Title

Consumer Issues (Youth & Young Adult Legal Issues Edition)

Author

By: Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)

Description
Who is a consumer? We are all consumers. A consumer is someone who buys something.
Resource Information

What can I do to protect myself as a consumer?

  • Protect your private information. Never give out your social security number or bank account information and be sure to check your accounts often for charges you didn’t make.
  • Research the consumer transactions you are entering into to make sure you are getting a fair deal.

What do I need to know about my rights as a consumer?

  • Laws ban dangerous or unethical business practices (product safety)
  • Laws protect against scams, fraud, stealing and deception.
  • It is your right to submit a complaint against a business for unfair practices to the Montana Office of Consumer Protection or by calling (406) 444-4500.

What do I need to know about the benefits of having a bank account?

  • Keeping your money in an account with a credit union or bank offers convenience in paying bills, cashing checks, and accessing your cash. Be sure to ask for a FREE checking account.
  • A bank or credit union keeps your money safe from theft or becoming displaced.
  • An account can help you access the credit you may need to purchase a car or take out student loans.

Take Action

Legal Help

  • Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) provides free civil, non-criminal legal help to eligible clients. Apply for free legal help by calling 1-800-666-6899 or applying online.
  • There are many specialized programs for those living in tribal communities who are surviving abuse. If you are a tribal member living in a tribal community, contact MLSA to apply for free legal help on your specific situation at 1-800-666-6899 or by applying online.
  • Contact your nearest Self Help Law Center for free legal information and forms.

Legal Forms

  • More information and forms for specific consumer issues are avaliable at MontanaLawHelp.org.

Non-Legal Resources

  • The Youth Homelessness Development Project (YHDP) is designed to support Montana service providers in the development and implementation of a coordinated community approach to preventing and ending youth homelessness. More information is avaliable at the YHDP website.
  • County resource guides provide an up-to-date listof avaliable help centers.

ID
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