Housing Information

Housing Publications List

Cell Phone Savvy. This publication provides information on how to avoid problems with your wireless device and service.



Connect to California LifeLine and Save! (Chinese) (2011). California LifeLine provides discounts on basic residential telephone service to eligible low-income households. Consumers who qualify for California LifeLine pay a fraction of the regular cost for telephone connection and monthly local telephone service. This brochure explains the features and benefits of Lifeline phone service, how to apply for the program, and what you must do to continue participation.



California LifeLine Case Studies. These five case studies will give Lifeline workshop participants an opportunity to apply what they have learned about California LifeLine discounts, service options and eligibility.



Roaming the World with Your Phone (Chinese). Being connected can make an international vacation more enjoyable, and an overseas business trip more productive. Planning ahead will enable travelers to save money on calls and messaging as well as keep their international data charges predictable.



¡Conéctese a California LifeLine y ahorre! (2011). California LifeLine ofrece descuentos por servicio telefónico residencial básico para familias de bajos ingresos que califican. Los consumidores que califican para recibir California LifeLine pagan una fracción del costo normal de la conexión y del servicio mensual de teléfono local. Este folleto le explica los beneficios del servicio Lifeline, cómo solicitar el programa y lo que debe hacer para continuar en el programa.



WirelessED Wireless Device Buying Guide. Just in time for the holidays, Consumer Action releases its WirelessED Wireless Buying Guide.



California LifeLine Public Assistance Programs. Detailed description of various federal and state assistance programs.



2011 California LifeLine - PowerPoint Training Slides. California LifeLine provides discounts on basic residential telephone service to eligible low-income households. These PowerPoint slides were developed to help trainers and advocates explain the features and benefits of Lifeline phone service, how to apply for the program, and what consumers must do to continue their participation.



List of Toll Free Numbers for California LifeLine Service. Useful list of toll free numbers to give out to consumers while teaching the California LifeLine module.



Lifeline Eligibility and Application Worksheets. These worksheets will help consumers determine if they are eligible for Lifeline discounts and track their progress through the application and renewal process. A short "quiz" can be used in class to help participants understand key points about the Lifeline program.



Television Service (Chinese). Television is a key source of safety and emergency information, entertainment, and education for U.S. households. With hundreds of channels to choose from and many service providers vying for business, TV is not as simple as it once was. This fact sheet will explain your options and help you make the right choices for you and your family.



Telemarketing Calls (Chinese). Telemarketing calls can be a nuisance, particularly when they interrupt your sleep, dinner, or time with family or friends. This fact sheet explains the rules that legislators and consumer protection agencies have created to make telemarketing calls less annoying and help reduce the number of unwanted sales calls you receive. It also provides tips for protecting yourself from fraud and for filing a complaint, if necessary.



Wireless Phone Service (Chinese). Whether you see your cell phone as a convenience or a necessity, you want service that will meet your needs at the best price. This fact sheet explains your options for wireless service. It also provides tips for managing your wireless costs, protecting yourself against fraud and theft, and handling billing or service issues.



Connect to California LifeLine and Save! (2011). California LifeLine provides discounts on basic residential telephone service to eligible low-income households. Consumers who qualify for California LifeLine pay a fraction of the regular cost for telephone connection and monthly local telephone service. This brochure explains the features and benefits of Lifeline phone service, how to apply for the program, and what you must do to continue participation.



Wireless Providers Approved to Offer Lifeline Plans in California. This PDF chart will help California LifeLine customers who choose wireless (cell phone) service rather than wired (landline) service understand their choices. The chart can be used as a stand-alone resource or as part of the California LifeLine module.



Choosing and Using Mobile Devices (Chinese). This WirelessED publication explains how to select a smartphone or other data-ready wireless device and service plan, monitor and manage your usage, and get the best value for your budget and your needs.



De paseo por el mundo con su teléfono móvil. Estar conectado le permite disfrutar más de sus vacaciónes internacionales y ser más productivo en un viaje de negocios en el exterior. Si hace planes con anticipación, el viajero puede ahorrar dinero en llamadas y mensajes de texto y también mantener previsibles los cargos por datos móviles.



Wireless Service Backgrounder Guide. This WirelessED training manual can help answer many questions about wireless service, from how to choose a device and a service plan to how to avoid overages and guard your privacy.



Roaming the World with Your Phone. Being connected can make an international vacation more enjoyable, and an overseas business trip more productive. Planning ahead will enable travelers to save money on calls and messaging as well as keep their international data charges predictable.



Learning About Wireless Services - Lesson Plan and Class Activities. This packet, only available as a PDF file, provides guidance for teachers and team leaders. The 27-page packet contains a detailed curriculum, classroom activities and worksheets.



Learning About Wireless Services - Powerpoint Training Slides. The Learning About Wireless Services Powerpoint Training Slides is available for download in the "Download File" section.



