An anonymous email containing false and misleading information about the use of your personal information has shown up in email in-boxes across the country for the last several years, leaving many consumers concerned and confused. Here's the real deal from the Federal Trade Commission.

Cautions consumers not to give out checking account information, or any other personal information, over the phone unless they're familiar with the company and agree to pay for something.

Financial Education: FDIC's Money Smart financial education program. The Money Smart program can help you take charge of your finances and create a better financial future.  Available on-line or by mail free of charge; it may also be taught in a classroom setting or downloaded into a portable audio (MP3) format.  For additional information call toll-free 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342); hearing impaired 1-800-925-4618.

Cautions consumers about companies that charge hundreds, even thousands of dollars, but don't deliver on their claims. The truth is, no one can legally remove accurate negative information from a credit report.

You may use the FDIC Bank Find to determine the primary federal regulator of your bank or by calling the FDIC's toll-free call center number at:
1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342);
Monday through Friday, From 8 am until 8 pm (Eastern Time);
Hearing Impaired Line: 1-800-925-4618.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s Customer Assistance Group helps customers of national banks and their operating subsidiaries to resolve issues and complaints related to applicable banking laws and regulations. To talk with an information specialist, in English or Spanish, Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm CST. Toll free: 1-800-613-6743. TDD Number 713-658-0340.  To file complaints online and to find answers to common questions on a variety of topics in English and Spanish, visit www.helpwithmybank.gov.  The site also assists customers in filing complaints online by telling them what to provide and what to expect.

Urges consumers to use caution when reading ads pitching debt relief. Lists what to look out for, and offers tips if you’re having trouble paying your bills.

Explains The Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994, what loans are covered, what disclosures are required, and what practices are prohibited.

This Consumer Advisory, issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), describes common scams, suggests ways to protect yourself, provides information on U.S. government loan programs and counseling resources, and lists 10 warning signs of a mortgage modification scam.

Explains how various foreclosure rescue scams work, and where consumers can find legitimate help.

Suggests do's and don'ts when you are dealing with foreclosure.

View a 30-second ad from the Federal Reserve Board directing consumers to free foreclosure prevention resources on the agency web site.

This website provides information that may be helpful to consumers, financial institutions, and the community groups working with them on foreclosure-related issues. 

Outlines common scams, questions to ask promoters, and where to complain.

Provides information on what to watch for to help protect yourself against fraud in foreign currency trading.

Using Bank Find, you can determine if your bank is insured by the FDIC, where you can go if you have a complaint, and find out the history of your bank. You can then use FDIC's online calculator – EDIE the Estimator –  to determine if your accounts are insured.
For additional information call toll-free 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342); Hearing impaired 1-800-925-4618.

FDIC Consumer News provides practical guidance on how to become a smarter, safer user of financial services. Consumer News articles issued in 2009 and beyond are being adapted for audio. Individuals are able to click the desired issue to download or listen to the articles in that issue; go to http://treas.gov/cgi-bin/redirect.cgi?http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/audio/index.html. 

FDIC Consumer News provides practical guidance on how to become a smarter, safer user of financial services. Each issue offers helpful hints, quick tips, and common-sense strategies to protect and stretch your hard-earned dollars. Subscriptions to FDIC Consumer News are available free of charge. Visit www.fdic.gov/consumernews or contact the FDIC Public Information Center. Call toll-free 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342). 

In this edition of the newsletter learn about first-time homebuyer programs, expanding access to affordable homeownership, and helping customers keep their homes.