit Act (FCBA) applies to credit cards and accounts with no set schedule to pay off the whole amount you owe.
This is called an "open end" credit account. Credit cards and revolving charge accounts like department store accounts are open end accounts.
The Fair Billing Credit Act covers these. It doesn’t cover installment loans.
An “installment loan” has a specific a payment schedule, usually paying the same amount each month.
These scheduled payments are usually used for things like cars, homes, furniture, major appliances, and “promissory notes” (like bank loans).
What does the law do?
The FCBA covers disputes over some "billing errors":
How do I use the law?
When the credit card company gets your complaint letter, it has 30 days to write saying it got your complaint.
They do not have to say they got the complaint if the problem is fixed within the 30 days.
The credit card company has two billing cycles (but not more than 90 days) after getting your letter to work out your dispute.
What happens after the letter goes out
After you write to dispute charges the FCBA lets you do some things.
You may withhold payment on the disputed amount (and charges on that amount) during the investigation.
You must pay any part of the bill not in question, including all other finance charges, on the amounts you are not disputing.
The creditor may not take any legal or other action to collect the disputed amount and related charges (including finance charges) during the investigation.
Your account can't be closed or restricted.
The creditor may not threaten your credit rating, report you as delinquent, accelerate your debt, or restrict or close your account because your bill is in dispute or you have used your FCBA rights.
It against federal law for creditors to discriminate against credit applicants who exercise their rights in good faith under the FCBA.
For example, a creditor can’t deny you credit just because you've disputed a bill.
The disputed amount can count against your credit limit.
The creditor may report that you are challenging your bill.
If it turns out that your bill has a mistake, the creditor must explain to you — in writing — the corrections that will be made to your account.
In addition to crediting your account, the creditor must remove all finance charges, late fees, or other charges related to the error.
If the creditor determines that you owe a portion of the disputed amount, it must give you a written explanation. You may request copies of documents proving you owe the money.
If the creditor's investigation finds the bill is correct, you must be told promptly and in writing how much you owe and why. You may ask for copies of relevant documents.
At this point, you'll owe the disputed amount, plus any finance charges from when the amount was in dispute.
You also may have to pay the minimum amount you missed paying because of the dispute.
What happens if I disagree after the creditor investigates my claims?
If you disagree with the results of the investigation, you may write to the creditor.
You must do that within 10 days after receiving the explanation.
You may say that you refuse to pay the disputed amount. But the creditor may now begin collection procedures.
If the creditor reports you to a credit reporting company as delinquent, the report also must say that you don't think you owe the money.
The creditor must tell you who gets these credit reports. The creditor also must promptly report any subsequent end of the reported delinquency to everyone who got a report.
creditor who fails to follow the settlement procedure should deduct $50 from your bill (or the amounts at issue and finance charges on them if they are less than $50).
This $50 rule applies even if the bill turns out to be correct.
For example, if a creditor acknowledges your complaint is too late — or takes too long to resolve a dispute, the penalty applies.
The penalty also applies if a creditor threatens to report — or improperly reports — your failure to pay during the dispute period.
What can I do if I think there has been a violation of the FCBA?
The Federal Trade Commission enforces the FCBA for most creditors except banks.
If you think a creditor has violated the FCBA, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
You also can sue a creditor who violates the FCBA.
If you win in court, you may be awarded damages, plus twice the amount of any finance charge — as long as it's between $500 and $5,000, or higher amounts if a pattern or practice of violations is established.
The court also may order the creditor to pay your attorney's fees and costs.
If possible, hire a lawyer who is willing to accept the awarded to you by the court as the entire fee for representing you.
Some lawyers may not take your case unless you agree to pay their fee — win or lose — or make you add to the court-awarded amount if they think it's too low.
What if the complaint is about the quality of the goods or services purchased?
Disputes about the quality of goods and services are not "billing errors."
The dispute procedure above doesn’t apply to complaints about the quality of goods or services.
If you have a problem with goods or services you paid for with a credit or charge card, you can take the same legal actions against the card issuer as you can take under state law against the seller.
You can only use this protection, if you must have made the purchase in your home state or within 100 miles of your current billing address and the amount charged was more than $50.
You must make a good faith effort to resolve the dispute with the seller first.
The dollar and distance limitations don't apply if the seller is the credit card issuer, or if a special business relationship exists between the seller and the credit card issuer.
Because of this right to sue, the card issuer may be willing to remove a charge that you challenge. But the FCBA procedures above will not apply.
What about other billing rights that I may have?
Businesses that offer "open end" credit, like credit cards, also must do these things:
What if I instead call the credit card company to dispute the charge?
Credit card statements have a number to call about problems with the bill.
Many people call the number when they see a mistake. This may solve most problems.
Schedule a reminder to make sure the problem is fixed within 45 days of the bill that had the problem.
If it is not fixed, send the letter described above so that the letter will get to the credit card company within 60 days of the bill with the problem.
Updated May 17, 2022
How can I get free or discounted Internet service?
The federal government offers two Internet discount programs.
You may be able to get free or discounted Internet from one of these two programs:
What is the Lifeline program?
The Lifeline program can cut up to $9.25 off a monthly Internet bill. Lifeline benefits can cut up to $34.25 per month for those on Tribal lands.
You cannot get Internet service from Lifeline if you have a cell phone or phone plan through Lifeline.
Learn more about Lifeline here: https://slls.org/free-cell-phone-assistance-2022/.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
The ACP is a new federal Internet discount program.
The ACP replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB).
If you used to get the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), your Internet company should have talked to you by March 1, 2022, about how to keep your discount. If you lost your discount through the EBB, you can still apply for the ACP now.
If you never had the Emergency Broadband Benefit before, you can also still apply for the ACP.
You can’t apply now for aid under the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.
Who is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
One of these things must be true for you or someone in in your household.
How much is the ACP discount?
ACP aid is:
There is only one monthly service discount per household.
There is only one device discount per household.
How do I apply for the ACP?
Apply through Lifeline if you have Internet service from Lifeline. If you want to switch Internet companies, you must be sure that the new company is part of the ACP.
(You cannot get Internet service from Lifeline if you already get a Lifeline cell phone discount.)
If your Internet is not through Lifeline, apply through your Internet company.
The link below has a list of companies with the ACP: https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/Download/Report.
If you do not already get Internet aid, you must apply for the ACP online or by mail:
If you are approved for the ACP, you can only use the discount with an Internet company that is part of the ACP.
You must make sure your Internet company applies the ACP discount to your bill.
Which companies can I use the discount at?
Internet companies with the ACP are listed here: https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/Download/Report
As of May 9, 2022, 20 different Internet companies began offering Internet plans that cost $30 per month or less. If you use your ACP discount on one of these plans, you will have no cost for your Internet access. Internet companies offering these $30 per month or less Internet plans are listed here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/getinternet/?utm_source=getinternet.gov.
For more information on the ACP, visit www.fcc.gov/ACP or call 877-384-2575.