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Last Updated: May 17, 2009 - 12:42:55 PM

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Community Tools
Coping in Tough Economic Times, Feds Offer Help

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, has a new Web site at ftc.gov/MoneyMatters for people dealing with debt; struggling to find a job; or trying to create a budget, save, and spend wisely during these difficult times.

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Travel Tips for Busy Summer Season
In anticipation of the busy summer travel season, U.S. Customs and Border Protection provides a few travel tips, if you are traveling abroad, returning home or visiting the United States or its Territories:
Jul 3, 2008 - 7:34:48 AM

Announcements
State of California Surplus Property Auction, Saturday, December 8
Computers, Monitors, Cameras, Tools, Forklifts, Furniture, Laptop Computers, Sports Equipment, Restaurant Equipment, Automotive Equipment and much more.
Dec 7, 2007 - 5:57:15 PM

Internet Telephony/ Internet Related
The Truth About Cell Phones And The Do Not Call Registry
The Federal Trade Commission today reiterated that despite the claims made in e-mails circulating on the Internet, consumers should not be concerned that their cell phone numbers will be released to telemarketers in the near future, and that it is not necessary to register cell phone numbers on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry to be protected from most telemarketing calls to cell phones.
Oct 12, 2007 - 7:13:40 AM

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Apr 22, 2007 - 7:54:55 AM

Community Tools
FDIC Approves New Risk-Based Premiums for Deposit Insurance
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today adopted final regulations that implement the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 passed by Congress earlier this year to create a stronger and more stable insurance system. Among the final regulations is a new rule on the risk-based assessment system that will enable the FDIC to more closely tie each bank's premiums to the risk it poses to the deposit insurance fund.
Nov 15, 2006 - 3:05:18 AM

Community Tools
Fact Sheet: COPYRIGHT BASICS
Copyright laws aren't just for big business. They can protect you whether you're publishing Aunt Sue's award-winning recipes or creating your own website. Copyright protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, and musical works such as novels, movies, songs, and computer software.
Aug 21, 2006 - 8:45:00 AM

Community Tools
Installing Consumer-Owned Antennas and Satellite Dishes
The OTARD rules prohibit restrictions on a property owner or tenant's right to install, maintain, or use an antenna to receive video programming from direct broadcast satellites (DBS), broadband radio services (formerly referred to as multichannel multipoint distribution services or MMDS), and television broadcast stations (TVBS).
Jul 13, 2006 - 8:56:00 AM

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How to Be the Class Value-dictorian
Tis the season for exams, commencements, and a renewed focus on the future. But when it comes to dealing in the marketplace, everyone has the potential to be a value-dictorian. Before spending your hard-earned money, ask questions, do your homework, and speak up.
Jun 10, 2006 - 11:13:00 AM

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Can't Afford Telephone Service?

If you qualify as a low-income person, you may be able to get help with your telephone expenses through the federal Lifeline Assistance and Link-Up programs. Lifeline provides discounts on phone service to eligible consumers. Link-Up pays part of the cost of phone service installation or activation. These programs are made possible by the Universal Service Fund, which is overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Telephone companies pay into the fund. They usually recover this cost through universal service fees on customers’ phone bills.

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Department of Consumer Affairs Highlights California Mediation Week With �Consumer Days at Shopping Malls throughout the State

Got a gripe about a home computer repair? Is your car still not fixed despite a visit to the shop? Are you a business owner trying to resolve a customer's complaint, but getting nowhere? You might give the Complaint Mediation Program a try. The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) program recovered more than $21 million for consumers over the last 10 years in the form of refunds or additional service.

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Dialing 211 Directs Consumers to Essential Community Services
In many states, dialing "211" provides individuals and families in need with a shortcut through what may be a bewildering maze of health and human service agencies' phone numbers.
Jul 24, 2006 - 7:38:00 AM

Community Tools
Pre-Order Your Free Copy of the 2006 Consumer Action Handbook Today!

Sign up today to receive the first available copies of the 2006 Consumer Action Handbook. This everyday guide to being a smart shopper is chocked full of helpful tips about buying a car or home, preventing identity theft, understanding credit, resolving problems after a purchase, and much more.

Community Tools
Using Your Wireless Phone on Airplanes
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering proposals that may eventually allow you to use your own cell phone or wireless data device on airplanes after take off. Currently, cell phone users generally are permitted to use their phones before takeoff and after landing. FCC rules currently ban cell phone use after a plane has taken off because of potential interference to cellular phone networks on the ground. In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rules prohibiting in-flight cell phone use because of potential interference to navigation and aircraft systems.
Jan 12, 2006 - 8:07:00 AM

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Filing CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY - A Free Guide On How To File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

You may be a little overwhelmed at this moment, wondering how you ever got to this point in your life. And you may be wondering, "Where do I go from here? How do I get back on my feet?" This guide, "The Basics of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy," will help you understand the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy process.

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How to Change Your Name in California

A guide by the California Courts Department on how to change your name in the State of California.

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Digital Wireless Service for the Hearing Impaired
As more and more American consumers have come to rely on their wireless phones for safety, business, and personal reasons in the past few years, it has become critical that access to digital wireless phones increases for the hearing disabled community.
Jul 29, 2005 - 7:30:00 AM

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For People on Debt Management Plans: A Must-Do List

Reputable credit counseling organizations employ counselors who are certified and trained in consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Those organizations that are nonprofit have a legal obligation to provide education and counseling.

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Student Loan Consolidation Resources and Information
Besides the student loan application itself, the paper application package includes numerous forms and inserts that are designed to provide instruction and to help you make an informed decision. The following hyperlinks contain additional information about consolidating your federal education loans and additional forms that you may need, depending on your individual situation
Jul 28, 2005 - 6:29:00 AM

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Where to Apply for Student Loans and Student Aid

A brochure on applying for student loans and student aid.

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National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education's central database for student aid.  It receives data from schools, agencies that guaranty loans, the Direct Loan program, the Pell Grant program, and other U.S. Department of Education programs.  NSLDS provides a centralized, integrated view of Title IV loans and Pell grants that are tracked through their entire cycle; from aid approval through closure
Jul 27, 2005 - 8:18:00 AM

Community Tools
A How To Guide For Victims Of Identity Theft

Victims of identity theft must act quickly to minimize the damage. It is very important to keep good notes of all conversations and records of all correspondence with your financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, including a log of the names, dates and phone number of persons you contacted. You also should confirm the information in writing. Sending your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, will provide you with a record of your correspondence.

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How to Buy a Brand New Car

Do you love driving a brand new car, but hate the hassle of buying one? Well, we can help! Just take a look at the new booklet, Buying a New Car. It can help you in deciding what kind of car to buy, how to handle the negotiation process, and the best way to finance your purchase. You can even find some really great websites to help you in making this important decision!

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How to Search for Unclaimed Funds

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) provides deposit insurance to financial institutions and depositors of these institutions. If a financial institution is closed, by a regulatory agency, the FDIC is appointed as Receiver and is responsible for the payment of insured deposits and the liquidation of the remaining assets. If you did not claim your funds previously you now have another opportunity to do so. Review the "How to claim your funds" section below and complete the attached form.

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Is My Bank Insured?

FDIC Bank Find allows you to locate a single FDIC-insured institution by entering one or more of the criteria below. If more than one institution meets the criteria you enter, you will be provided with a list of institutions that met your criteria. Bank Find can answer questions such as: Is My Bank Insured? Where are My Bank's Branches Located? Where is My Bank's Home (Main) Office Located? What is My Bank's Web Site Address? What Happened to My Bank (Historical List of Events)? Does My Bank have a New Name? Is My Bank Still Open? And More