Introduction -- Taking direct action by filing a complaint -- Small claims courts -- Choosing and working with your own lawyer -- Mandatory arbitration : what you should know -- Protecting your rights in consumer contracts -- Redressing civil wrongs : torts and defective products -- Automobile sales, services, and financing -- Obtaining credit -- Banking, credit cards, and debit cards -- Credit reports and discrimination in lending -- Your debtor's rights and remedies -- Protecting home sweet home -- Consumer protection in cyberspace and identity theft