PAVictimsHelp.org
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Fraud Affects Every Community
The Federal Trade Commission has introduced this series outlining how fraud affects different communities. This presents the stories of individuals from various communities have been victimized by fraud and provides some free resources help you protect every community from fraud, no matter what community you’re in or work with.
How do I get a copy of my credit report? (Video)
This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains how to get a copy of your credit report to make sure it is correct and accurate. (2019)
New Rights for Buy Now, Pay Later Purchases
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information for consumers on their rights when using “buy now, pay later” options from companies such as Klarna, AfterPay, Sezzle, Affirm, Splitit, and PayPal. (December 2024)
Prepaid Card Protections (Video)
This video provides information on how new rules makes prepaid accounts safer to use – whether you’re swiping a card at the register, shopping online, or scanning your smartphone. (2019)
Trans Youth Handbook
This Handbook was created to help you learn about your legal rights in different areas of your life. The information in this Handbook should not be considered legal advice. This Handbook provides legal information but does not attempt to apply that information to any specific situation. This guide was fully updated in September 2024 and partially updated in April 2025 to indicate areas where the law may be changing or uncertain.
What is Debt-To-Income Ratio and why does it matter? (Video)
If you’re looking into buying a house, you’ve probably been hearing a lot of new phrases like debt-to-income ratio or DTI. The CFPB can help you navigate the home buying process and understand any new financial terms you encounter along the way. (2019)
What is the best way to negotiate a settlement with a debt collector? (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers tips on what to do when you are contacted by a debt collector seeking payment. (2019)
Your Credit Card Rights
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information on consumer rights relating to the use of credit cards. This includes the types of disputes that might occur with a credit card company and how to resolve those disputes. (August 2016)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) (Federal-IRS)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) assist low income individuals who have a tax dispute with the IRS, and provide education and outreach to individuals who speak English as a second language (ESL). LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. LITCs can also help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (PA Revenue)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) offer free legal aid on state tax matters at participating locations across the Commonwealth. Staffed by law students, other staff, and attorneys, these experts are here to help Pennsylvanians address various tax matters. To ensure fairness and integrity in the tax system for low-income taxpayers, the LITCs aim to provide orderly, efficient, and effective representation of Pennsylvania taxpayer disputes. They work with the Pennsylvania Office of Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate (OTRA) on state tax issues.
Child Support in Pennsylvania
This classroom provides information on Child Support law in Pennsylvania and provides information on how to file a complaint for child support, a petition for modification of child support and a petition for contempt of child support. A video explaining what to expect at your child support conference is also provided.
Don't Be a Money Mule
Money mules are people who, at someone else’s direction, receive and move money obtained from victims of fraud. If someone you don’t know sends you cash, packages, gift cards, or virtual currency and asks you to forward or transfer the it, you could be fueling fraud by serving as a money mule.
COMPASS
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other social service programs.
File a Complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is the central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating crime. Complaints filed via this website are processed and may be referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for possible investigation.
Carbon Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
COMPASS
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other social service programs.
Dependable Access for Victimization Expenses (DAVE) Online Claim Filing System
This Victims Compensation Assistance Program helps victims of crime in Pennsylvania with expenses related to a crime. You may use this site to file a claim for compensation.
Federal Court Finder
Find a federal court location by location or court name, including appellate, district, bankruptcy, probation and pretrial office, or federal defender organization. Each District Court has its own local forms which are generally available on the Court website.
File a Complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is the central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating crime. Complaints filed via this website are processed and may be referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for possible investigation.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
You can bring a lawsuit for less than $12,000 in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. This is an explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Why Report Fraud? (Video)
This video from the Federal Trade Commission explains what to do if you think you see a scam and how to report it to the Federal Trade Commission to stop the scammers.
Work at Home Schemes
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General about the pitfalls of many offers of big money from working at home.
Child Care Subsidies
Information on the subsidized child care program that pays for part of the cost of child care for eligible families. This information is from the Youth Justice Project of Philadelphia, distributed through Community Legal Services of Philadelphia.
