BURLINGTON, Vt. – Scam reports to the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) totaled 3,212 in 2023. The “computer tech support” scam took the number one spot on the list, totaling almost 25 percent of the top scams reported. Phishing scams involving financial institutions, where a scammer tries to lure victims into clicking malicious links… Continue reading Attorney General Clark Releases Top 10 Scams of 2023
Home Repair Basics: Introducing CAP’s Home Improvement Specialist
Use the Home Repair How-To Checklist to find and hire a residential contractor and get started on your home improvement project.
Buying a New Car from a Dealership? Read This First
Consumers are at a disadvantage to dealers, who sell cars every day. There is an emotional component to buying a new car that consumers should be aware about. Using the Internet as your tool, research different makes and models that have the features you are looking for. Gather information that will help you make an informed decision. Test Drive: Once you have a clear idea of the car you want, it is time to go to the dealership. Trust your own research over verbal representations. You have the right to get printed documents before you sign, as well as to choose to sign in writing. Getting pre-approved by your bank—or even having your bank pay with the auto as collateral with a bank auto loan, is an option. This piece is one in a series of Helpful Hints brought to you by the Consumer Assistance Program’s (CAP) service-learning interns.
Building Credit
How to build your credit – there are many ways. Some to highlight that don’t require a cosigner are secured credit cards, credit build loans and retail cards.
What is Credit?
Credit is an arrangement to borrow money now with a promise to repay it later, often with interest. Your credit score, however, is determined by your credit history and determines your credit risk, an indication as to how likely you are to repay your loans. Potential lenders use the credit score to determine whether they want to issue you credit, such as a mortgage, credit card, auto loan, etc. Your credit report is issued by credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, Innovis) that shows your credit history (lines of credit you have open). Remember to check your reports at least once a year to make sure there are no errors. This piece is one in a series of Helpful Hints brought to you by the Consumer Assistance Program’s (CAP) service-learning interns.