The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency maintains a Web site www.Helpwithmybank.gov, a clearinghouse that provides consumers with answers to more than 250 frequently-asked questions (FAQs) on such financial topics as bank accounts, deposit insurance, credit cards, consumer loans, insurance, mortgages, identity theft, and safe deposit boxes.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s Financial Literacy Web Resource Directory provides information about financial literacy programs that banks might wish to become involved with as part of their CRA programs.  It includes descriptions and contact information for a sampling of organizations that have undertaken financial literacy initiatives as a primary mission, government programs, fact sheets, newsletters, conference materials, publications, and links to Web sites.

This Office of the Comptroller of the Currency consumer advisory warns consumers to watch for fraudulent cashier's check schemes and recommends actions they can take to protect themselves. The publication provides tips on what to do when confronted with a counterfeit check and is also available in Spanish.

This web page provides quick access to several resources to help homeowners, community stakeholders, and the banking industry help prevent unnecessary foreclosures and stop foreclosure “rescue” scams that promise false hope to consumers at risk of losing their homes. For Additional information call toll-free 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342); hearing impaired 1-800-925-4618.

The Money Smart Podcast Network (MSPN) is the portable audio (MP3) version of Money Smart and designed to accommodate financial learning for individuals “on the go.” With verbal descriptions and topic based scenarios, the Money Smart Podcast Network utilizes detailed dialogue to help individuals learn the basics of handling money, finances, and how to establish a positive relationship with a financial institution.  The segments are short and grouped into four general categories.  The MSPN files can be accessed online, or users without Internet access may order a free CD on line.

Fraud Advisory from the CFTC: Provides information to investors regarding foreign currency trading (Forex) scams.

Provides information on how to recognize a phony futures and options website.
 

Provides information on commodity futures and options fraud based on the war on terrorism.

Provides information on commodity futures and options fraud based on seasonal demand and other well-known public information.
 

Provides information on precious metals trading fraud.

Provides information on what to watch for to help protect yourself against commodity pool investment fraud.
 

Provides disciplinary history information to help protect futures market participants and the public from fraud, manipulation, and abusive trading practices.

Provides information on filing a complaint or reporting suspicious activities to the CFTC involving the trading of futures or options contracts. Report such activities toll-free at 866-FON-CFTC (866-366-2382).

How to protect yourself against fraud when trading futures and options, including what to know before you trade, the warning signs and kinds of fraud to watch out for, and how to report suspicious activities or information.  The information in the link below is available in both Spanish and English.

Provides information to help protect futures market users from fraud, manipulation, and abusive trading practices.

This special edition of the FDIC Consumer News is a guide for seniors and their families, topics include information pertaining entirely to seniors’ issues such as retirement strategies; how to avoid fraud; and annuity investing.  Readers will find practical suggestions and reliable information about how to maintain financial stability and independence during the retirement years.   The FDIC Consumer News can be accessed online or ordered online for free.

Consumer Protection publications available from the Federal Reserve

This pamphlet describes credit and debit cards and some common schemes involving card fraud with tips to help you avoid them.

Identity theft is a federal crime. It occurs when one person's identification (which can include name, social security number, or any account number) is used or transferred by another person for unlawful activities. This booklet is designed to help you understand what identity theft is, how it happens, how to protect yourself, and what steps to take if your identity is stolen.

Steps to make it more difficult for a crook to capture your card or card numbers, and how to report losses and fraud.