Consumer Protection

We offer assistance with debt problems resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, fair debt collection practices, debt collection lawsuits, Chapter 7 bankruptcies and more.

Please contact us if you need assistance in the following areas:

You are being harassed or sued by debt collectors
You need help with paperwork in a debt collection lawsuit
You have questions about your medical debt
You need help with a wage garnishment or bank account levy
You want information about filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy
You are the victim of a scam

NOTE: If you are facing legal issues in these areas as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, please let us know when you make an appointment.

FREE Debt Collection Answer Clinics

SLS is now offering Debt Collection Answer Clinics in Santa Cruz county where you can come receive free information and assistance about how to respond safely and effectively to a debt collection call, letter, or lawsuit. Please call us for additional information about upcoming dates and times.

Additional Resources

Privacy and Identity Theft

What is identity theft, how does it occur and what to do if you are a victim of identity theft.

Credit Report Request Form

You have the right to get a free copy of your credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months, from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. Use this form to request your credit report in writing.

Identity Theft Victim’s Complaint Affidavit

A voluntary form for filing a report with law enforcement, and disputes with credit reporting agencies and creditors about identity theft-related problems.

Financial Safety

Financial abuse takes many forms from stealing money to tricking someone into taking out a mortgage on his or her home. Here are some common scams and areas of potential abuse. Know what they are and protect yourself!

How to Spot Scam Artists

Keep yourself safe by stopping abuse before it starts Scam artists are very talented at what they do! They know just what to say and do to convince targets that they’re legitimate. They will lie, forge documents and do whatever it takes to gain the trust of victims and convince them to give over their money or property. Protect yourself, your family and friends from these scammers by being aware of some of their common tactics.