Community Tools

As part of a continuing effort to improve service to taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service announced today the availability of a new online tool to help people easily find a location for volunteer tax preparation assistance.

Community Tools
Fraud Alert: Text Messages, Pop-Ups and Downloads to Avoid
One recent scam involved a text message sent to cell phones and smartphones (a hand-held device to access the Internet and make calls) warning bank customers that their debit or credit card had been blocked for security reasons
Mar 10, 2011 - 9:33:31 AM

Announcements
Avoiding Internet Scams:10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Fraud
Con artists often insist that people wire money, especially overseas, because it’s nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace the money. Don’t wire money to strangers, to sellers who insist on wire transfers for payment, or to someone who claims to be a relative in an emergency (and wants to keep the request a secret
Dec 29, 2010 - 6:39:17 PM

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.

Community Tools
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

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

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

Community Tools
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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Community Tools
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

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.

Community Tools
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

United States Government News

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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.