Helpful Internet Resources
(Please note that website addresses may change.)
Civil Legal Advice and Referral Office (CLARO)
E-mail: feerickcenter@law.fordham.educreate new email
The Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office (CLARO) provides limited legal advice to low-income New Yorkers being sued by debt collectors. CLARO is organized through the New York State Courts Access to Justice Program.
They offer information and advice for those who have encountered issues with consumer debt (credit cards, cell phones, store cards, student loans, utilities, car loans, medical debt, etc.) that might lead to a court case.
Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Phone: (212) 680-5100
NEDAP is a resource and advocacy center for community groups in New York City. They state their mission as being to promote community economic justice and to eliminate discriminatory economic practices that harm communities and perpetuate inequality and poverty.
Bar Associations
New York State Bar Association
The New York City Bar Association
The Richmond County Bar Association
The Queens County Bar Association
The Bronx County Bar Association
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) is the nation’s consumer protection agency. The commission’s website contains helpful information.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
At the time of writing, details on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) are at this website. Over time, this site’s location may change, therefore it may be helpful to visit the FTC’s website first (www.ftc.gov) and search for “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act” for the latest information.
Bureau of Consumer Protection
The FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection works for American consumers to prevent fraud, deception, and unfair business practices in the marketplace. They enhance consumer confidence by enforcing federal laws that protect consumers and empowering consumers with free information to help them exercise their rights and to spot and avoid fraud and deception. The Bureau of Consumer Protection wants to hear from consumers who want information or wish to file a complaint about fraud or identity theft.
New York State Unified Court System website
This site provides information and downloads on subjects such as the law, the courts, representing yourself, programs, services, and also provides links to informational publications. In addition, it provides some computer assisted “Do It Yourself” forms.
New York State Legislature’s website
This site includes legislative session information going back to 1995, including bill texts, statuses, summaries, sponsor memos and floor votes. The site also contains a search function for New York State NYS Legislative Bills, New York State Legislative Resolutions, and the Laws of New York. Among its menu of items, information and features, the system includes and disseminates information created by Journal Operations in each house of the Legislature concerning the activities of such house.
Credit CARD Act Law
The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 or Credit CARD Act of 2009opens PDF file is a federal statute passed by the United States Congress and signed by President Barack Obama on May 22, 2009. It is comprehensive credit card reform legislation that aims “…to establish fair and transparent practices relating to the extension of credit under an open end consumer credit plan, and for other purposes.” [“Text of H.R. 627 (111th)”. Govtrack.us. Retrieved 28 M] The bill was passed with bipartisan support by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
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