{"id":1021,"date":"2018-09-03T11:17:40","date_gmt":"2018-09-03T18:17:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/economicintegrity.org\/?page_id=1021"},"modified":"2026-08-08T17:09:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T00:09:12","slug":"consumers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/economicintegrity.org\/?page_id=1021","title":{"rendered":"Consumers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We Are All Consumers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Middle and low-income consumers must navigate myriad, potentially dangerous financial products and services designed to trap them in an unending cycle of debt. Corporations and industries are constantly evolving to circumvent common sense state and federal regulations enacted to prevent unfair, deceptive and unconscionable practices such as triple-digit small loans (payday loans, title loans).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Banks, mortgage lenders, insurance companies, cryptocurrency and the financial technology era all pose additional risks and challenges for unsophisticated or desperate consumers. As the economic divide continues to widen, so do the types of financial products and services targeted specifically to financially disadvantaged individuals and families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"220\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/economicintegrity.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/button-consumers-220x280.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1255\" style=\"width:144px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/economicintegrity.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/button-consumers-220x280.png 220w, https:\/\/economicintegrity.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/button-consumers-220x280-118x150.png 118w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 220px) 100vw, 220px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Media Headlines<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/economicintegrity.org\/?cat=4\"><i class=\"fas fa-newspaper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i> Predatory Lending<\/a><br>\n<strong>CEI Initiatives<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/economicintegrity.org\/?page_id=125\"><i class=\"fas fa-info-circle\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i> Consumer Protection<\/a><br>\n<strong>Additional Resources<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/economicintegrity.org\/?page_id=11\"><i class=\"fas fa-info-circle\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i> Resources<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">File A Complaint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For a consumer related complaint<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\">Contact the<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerfinance.gov\/complaint\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"237\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/economicintegrity.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/CFPB_logo_237x50.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-615\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tell the CFPB you want them to write strong rules to prevent payday lenders and auto title lenders from taking advantage of vulnerable consumers. <a href=\"https:\/\/stoppaydaypredators.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Submit your comment to CFPB<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">File by phone or online<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>File a complaint by phone: (855) 411-2372<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>File a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerfinance.gov\/about-us\/blog\/you-can-submit-a-payday-loan-complaint\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Payday Lending complaint<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>File a complaint with the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.azdfi.gov\/Consumers\/Complaints\/Forms\/DFI-CA-FM-WP-Complaint_Form_Instructions_English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">File a consumer complaint against a Lender in AZ charging document preparation fees<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To file a consumer complaint against a Lender engaging in transactions with Arizona consumers, and charging document preparation fees on auto title or small loans on or after July 1, 2013, please visit the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.azdfi.gov\/Consumers\/Complaints\/ConsumerComplaint.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arizona Department of Financial Institutions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Or send mail to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Arizona Department of Financial Institutions<br>2910 N. 44th Street, Suite 310<br>Phoenix, AZ 85018<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">File a consumer complaint with the AZ State Attorney General<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AZ State Attorney General&#8217;s Office<br> \u2022 Online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.azag.gov\/complaints\/consumer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Consumer Information and Complaints<\/a><br> \u2022 By email: <a href=\"mailto:consumerinfo@azag.gov\">consumerinfo@azag.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By phone or fax:<br> \u2022 (602) 542-5763 (Phoenix) \/ Fax (602) 542-4579<br> \u2022 (520) 628-6504 (Tucson) \/<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">File a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FTC encourages consumers to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/news-events\/media-resources\/identity-theft-and-data-security\/filing-complaint\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">file a complaint<\/a> whenever they have been the victim of fraud, identity theft, or other unfair or deceptive business practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For a labor-related complaint<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AZ State Attorney General\u2019s Office<br> \u2022 Online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.azag.gov\/complaints\/consumer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Consumer Information and Complaints<\/a><br> \u2022 By email: <a href=\"mailto:consumerinfo@azag.gov\">consumerinfo@azag.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note: <em>The Labor Department has three areas of jurisdiction: resolution of disputes involving wages; youth employment law enforcement; and the licensing of private employment agencies that charge fees to applicants.