How to Appeal From District Justice Court
Self-Help Booklet from MidPenn Legal Services which provides information on how to appeal a district justice court decision.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
You can bring a lawsuit for less than $12,000 in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. This is an explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
In Pennsylvania, people can bring lawsuits against individuals or businesses by filing a complaint at the office of a Magisterial District Judge. The District Judge was formerly called a District Justice Magistrate or Justice of the Peace. The advantage of filing with a District Judge is that the system can work well without attorneys. The District Judge can hear cases in which there is $12,000.00 or less at issue. This provides information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Money! Money! Money! (Video)
Consumer Law Tips for Survivors of Domestic Violence: Basic ideas about money management, some good ideas and some mistakes to avoid. (2011)
Responding to an IRS Audit If You Claimed Kids on Your Taxes
Information from Philadelphia Legal Assistance about what to do if the IRS is asking you to provide proof of the claims you made on your tax return.
SSI Benefits
Fact sheet on from the Youth Justice Project providing information on Supplemental Security Income Benefits to young people who may be disabled and receiving them or who might qualify for disability benefits.
TANF (Cash Assistance)
Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project providing information on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program for cash assistance, including information for low-income parents under 18 years old.
TANF - Qualifications & Requirements
Information on Temporary Aid to Needy Families, or TANF, from Northwestern Legal Services, including how to apply and what benefits are available, and what qualifications must be met to be eligible for the benefit payments.
Where to File a Claim for Wages (Philadelphia)
A claim for unpaid wages can be filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, or Municipal Court. This chart lists information to help you determine where the claim should be filed. (August 2013)
Young Adult Resource Guide - Youth Law Project
Guide to services available to Youth in Philadelphia including: Child Care & Early Learning • Domestic Violence • Drop-In Centers • Drug & Alcohol Treatment • Education/ Career • Family Planning/Reproductive Health • Food Resources • General Health Services • Housing/ Shelter • Legal Services • Mental Health Services • Parenting Education • Teen Parent Resources • Other Resources (January 2021)
Domestic Violence and TANF Support Requirements
Information from the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association about the requirement that families who receive cash assistance from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) apply for child or spousal support unless excused for good cause. [PDF]
New Rights for Buy Now, Pay Later Purchases
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information for consumers on their rights when using “buy now, pay later” options from companies such as Klarna, AfterPay, Sezzle, Affirm, Splitit, and PayPal. (December 2024)
Your Credit Card Rights
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information on consumer rights relating to the use of credit cards. This includes the types of disputes that might occur with a credit card company and how to resolve those disputes. (August 2016)
Can a debt collector contact me through social media?
Under a new rule a debt collector can contact you on social media, but they must follow certain rules and tell you how you can opt out of social media communications. Learn about the requirements and protections set up by the rule. (AUG 27, 2024)
Closed School Discharge
Information from Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, about Closed School Discharges of your federal student loan. If your school closes while you’re enrolled or soon after you withdraw, you may be eligible for discharge of your federal student loan.
COMPASS
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other social service programs.
Five tips for when you can’t pay your bills (Video)
Having trouble paying your bills? The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has tools that can help you evaluate your finances and make decisions about your budget. This video provides information on those tools that can help you evaluate your finances and make decisions about your budget. (2020)
Fraud Affects Every Community
The Federal Trade Commission has introduced this series outlining how fraud affects different communities. This presents the stories of individuals from various communities have been victimized by fraud and provides some free resources help you protect every community from fraud, no matter what community you’re in or work with.
Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act
Informational booklet on the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act that creates safeguards for consumers who hire contractors for home remodeling projects. [PDF]
How can I improve my credit score? (Video)
This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides information on tools and resources that can help you improve your credit score. (2019)
How do I get a copy of my credit report? (Video)
This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains how to get a copy of your credit report to make sure it is correct and accurate. (2019)
How Scammers Tell You To Pay (Video)
This video from the Federal Trade Commission describes some methods scammers use to make you send them money. By learning how scammers ask you to pay, find out how to spot – and stop – scams. (2018)
How to Start Saving for your Goals (Video)
This video provides information on how you can learn to start saving for your goals. (2018)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) (Federal-IRS)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) assist low income individuals who have a tax dispute with the IRS, and provide education and outreach to individuals who speak English as a second language (ESL). LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. LITCs can also help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (PA Revenue)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) offer free legal aid on state tax matters at participating locations across the Commonwealth. Staffed by law students, other staff, and attorneys, these experts are here to help Pennsylvanians address various tax matters. To ensure fairness and integrity in the tax system for low-income taxpayers, the LITCs aim to provide orderly, efficient, and effective representation of Pennsylvania taxpayer disputes. They work with the Pennsylvania Office of Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate (OTRA) on state tax issues.
