February 2016 | Issue Eight, Volume Six |
What people are saying
I’m writing to thank you for your ‘Put a Lock on It’ online privacy training, especially for your tips on how to create a good presentation. I’ve been incorporating your tactics—including offering games, using PowerPoint and other visuals, and having hands-on activities—and my trainings are much more engaging and interactive! — Felicia Fort, Educational Investor, One Step Closer
Did you know?
Antivirus software is used to prevent, detect and remove harmful and malicious software from computers. It is important that users install antivirus tools because, without them, computers can become infected and stop working the way users expect. ConsumerAffairs.com, a site offering consumer news, recall information and consumer reviews, has put together an Antivirus Software Guide that allows consumers to compare antivirus software brands and read reviews from users.Learn more.
Out and About: “Give us postal banking now!”
The Campaign for Postal Banking is heating up! Last month, supporters delivered 150,000 signatures to the U.S. Postal Service in support of this affordable and accessible form of banking. READ MORE....
Thousands sign petition opposing changes to Lifeline
Consumer Action delivered a petition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Jan. 7 with 2,585 signatures in opposition to proposals to sharply reduce the ranks of low-income Americans eligible for the Lifeline telephone subsidy. READ MORE....
Hotline Chronicles: Merchant’s credit card minimum too high
A Southern California man cries foul after a merchant says that credit cards are not accepted for purchases of less than $25. He knows his rights. READ MORE....
At the Movies: The Big Short
Consumer Action spent a night out at the movies to give you the lowdown on The Big Short. We’ve also listed the steps you can take to help rein in Wall Street and avoid a sequel. READ MORE....
New coalition aims to keep health care competitive
Competition among health insurers is vital to ensuring lower premiums, improving quality of care and promoting access and choice. Consumer Action and other advocates have joined forces to oppose pending megamergers and point out the damage they could pose to consumer health care. READ MORE....
FY2015 annual report reflects year of accomplishments
Consumer Action’s latest annual report is available online now. The report highlights the organization’s activities, accomplishments, events, partnerships, budget and more. READ MORE....
How to build a good credit score
Consumer Action partnered with CreditBridge, a NY-based financial technology company, to produce a fact sheet geared toward helping students, immigrants and others new to the U.S. credit system to establish and improve their credit. READ MORE....
Just in time for tax season: updated EITC fact sheet
Tax season is officially open, and Consumer Action’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) fact sheet has been updated to inform taxpayers of increased credits and income limits—and a new state EITC for California workers. READ MORE....
Class Action Database: Shoddy cell phone insurance
Consumer Action maintains a database of notable class actions so that interested consumers can learn more, join a pending action or make a claim. One major January settlement involves cell phone service provider T-Mobile and cell phone insurance provider Asurion. The companies have been accused of misrepresenting the terms of their cell phone insurance policy. READ MORE....
CFPB Watch: Dealer-damaged credit histories and pension payouts
In our regular CFPB Watch feature, we detail recent actions taken by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to protect consumers. This month, the Bureau fined a credit-ruining auto dealer millions; released a report detailing consumer complaints with money transfers; and promoted their new retirement planning tool. READ MORE....
Consumer Action has been a champion of underrepresented consumers nationwide since 1971. A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Consumer Action focuses on consumer education that empowers low- and moderate-income and limited-English-speaking consumers to financially prosper. It also advocates for consumers in the media and before lawmakers to advance consumer rights and promote industry-wide change.
By providing consumer education materials in multiple languages, a free national hotline, a comprehensive website (www.consumer-action.org) and annual surveys of financial and consumer services, Consumer Action helps consumers assert their rights in the marketplace and make financially savvy choices. Nearly 7,000 community and grassroots organizations benefit annually from its extensive outreach programs, training materials and support.
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