U.S. Government News

FTC Consumer Alert: Television is Going Digital: Get the Picture:

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:13:39 PST

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.

Time-Saving Tips for Summer Travel - Things You Should Know

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:12:37 PST

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.

Graduate Debt: Along With Diplomas and Dreams, Today’s Graduates Face the Future in Debt

Thu, 29 May 2008 14:41:17 PST

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.

Keep Summer Fuel Costs From Burning Your Budget

Thu, 22 May 2008 14:23:38 PST

FTC Provides Tips for Saving Money at the Gas Pump and Cooling Your Home

Saving Money: Practical Advice for Everyone on How to Save and Manage Money

Wed, 21 May 2008 08:47:44 PST

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

Is it Safe to Swim at the Beach?

Fri, 16 May 2008 19:09:54 PST

How can you be sure it's safe to swim at the beach? By using the Nowcast Web site.

Having a Yard Sale? Make Sure You Have Enough Insurance Coverage

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:16:39 PST

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.).

Energy Saving Tips for Consumers:U.S. Department of Energy Launches Website

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:56:14 PST

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.

E-Mailed Grand Jury Summons May Harm Computers

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:53:47 PST

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.

Phony Investment Solicitations: SEC Launches New Offense to Alert Investors

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:29:11 PST

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.

Phishing Scams: FTC Releases New Videos

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:07:23 PST

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.

Ten Misconceptions That Can Hinder Disaster Aid

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:59:54 PST

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:

Prepaid Calling Scam: FTC Asks Court to Halt Prepaid Calling Card Scam; Alleges Consumers Receive Fewer Calling Minutes Than Advertised and Pay Hidden Fees

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:08:13 PST

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.

Planning a Winter Getaway? Insurance Is Available in the Event of a Disaster

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:07:02 PST

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.).

Digital TV Transition: What You Should Know

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:06:04 PST

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.

Tax Packages Arrive in Mail; IRS Reminds Taxpayers to e-file and Watch for Tax Law Changes

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:40:06 PST

With millions of tax packages beginning to arrive in mailboxes this week, the Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to watch for commonly overlooked tax credits and late tax law changes that could affect their tax returns.

New DVDs to Help Educate Older Drivers and Their Families

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 19:08:37 PST

It's very difficult to tell someone - anyone - that their driving isn't what it used to be. These videos will offer advice on how to approach the subject - especially with a parent - and offer tips to those drivers whose abilities may have been better in the past.

How to Prepare for Flash Floods and Debris Flows After Wildfires

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 06:52:28 PST

Once the smoke clears from a wildfire, the danger is not over. Other hazards, such as flash floods and debris flows, now become the concern. Watch a video of the Christmas Day, 2003, debris flow in Devore, Calif., taken by local citizen Bishop Howard Davis by visiting....

Are Tattoos Safe? Think Before You Ink

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:24:53 PST

As the popularity of tattoos continues to grow, so does the concern about potential risks. Some risks, such as the spread of infections through the use of unsterilized needles, have long been known. But what isn't clear is the safety of tattoo inks. Permanent tattoos are made by using needles to inject colored ink below the skin's surface. Permanent make-up is considered a permanent tattoo that mimics the results of cosmetic products such as an eyebrow pencil, lip liner, eyeliner, or blush.

Tis the Season...For Holiday Place Names, That Is!

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:02:46 PST

Are national holidays a time or a place? For many, the holidays represent family gatherings with delicious edibles, but for people who live in Christmas, Ariz., Mistletoe, Ky., Candle, Alaska, or Santa Claus, Ind., it is also a place called home. This year, learn about holiday place names by using the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS).