Resources for Consumers
NEDAP has compiled a series of documents answering frequently asked questions about consumer rights and how to resolve common problems. NEDAP currently has information available on the following topics:
This page is frequently updated -- please check back often!
If you find this site helpful, please consider making a donation to support our work.
Community Banking & Finance
Community Development Credit Unions
Community Development Credit Unions (CDCUs) are cooperative financial institutions dedicated to serving low-income and underserved communities. CDCUs offer affordable accounts, loans and other services to members. Contact each CDCU to find out more about their services, and if you are eligible to join.
Free Tax Preparation Sites
Dozens of NYC organizations offer free tax preparation to low and moderate income New Yorkers. Call the phone numbers listed on this resource sheet to find a location near you. Many free tax prep sites can help you open a bank or credit union account, if you don't already have one, so that you can have your refund electronically wired into your account in about a week.
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
All New Yorkers receiving cash assistance and/or food stamps must use EBT, the system for electronic distribution of public benefits. The EBT Working Group created this pamphlet for EBT users describing how to avoid ATM fees, who to call in case of an error, and other important information.
[Note: The EBT Working Group
last updated this brochure in 2006
; some information may be out of date.]
Immigrants' Banking Rights
NEDAP and the NYC Immigrant Financial Justice Network have prepared know-your-rights materials addressing financial justice issues faced by immigrant New Yorkers. For more information and materials (including in other languages), visit the NYC Immigrant Financial Justice Project web page.
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Credit Reports & Credit Scores 
Useful Information
Click on the links below to read about your right to an accurate credit report, how to order a free credit report and tips for improving your credit report -- legally and for free.
Advocacy Tools
Use these sample letters to order your free credit report and to correct mistakes on your credit report.
Credit Report Info Packet
Want to print NEDAP's information on credit reports and credit scores? Download our Credit Report Info Packet, which contains everything you need to order your free credit report and dispute inaccurate information on your credit report.
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Debt Collection
Useful Information
Click on the links below to learn about your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, including how to recognize and fight back against debt collection abuse.
Advocacy Tools
Use these sample letters to dispute a debt and get debt collectors off your back!
Debt Collection Info Packet
Want to print NEDAP's information on debt collection? Download our Debt Collection Info Packet, which contains important information you need to know when dealing with debt collectors.
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Defending Creditor Lawsuits
Useful Information
Everything you need to know to defend yourself against a creditor, debt buyer, or debt collector in civil court. More to come!
Advocacy Tools
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Identity Theft
Useful Information
Click on the links below to learn about identity theft -- what it is, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you learn that you are an identity theft victim.
Advocacy Tools
Use these logs, sample letters and faxes to get organized and clear your name!
Identity Theft Info Packet
Want to print NEDAP's information on identity theft? Download our Identity Theft Info Packet, which contains all the tools you need to resolve identity theft problems.
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Foreclosure Prevention & Predatory Mortgage Lending
Below are resource materials for first-time homebuyers and homeowners in New York City. For more information on NEDAP's efforts combating predatory home sales and mortgage lending, visit our Fair Lending Education & Outreach Project page.
prepared by the NYC Anti-Predatory Lending Task Force
If you download, use or distribute any of these materials, please let us know! We'd love to hear how our resources are reaching the community. Thanks!
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