Consumer Problems Resources
Consumer Issues We Help With
LASCO helps people with their legal problems in a variety of ways, such as legal information, advice, or representation. LASCO’s Consumer Team gives advice and representation to clients with issues like:
- Bankruptcy and income/wealth preservation
- Foreclosure, property tax issues, mortgage company errors, land contracts, and other homeownership issues
- Automotive defects, junk car sales, scams, repossessions, and deficiency debts on car loans
- Home construction, warranty, and repair scams or misconduct
- Collection lawsuits and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act issues
- Credit reporting, including rental reporting and tenant screening
- Debt settlement or credit repair scams
- Student loan issues
- Utility disconnections
- Drivers’ license suspensions that can be resolved by a bankruptcy
- State/Federal debt collection
Self-Help Resources
Debt (Garnishments, Collections, Bankruptcy)
This brochure explains when your wages can be garnished and when your wages cannot be garnished
This brochure explains what a creditor or collection agency is and is not allowed to do to collect a debt.
What Can I Do if I Am Being Harassed by a Collection Agency?
This brochure explains what steps you can take when a collection agency is calling you.
Responding to a Debt Collection Lawsuit
You only have 28 days from the time you received the complaint to respond. Read our guide on what to do if you receive a Debt Collection Complaint.
This brochure explains how bankruptcy works.
How Bankruptcy Can Help You Reinstate Your Driver’s License
Filing for bankruptcy can help you get your driver’s license back if you owe a considerable amount of money due to an uninsured accident.
Automobiles (Buying a Used Car, Car Repairs)
Helpful tips for buying a used car.
What Should I Do If I Need Car Repairs?
This brochure explains what you can do to protect yourself if you need car repairs.
Payday Loans
What's the Deal with Pay Day Loans?
This brochure explains how payday loans are structured and regulated.
Foreclosure
This brochure explains what foreclosure is, the basic process for foreclosures, and what to do if you are behind on your mortgage or struggling to pay it.
What Should I Do if My House Is Being Foreclosed On?
This brochure explains your rights and what to do if you are facing foreclosure.
Responding to a Foreclosure Complaint
You only have 28 days from the time you received the complaint to respond. Read our guide on what to do if you receive a Foreclosure Complaint.
Links to Other Resources
Get a Free Copy of Your Credit Report
You can get a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.
What You Should Know About Your Credit Report
This brochure from the National Consumer Law Center has information on how to get a free copy of your credit report and how to understand the information on your credit report.
Search the Ohio Attorney General’s Complaints
You can search the Ohio Attorney General’s complaints to see if other people have complained about a business.
File a Complaint with the Ohio Attorney General
If you think a business took advantage of you, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General.
Federal Trade Commission’s Guide to Buying a Used Car
This Federal Trade Commission site will explain how to figure out what that used car is really worth. It will give you a list of things to look at when you are going to buy a used car. It will also explain how to make sure you are not getting taken advantage of by the car dealer.
File a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
You can file a complaint with the FTC if you are having problems with:
â—Ź Rip offs or imposter scams
â—Ź Problems with mobile devices, telephones, or phone plans
â—Ź Problems with internet service, online shopping, or computers
â—Ź Problems with education, jobs, and making money
â—Ź Problems with credit and debt; problems with robocalls, unwanted telemarketing, texts, or spam
LASCO may be able to represent you if:
- You have been sued for foreclosure, debt collection, or other debt
- You would like to file bankruptcy
- You are having wages, government benefits, or bank accounts garnished
- A car dealer lied to you or sold you a junk car
- You are the victim of a scam
- You are being harassed by debt collectors
- There are errors on your credit report
- You are unable to pay your student loans
- Your utilities are disconnected or about to be disconnected
- Your drivers’ license has been suspended.