Consumer Insights

Don’t Fall Victim to Student Debt Relief Scams
Beware of debt relief companies promising to reduce student loan payments for a fee, as the services they offer are often available for free and seeking help from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation is crucial.

Filing Taxes Key to Overall Financial Wellness
By filing taxes accurately and on time, you can avoid penalties and interest charges, while potentially qualifying for tax credits and deductions that can help maximize your tax savings. Furthermore, the process of filing taxes prompts you to review your income, expenses, and investments, providing valuable insights into your financial health and opportunities for improvement.

Don’t Fall Victim to Student Loan Debt Relief Scams
The law prohibits companies from acting in unlawful, unfair, deceptive, or abusive ways, and the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation is here to help you.

Protect Your Heart and Your Wallet from Romance Scams
Valentine’s Day is a popular holiday for expressing love and affection, but it’s also a prime time for scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting victims.

Student Loan Debt: A Disproportionate Burden on Black and Latino Borrowers
Millions of Americans are affected by the student debt crisis, but Black and Latino families have been hit particularly hard.

Medical Debt Collection – Know Your Rights
Before paying a debt collector with possible fake claims or paying expensive penalties, it’s crucial to get informed about debt collection laws and options. If you are a California consumer with a medical bill sent to a debt collector, learn more about your rights.

New Year, New Financial Goals
The New Year is a great time to set financial goals, such as saving, investment, or spending targets you hope to achieve over a specified time. Your stage of life usually determines the goals you wish to achieve, whether they’re short-term goals like saving for a major purchase or vacation or long-term goals like buying a home or investing for retirement.

Tips for Tricky Buy Now, Pay Later Holiday Returns
Shoppers who used Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loans to help finance their holiday shopping may soon find that returns can be more challenging than purchases from a store, since they may not come with the same dispute provisions that apply to credits cards. Making a seamless return with BNPL isn’t impossible if you know the process ahead of time.