Quick Check — five real-life decisions

1Leila sees a $180 charge on her debit card that she did not make. She noticed it today. What is the best move?

• AWait a month to see if it happens again
• BCall the number on her card today, then confirm in writing — fast reporting limits what she can owe
• CClose the account and open a new one somewhere else
• DPay it — banks do not make mistakes

2A collector calls Omar about a debt he does not recognise and says, “Pay by Friday or we will have you deported.” What is true?

• ACollectors can do that if the debt is real
• BThreats like this are not allowed; Omar can ask for written proof and dispute it in writing
• COmar must pay by Friday
• DOmar should change his phone number

3Where should Ana get her credit report?

• AA website that charges $29.99 for a “full report and repair”
• BAnnualCreditReport.com — free, the only official site
• CShe cannot get it — only banks can
• DFrom a text message that says her score dropped

4A landlord tells Reza: “We only rent to people born in this country.” What is true?

• ALandlords can choose any rule they like
• BThis is housing discrimination by national origin — Reza can write down what was said and report it to HUD or legal aid
• CIt is only illegal if it is in writing
• DReza should offer a bigger deposit

5At a used-car lot the contract has a $900 add-on Sofia never asked for, and the salesman says the APR “will be on the next page.” What should Sofia do?

• ASign now — she can fix it later
• BSay “I need time to read this,” ask to remove the add-on and to see the APR and total — and walk away if they refuse
• CSign, then dispute it with the bank
• DSign only the first page