Not everyone is a smart shopper, and even if you are, it is still possible to be scammed in one way or the other. This is where consumer protection comes into play. There is a Consumer Protection Act that protects you, the consumer, when making your purchases and dealing with business entities. This Act also helps you deal with credit cards and debt. Quite a lot of companies try to collect debt in a manner that is not within the boundaries of law. Knowing your rights as a consumer can certainly give you an edge when dealing with certain companies. Yes, as a consumer, you do have rights, so in case you feel that you have been taken advantaged of by a particular business entity, you can always do something about it. Approach a lawyer who handles this kind of thing to help you through the nitty-gritty process. There are a lot of lawyers specializing in consumer protection, but get one whom you will be comfortable working with. It is also a good idea to secure your free credit report every year to see to it that all the details are entered as they should be. This way, you will know when your rights are already being stepped upon.