The FDIC has published a new how-to guide for consumers that features simple, practical suggestions for dealing successfully with some of today's important money matters. The FDIC is encouraging financial institutions to help make the tips and information in this publication widely available, including reprinting or linking to the material and making copies with the institution's name, logo, a special message and/or self-mailing information.
The new publication, a special edition of the quarterly newsletter FDIC Consumer News (Winter 2006/2007), is entitled "Be Prepared, Be Informed, Be in Charge." It features simple strategies consumers can follow in areas such as:
- Making sure they are financially fit;
- Avoiding bad deals and scams, including fake checks;
- Protecting their deposits with FDIC insurance; and
- Complaining effectively and getting results.
This special edition of the newsletter also includes a look at the top five reasons consumers contact the FDIC (to help readers learn from other consumers' questions and concerns and take precautions) and a brief quiz on some key concepts in money management.
The special edition can be read or printed on the FDIC Web site at www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnwin0607. Single copies are available free of charge from the FDIC by calling toll-free 1-877-275-3342 or sending an e-mail to publicinfo@fdic.gov. Due to cost and other constraints, the FDIC is not providing multiple copies. However, the FDIC is making the publication available on the Web site in a PDF format that can easily be reproduced in any quantity as well as in color or black and white. Of special note is that space on the back page of the PDF version was intentionally left blank so that financial institutions and other organizations could add their name, logo, a special message and/or self-mailing information.
An institution also may place a link to the FDIC Web site on its own Web site provided there is no inference of an endorsement, partnership or similar relationship between the institution and the FDIC.
Institutions also are reminded that FDIC Consumer News is a resource for useful information on consumer protections (including deposit insurance), regulatory developments and other matters of interest to customers and employees. Current and past issues of FDIC Consumer News, including special editions for senior citizens, teens and young adults, are online at www.fdic.gov/consumernews. Information in FDIC Consumer News may be reprinted in whole or in part without permission from the FDIC. Material used should be credited to "FDIC Consumer News, a publication of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation."
The FDIC also offers a free subscription service that provides an e-mail notice about each new issue posted to the Web site and provides a link to stories of interest. Instructions for subscribing are posted at www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.
Sandra Thompson Director Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection
|