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Consumer Fraud Lawyer - Consumer Fraud Reporting & Legal Help

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Our firm investigates business entities that have committed some form of fraud or deceptive business practice, which has harmed a group of consumers in a similar manner. We have successfully resolved numerous consumer fraud claims, helping thousands of people recover their losses. For the last six decades, our firm has stood up to unscrupulous corporate organizations to help consumers in a wide range of consumer fraud matters.

New Regulations Regarding Debit & Credit Cards

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As of February 2010, the Credit Card Act of 2009 enacted a series of new regulations regarding when and how banks and credit card companies are allowed to charge certain fees and adjust an account holder's interest rate(s). Specifically, aspects of these regulations include:

  • Within the first year an account is open, interest rates may not be raised
  • Banking institutions are not allowed to charge a “processing fee” for taking payments via the phone or online. Additionally, they are not allowed to charge fees if an account holder exceeds the credit limit without his/her authority
  • Interest rates may be raised only when an account holder is more than 60 days late making a payment
  • However, if the account holder makes the following six payments on time, the interest rate must be returned to the lower rate
  • Payments should be applied to the balance with the highest interest rate first, in the event that an account holder as multiple interest rates on multiple balances

While a few more of these new regulations are set to be enacted starting August 2010, currently, the Credit Card Act of 2009 does NOT set a maximum on how high interest rates can be, nor does it prevent banking institutions from:

  • Charging annual fees
  • Canceling an account without warning
  • Raising the minimum monthly premiums without warning

How to Benefit from These Changes

It's crucial that anyone thinking of opening up a bank account or starting a line of credit take the time to familiarize him or herself with the terms, conditions and fees associated with having such an account before opening it. If you already have such accounts and you are not currently happy with the terms of your contract, the best way to benefit from the new Credit Card Act is to focus on making your credit score as strong as possible. Consumers can get a free copy of their credit score each year from all three of the major credit scoring agencies.

Additionally, you can focus on paying off your outstanding debt, close the existing account (when paid up), and open a line of credit with a banking institution that already complies with the new regulation.

(Source: Consumer Reports Money Advisor)

Do You Think You Are a Victim of Bank Institution?

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to bad business practices by a bank institution or credit card company, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Bad practices may include hidden fees, heightened interest rates and more. For more information or to speak with a qualified consumer fraud lawyer about the specifics of your claim, contact Consumer Fraud Lawyer today.

Legal Rights | Consumer Fraud Class Action Lawsuit

Consumer fraud class action lawsuits are specifically designed to help individuals who have been similarly aggrieved to pursue a common goal – namely to hold the deceptive business accountable for any damages suffered. Thus, consumers who have been defrauded by a corporation or other entity may file a consumer fraud class action lawsuit on behalf of themselves and others to seek compensation for their shared grievance.

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Report Fraud

If you feel you have been the victim of consumer fraud or any type of fraud, please contact us to learn about your legal rights and options. WE VALUE YOUR PRIVACY: any information you provide on this secure form will be held in the strictest confidence and will only be used by our attorneys to determine how we can help you.