Things You Should Know RSS Feed

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

Announcements
Passport Day in the USA: March 28, 2009.
Saturday, March 28, 2009, is "Passport Day in the USA," when Regional Passport Agencies and many local Passport Acceptance Facilities will be open to inform the public about the upcoming changes to U.S. travel document requirements.
Mar 26, 2009 - 7:43:09 PM

U.S. State Department
American Students: International Travel Safety Information
As spring and summer breaks approach, many students are getting ready for a trip abroad. The following information will help students plan a safe and enjoyable adventure
Jan 22, 2009 - 7:08:32 PM

Announcements
New Year's Resolution for U.S. and Canadian Travelers: Get Appropriate Documents Now
The Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Customs and Border Protection reminds U.S. and Canadian citizens that travelers will see a change in travel document requirements at the land border in 2009, and recommends travelers adopt a New Year’s resolution to prepare now and obtain the appropriate documents.
Jan 8, 2009 - 12:02:26 PM

Announcements
Fish and Game tells hunters to "Keep it clean"
Some avian diseases that occur naturally in California include avian botulism, avian cholera, mycoplasmosis, salmonellosis and trichomoniasis. Of heightened concern during the past several years has been the risk of exposure to Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1).
Sep 17, 2008 - 10:39:38 PM

Things You Should Know
FTC Consumer Alert: Television is Going Digital: Get the Picture:
Big changes are coming to your television. But they have nothing to do with summer re-runs or the new fall season. These changes involve the transition to digital broadcasting on February 17, 2009.
Jul 3, 2008 - 9:13:39 PM

Things You Should Know
Time-Saving Tips for Summer Travel - Things You Should Know
In the travel industry these days, there’s nothing certain but change, whether you plan to travel by air, land, or sea. If you think prices are high at the pump, try filling the tanks of a jumbo jet. Some airlines have responded to escalating fuel prices with new fees and some service reductions. At the same time, some airports have more customer-friendly checkpoints that can be time-savers—if you come to the airport prepared, know what to expect, and cooperate with security personnel.
Jun 27, 2008 - 12:12:37 PM

Credit and Money Management
Graduate Debt: Along With Diplomas and Dreams, Today’s Graduates Face the Future in Debt
With a sagging economy and an increasing cost of living, today’s college graduate is taking on increasing amounts of student loan and credit card debt, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). Of the 1.5 million students receiving college degrees this spring, an overwhelming majority will have at least one credit card in their wallet and 32 percent of students will have four or more credit cards, based on a 2005 study done by student lender Nellie Mae.

May 29, 2008 - 2:41:17 PM

Things You Should Know
Keep Summer Fuel Costs From Burning Your Budget
FTC Provides Tips for Saving Money at the Gas Pump and Cooling Your Home
May 22, 2008 - 2:23:38 PM

Credit and Money Management
Saving Money: Practical Advice for Everyone on How to Save and Manage Money
No matter how old or young you are, there are some basic things you can do to better manage and protect your money. Here are recommendations from FDIC Consumer News
May 21, 2008 - 8:47:44 AM

Things You Should Know
Is it Safe to Swim at the Beach?
How can you be sure it's safe to swim at the beach? By using the Nowcast Web site.
May 16, 2008 - 7:09:54 PM

Insurance Related Press Releases
Having a Yard Sale? Make Sure You Have Enough Insurance Coverage
A yard sale is a great way to clean out your home, make a little money and do some good for the environment by providing a second life for your possessions. But your enterprise could get expensive if someone gets hurt on your property and decides to sue, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).
May 15, 2008 - 11:16:39 AM

Announcements
Energy Saving Tips for Consumers:U.S. Department of Energy Launches Website
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today launched a new internet feature which provides tips to consumers on how to make everyday Earth Day by making smart energy choices to save money while protecting the environment. 
Apr 22, 2008 - 11:56:14 AM

Community Alerts
E-Mailed Grand Jury Summons May Harm Computers
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is alerting computer users about a spam e-mail that contains a fraudulent court subpoena. The bogus e-mail attempts to notify recipients that they are commanded to appear and testify before a Grand Jury.
Apr 20, 2008 - 7:53:47 PM

Announcements
Phony Investment Solicitations: SEC Launches New Offense to Alert Investors
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the launch of its latest offensive targeting online boiler rooms, cold calls, and other potentially fraudulent financial solicitations circulating to unsuspecting investors. Such solicitations often use phony claims of SEC registration, false U.S. addresses, or endorsements from make-believe government agencies or international organizations to make their investment opportunities appear more credible. Some also falsely claim to be affiliated with established brokerage firms.
Apr 17, 2008 - 9:29:11 AM

Announcements
Phishing Scams: FTC Releases New Videos
The Federal Trade Commission has released three 60-second videos to help alert consumers to phishing scams. Phishing uses deceptive spam to trick consumers into divulging sensitive or personal information, including credit card numbers and other financial data, through an email or a link to a “copycat” site. The goal of the videos is to offer practical, useful, and memorable messages.
Apr 3, 2008 - 2:07:23 PM

FEMA Announcements
Ten Misconceptions That Can Hinder Disaster Aid
Don't let half-truths and rumors cause you to miss out on the federal disaster assistance made available for those devastated by the severe storms and tornadoes that hit Georgia recently. Federal and state officials agree the last thing people need after suffering losses is misinformation. The following adds clarification for some common misconceptions about disaster assistance:
Apr 3, 2008 - 1:59:54 PM

Announcements
Prepaid Calling Scam: FTC Asks Court to Halt Prepaid Calling Card Scam; Alleges Consumers Receive Fewer Calling Minutes Than Advertised and Pay Hidden Fees
The Federal Trade Commission has asked a U.S. district court judge to order a halt to the alleged illegal practices of CTA, a major distributor of prepaid calling cards across the country. In the last quarter of 2007 alone, CTA’s revenue from the sale of cards exceeded $28 million. The FTC charges that CTA misrepresents the number of calling minutes consumers get, fails to disclose that consumers’ cards will be charged whether or not the calls go through, and charges hidden fees.
Mar 30, 2008 - 12:08:13 AM

Travel Warnings
Planning a Winter Getaway? Insurance Is Available in the Event of a Disaster
Before sailing off on a cruise or hitting the slopes, make sure that you have adequate insurance to protect your financial investment in a pre-paid vacation, said the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Feb 14, 2008 - 3:07:02 PM

Announcements
Digital TV Transition: What You Should Know

By now, you've probably heard that on February 17, 2009, television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting . Last week, the Consumer Electronics Association reported that half of American households had purchased a digital TV to date. However, if you’re one of the more than 14 million households that rely on analog, over-the-air signals to watch TV you’ll need to take action before February 2009.