Payday loans explained (Video)
When cash is tight, some people turn to payday and similar loans to make ends meet. For some people payday loans become debt traps and our new rule aims to end the cycle of debt. (2017)
Prepaid Card Protections (Video)
This video provides information on how new rules makes prepaid accounts safer to use – whether you’re swiping a card at the register, shopping online, or scanning your smartphone. (2019)
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders under ERISA: A Practical Guide to Dividing Retirement Benefits
Many Americans depend on retirement plans covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for financial security in old age. When there is a divorce, it is very important that the divorce decree clearly and effectively addresses these retirement plan benefits.This guide from the Employee Benefits Security Administration gives practical tips on how to make sure ERISA-covered retirement benefits are divided through a valid QDRO, so you don't have to worry about getting the benefits you expected after your divorce. While the tips here are mainly aimed at individuals going through a divorce, they should also be useful to attorneys.
Report a Mail Crime
If you have witnessed or fallen victim to a mail-related crime, take action by filing a report of the incident. Find the right form, appropriate for your situation, to file in order to report the criminal conduct.
Three ways to build your credit score (Video)
This video from Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides information on three trusted methods to help you improve your credit score. (2019)
Understand how the CFPB’s Debt Collection Rule impacts you
On November 30, 2021, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a new Debt Collection Rule that clarifies how debt collectors can communicate with you, including what information they’re required to provide at the outset of collection about the debt, your rights in debt collection, and how you can exercise those rights. Read this to learn more about the new rule affects you and debt collectors.
What is Debt-To-Income Ratio and why does it matter? (Video)
If you’re looking into buying a house, you’ve probably been hearing a lot of new phrases like debt-to-income ratio or DTI. The CFPB can help you navigate the home buying process and understand any new financial terms you encounter along the way. (2019)
What is the best way to negotiate a settlement with a debt collector? (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers tips on what to do when you are contacted by a debt collector seeking payment. (2019)
Why Report Fraud? (Video)
This video from the Federal Trade Commission explains what to do if you think you see a scam and how to report it to the Federal Trade Commission to stop the scammers.
Work at Home Schemes
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General about the pitfalls of many offers of big money from working at home.
Financial Support Resources from PASafeLaw.org
If you are considering divorce but are in need of financial support, you may be entitled to spousal support, alimony pendente lite, and/or alimony. These resource explain these options and how to pursue them.
Trans Youth Handbook
This Handbook was created to help you learn about your legal rights in different areas of your life. The information in this Handbook should not be considered legal advice. This Handbook provides legal information but does not attempt to apply that information to any specific situation. This guide was fully updated in September 2024 and partially updated in April 2025 to indicate areas where the law may be changing or uncertain.
Adams County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Adams County.
Bedford County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bedford County.
Berks County: Domestic Relations Section of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas
Domestic Relations is a part of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas. It helps the Court establish and enforce Court Orders for child support and spousal support.
Bradford County Domestic Relations Office
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bradford County.
Bucks County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bucks County.
Bucks County Opportunity Council, Inc.
100 Doyle Street Doylestown, PA 18901
215-345-8175
This group does not provide legal representation in court.
Butler County Family Court: Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Butler County.
Cambria County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Cambria County.
Carbon Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
Crawford County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Crawford County.
Cumberland County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Cumberland County.
Dauphin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Dauphin County.
Delaware County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Delaware County.
Fayette County Domestic Relations
Information on support porcedures in Fayette County.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
You can bring a lawsuit for less than $12,000 in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. This is an explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
York County: Court Forms
The Court Forms section of the York County Court of Common Pleas offers popular forms provided by various Court and Court-related departments.