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Labor laws and claim forms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/webapps.dol.gov\/elaws\/elg\/minwage.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Federal Minimum Wage and Overtime Laws<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.azica.gov\/claims-filing-claim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Workers Compensation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.azica.gov\/labor-wage-claims-main-page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arizona Worker Complaint forms<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Read the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.azleg.gov\/viewdocument\/?docName=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.azleg.gov%2Fars%2F23%2F00553.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arizona Day Labor Protection Act<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Read the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nmlegis.gov\/Sessions\/05%20Regular\/final\/HB0672.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Mexico Day Labor Protection Act<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Freeze&nbsp;Your Credit Files for Free<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/economicintegrity.org\/?p=1491\">As of September 21, 2018<\/a> you have the right to ask the nationwide reporting agencies to freeze your credit files and lift the freeze, whenever you want, at no charge.<a href=\"https:\/\/consumerfed.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/free-credit-freezes.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/consumerfed.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/free-credit-freezes.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/consumerfed.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/free-credit-freezes-fact-sheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fact Sheet<\/a> from the <a href=\"https:\/\/consumerfed.org\/consumer-information\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Consumer Federation of America<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Research and Helpful Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Research articles<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/prospect.org\/economy\/2023-06-05-predatory-lendings-prey-of-color\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Predatory Lending\u2019s Prey of Color<\/a>\u201c, The American Prospect, June 5 2023<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/news.ucr.edu\/articles\/2023\/04\/17\/poverty-4th-greatest-cause-us-deaths\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Poverty is the 4th greatest cause of U.S. deaths<\/a>\u201c, UC Riverside, April 17 2023<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.responsiblelending.org\/research-publication\/sinking-feeling-colorado-borrowers-describe-their-experiences-payday-loans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Colorado Borrowers Describe their Experiences with Payday Loans<\/a>\u201c, CRL*, July 2018<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.responsiblelending.org\/media\/cfpb-car-title-loan-research-exposes-sky-high-levels-car-repossessions-and-extent-debt-trap\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CFPB Car Title Loan Research \u2026<\/a>, CRL*, May 2016. Includes links to reports and analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/files.consumerfinance.gov\/f\/201304_cfpb_payday-dap-whitepaper.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">White Paper on Payday and Direct Deposit Loans<\/a>\u201c, CFPB**, April 2013<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"http:\/\/www.pewtrusts.org\/en\/research-and-analysis\/reports\/2012\/07\/19\/who-borrows-where-they-borrow-and-why\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Who Borrows, Where They Borrow, and Why<\/a>\u201c,&nbsp;Pew Research Center, July 2012<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">* CRL = <a href=\"https:\/\/www.responsiblelending.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Center for Responsible Lending<\/a>, ** CFPB = <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerfinance.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u201cDon\u2019t Borrow Trouble\u201d help hotline<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"http:\/\/swfhc.com\/dont-borrow-trouble\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Don\u2019t Borrow Trouble\u00ae<\/a> (DBT) is a HUD certified counseling agency and a program of Southwest Fair Housing Council. It is an unbiased, non-profit agency dedicated to helping those in financial trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By phone:<br> \u2022 Hotline: (520) 792-3087<br> \u2022 Toll Free: 1-888-624-4611<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Four things you can do when experiencing debt collection problems<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerfinance.gov\/about-us\/blog\/four-things-older-americans-can-do-about-debt-collection-problems\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">four things that you or your loved ones can do<\/a> when experiencing debt collection problems.<br><em><strong>BE AWARE<\/strong> that older Americans are specifically targeted.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No one should have to put up with harassing or offensive phone calls from debt collectors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Harmful debt collection practices<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerfinance.gov\/about-us\/blog\/debtcollection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CFPB issued two bulletins<\/a> to both creditors and debt collectors reminding them they may <strong>not misrepresent the amount, character, or legal status of debts they are collecting, fail to post payments, falsely threaten arrest, or take other unfair, deceptive or abusive action<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, another bulletin warned debt collectors they may not misrepresent the effect of payment on credit scores and creditworthiness. The CFPB also announced it will now accept consumer complaints on debt collection and published sample action letters consumers may send to collectors to dispute the debt, request proof of the debt, and restrict or stop communication.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We Are All Consumers Middle and low-income consumers must navigate myriad, potentially dangerous financial products and services designed to trap them in an unending cycle [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1017,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1021","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - 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