June 1, 2013 – June is National Internet Safety Month. Did you know that 54% of Americans are extremely concerned about the loss of personal or financial information? And that 96% of Americans feel a personal responsibility to be more secure online? The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Anti-Phishing Working Group and the National Cyber Security Alliance have developed the Stop.Think.Connect campaign to help make the internet a safer place for everyone. For more information, visit http://www.stopthinkconnect.org/.
May 22, 2013 – The Spring 2013 issue of FDIC Consumer News discusses how new technology can dramatically change the way that people manage and save money. This issue features timely topics such as banking in a high-tech world, dealing with debt collectors, finding affordable small loans, knowing your options after a branch closing or bank merger, and taking precautions before buying a bank certificate of deposit from a deposit broker. The issue is available on the FDIC’s website at FDIC Consumer News Spring 2013.
April 25, 2013 – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers a tool to help college students and their families compare financial aid and college costs. If you have received financial aid offers, use this tool to understand how all those numbers impact your payments down the road. Visit the CFPB Paying for College website page for this and other helpful materials.
April 20, 2013 – Money Smart Week® is a public awareness campaign created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002. Businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, government agencies and others come together once a year to stress the importance of financial literacy, inform consumers about financial resources, and provide free educational seminars and activities throughout the week. Programming is offered to all demographics and income levels. Topics include all facets of personal finance from establishing a budget to first time home buying to estate planning. Money Smart Week partners will be hosting their events April 20 – 27, 2013. For more information, visit http://www.moneysmartweek.org/.
March 14, 2013 – The Winter 2012/2013 issue of FDIC Consumer News responds to some of the thousands of calls, letters and emails received each year from consumers who have a question relating to a loan, deposit or other banking product. This issue features practical tips and information about resolving common financial problems, avoiding scams, safely conducting mobile banking, and understanding federal deposit insurance coverage. The issue is available on the FDIC’s website at FDIC Consumer News Winter 2012/2013.
March 1, 2013 – In observance of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) March 3-9, the FDIC has compiled a list of some of the most popular articles from its quarterly newsletter FDIC Consumer News. The list can be found at www.fdic.gov/ncpw. “The FDIC recognizes the importance of providing customers with useful information to help them make informed decisions about their money and to protect themselves against scams,” said Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg. Examples of articles that are featured on the FDIC’s web page for NCPW include: how to shop for an auto loan; advice on borrowing money to pay for college; how long to keep documents such as bank statements and credit card bills; and tips for managing a mortgage.
December 14, 2012 – The Fall 2012 issue of FDIC Consumer News is a special edition titled “For Young Adults and Teens: Quick Tips for Managing Your Money.” It includes simple tips for young adults and teens on saving, managing money, and avoiding financial scams. It also includes suggestions for parents and caregivers on saving for a child’s future and teaching youngsters about money. The issue is available on the FDIC’s website at FDIC Consumer News Fall 2012.
December 11, 2012 – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau warns of mortgage assistance and foreclosure relief scams. They often use mail or email designed with emblems, logos and names intended to mimic government agencies or programs, lawyers or law firms, or legitimate creditors. It’s not always easy to tell the difference between the scams and legitimate services. Visit the CFPB Blog to learn more about red flags and how to get free foreclosure help from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
November 13, 2012 – The Internal Revenue Service has issued the following alert. Please note that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. If you get an unsolicited email that appears to be from the IRS or a specific IRS component, such as EFTPS, please report it by sending it to phishing@irs.gov. If you find a suspicious website that claims to be the IRS, please send the site’s URL by email to phishing@irs.gov using the subject line: suspicious website. For more information on phishing scams, guidance is available on the IRS website at Protect Your Personal Information and Suspicious e-Mails and Identity Theft.
August 15, 2012 – The Summer 2012 issue of FDIC Consumer News features tips on how to choose and effectively use a bank account for routine financial needs. Also in this issue are practical suggestions for navigating the mortgage process – from before a consumer buys a home through the final loan payment – and a look at potential risks when adding other people to a deposit or loan account. The issue is available on the FDIC’s website at FDIC Consumer News Summer 2012.
May 18, 2012 – The Spring 2012 issue of FDIC Consumer News features practical tips for buying a certificate of deposit, paying for higher education, and financing the purchase of a car. This issue also offers suggestions on how to solve a problem with a financial institution. The issue is available on the FDIC’s website at FDIC Consumer News Spring 2012.
