Follow Consumer Ed
Budget Worksheet
Begin taking control of your finances by creating a detailed budget.
Tell Us What You Think
We invite you to fill out the Consumer Ed Feedback Form
Ask Consumer Ed
Dear Consumer Ed:
What is the law regarding a used car dealer keeping a consumer's deposit to hold a car pending adequate financing? I was denied financing. The dealer refuses to return my $4000 deposit. No contract was signed.
Consumer Ed says:
If no contract was signed, the dealer should not keep your deposit, even if under ordinary circumstances the terms of his contracts allow him to do so.
To get the dealer to give back your deposit, the first thing you should do is write a letter to the dealer requesting that your money be returned. Before you send the letter, you may want to consult with an attorney who can actually assist you with writing the letter, as well as with taking legal action should that become necessary. You can also submit a complaint to the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) and see if their mediation department can negotiate with the dealer to get your deposit back. You can also submit a complaint to the Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection at www.consumer.ga.gov or by calling 404-651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123... more>
Latest News
Canceled credit card debts come back to haunt taxpayers
Many consumers don't realize that canceled debt is considered taxable income... more>
Bringing Expired Debt Back to Life
Debt collectors partnering with banks to resurrect expired debt... more>
How Closing a Credit Card Affects Your Credit Score
Will closing a credit card have a negative impact on your credit score?... more>
Credit scores poised to get more personal
Credit scores may reflect rental and utility payments, evictions, child support payments and even income estimates.... more>
Car Buyers Beware: Nine Notorious Scams
Don't fall prey to these common auto scams... more>
Tips & Topics
The calls may be scary, but you do have rights you should know about. Here are some things to know before you decide how to respond.
Don't be a victim of home repair scams this spring. Watch out for these warning signs...
Are you actually losing money in your attempts.to be frugal? Find out.
Are you spending more than you need to on maintenance or putting off work that will cost more later?
There are new rules for cashing in on two credits this year.
Check scams are the most pervasive fraud in America. Know what to look out for so you don't become a victim of this scam.