FED INFO E-Newsletter
September/October 2009
From the Federal Citizen Information Center
This issue includes:
- Back to School Strategizing
- Car Title Loan Warnings
- H1N1 (Swine) Flu Scams Proliferating
- Layaway Shopping Returning?
- Social Security Ponderings
- Consumer Action Handbook Reviewing
With kids back in school, there’s no slowing down for most busy families. Keeping everyone healthy, happy, safe, and successful can test the most seasoned parents. This round-up of resources is packed with helpful tips, for low-stress test-taking, healthy after-school snacking, protecting your kids from cyber-bullying and much more.
Are you ready to hand over your car keys for a few hundred dollars? If you’re desperate for cash, you might be tempted. But don’t get swindled into a car title loan. This form of predatory lending, which uses your car as collateral, can cause you to lose your vehicle if you’re late on just one payment.
H1N1 (Swine) Flu Scams Proliferating
It didn’t take long after the H1N1 (swine) flu first struck that supposed cures and preventions were being hawked on the Internet. Dietary supplements, air purifiers, shampoos and more offered protection − at a price.
The Food and Drug Administration has forced dozens of phony H1N1 product claims off the Web, but with the flu’s expected resurgence this fall, the scams will probably return too. Check the FDA’s fraudulent H1N1 influenza products list before making a purchase. For the latest news on H1N1 (swine) AND seasonal flu, visit Flu.gov.
If you’re on a tight budget and trying to avoid credit card debt, layaway shopping − still around and more versatile than ever − may be a good option. You can use layaway for many online purchases; there are even sites that manage payment plans for vacations and surgery. But before you use layaway, the Federal Trade Commission cautions, find out how that particular merchant’s plan works. It can save you from headaches down the road.
If you’re trying to figure out when, if ever, you’ll be able to retire, these Social Security Administration online resources may help:
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More Benefits Calculators. Learn how earnings, pensions, and different retirement dates can affect your benefits and find out how much additional income you may need when you retire.
Consumer Action Handbook Reviewing
Take a look at our 2009 Consumer Action Handbook and tell us what you think. We’re starting work on our 2010 version and would love your input. The Consumer Action web site has the same information as the handbook. It’s designed to help you shop smart, prevent identity theft, file a consumer complaint and, in general, protect yourself in the marketplace.
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