Using Mobile Data Wisely (Chinese). Being connected has many benefits, but it’s important to know your needs and manage your usage to avoid unanticipated charges. Learn about mobile data, networks, devices and service plans.



Selección y uso de dispositivos móviles. Esta publicación forma parte del módulo WirelessEd y le explica cómo seleccionar un teléfono inteligente u otro dispositivo capacitado para datos inalámbricos y cómo seleccionar un plan de servicio. También le explica cómo monitorear y administrar la cantidad de datos que usa y cómo conseguir el mejor precio según su presupuesto y sus necesidades.



Use los datos móviles con prudencia. Estar conectado tiene muchos beneficios, pero es importante conocer sus necesidades y administrar bien el uso de servicios para evitar los cargos imprevistos. Aprenda sobre datos móviles, redes, dispositivos, y planes de servicio.



Empower U Powerpoint Slides. The Empower U Powerpoint training file is available for download in the "Download File" section.



Empower U Powerpoint Companion Guide. The 13-page PDF Companion Guide provides guidance for teachers and team leaders in presenting the Empower U Powerpoint Slides.



Servicio de televisión. La televisión es fuente clave de información sobre seguridad y emergencias, entretenimiento, y educación para familias en Estados Unidos. La TV no es tan simple como antes ya que existen cientos de canales y muchos proveedores de servicio que compiten por clientes. Esta hoja informativa le explicará sus opciones y lo ayudará a elegir lo que más le convenga a usted y a su familia.



Mercadeo telefónico. Las llamadas de mercadeo telefónico (telemercadeo o telemarketing) pueden ser fastidiosas, en particular cuando le interrumpen el sueño, la cena o el tiempo con su familia y amigos. Esta hoja informativa explica los reglamentos que la legislatura y las agencias de protección al consumidor han creado para que las llamadas de mercadeo telefónico sean menos enfadosas y para ayudar a reducir el número de llamadas indeseadas que recibe. También ofrece consejos para protegerse del fraude y sobre cómo presentar una queja si fuera necesario.



Servicio de teléfono móvil. Sea comodidad o sea necesidad para usted el teléfono móvil, lo que seguramente le interesa más es tener un servicio que cumpla sus requisitos al mejor precio. Esta hoja informativa explica sus opciones de servicio de teléfono móvil. También contiene consejos para administrar costos, para protegerse contra fraude y contra el robo de su teléfono, y para manejar problemas de facturación o servicio.



Choosing and Using Mobile Devices. This WirelessED publication explains how to select a smartphone or other data-ready wireless device and service plan, monitor and manage your usage, and get the best value for your budget and your needs.



Using Mobile Data Wisely. Being connected has many benefits, but it’s important to know your needs and manage your usage to avoid unanticipated charges. Learn about mobile data, networks, devices and service plans.



Television Service. Television is a key source of safety and emergency information, entertainment, and education for U.S. households. With hundreds of channels to choose from and many service providers vying for business, TV is not as simple as it once was. This fact sheet will explain your options and help you make the right choices for you and your family.



Telemarketing Calls. Telemarketing calls can be a nuisance, particularly when they interrupt your sleep, dinner, or time with family or friends. This fact sheet explains the rules that legislators and consumer protection agencies have created to make telemarketing calls less annoying and help reduce the number of unwanted sales calls you receive. It also provides tips for protecting yourself from fraud and for filing a complaint, if necessary.



Wireless Phone Service. Whether you see your cell phone as a convenience or a necessity, you want service that will meet your needs at the best price. This fact sheet explains your options for wireless service. It also provides tips for managing your wireless costs, protecting yourself against fraud and theft, and handling billing or service issues.



You Make the Call. There are a variety of phones, communications methods, calling plans and carriers. This publication is designed to help you choose the equipment and services that best meet your needs.



Phone Services Leader’s Guide. This Leader’s Guide can help answer some questions about how to choose the best phone service for each individual and household.



You Make the Call —Training Guide. This training guide is designed to help trainers and teachers present a seminar on how to choose the best phone service for each individual and household. It covers phone service options such as landline, VoIP and wireless. It is available as a PDF download only. Companion brochure, leader's guide and PowerPoint training slides are available.



You Make the Call — PowerPoint Training Slides. This PowerPoint training file outlines various residential phone services. It is available for download in the "Download File" section. Companion brochure, leader's guide and lesson plan are available.



Usted decide. Existen una variedad de teléfonos, métodos de comunicación, planes de llamada y proveedores de servicios telefónicos. Esta publicación está diseñada para ayudarle a elegir el equipo y los servicios que más le convengan.



You Make the Call (Chinese). There are a variety of phones, communications methods, calling plans and carriers. This publication is designed to help you choose the equipment and services that best meet your needs.



Protect Your Phone Records. Phone records are an important source of private information that someone might try to access without your consent for illegal or harmful purposes. This publication can help you understand who would want to access your phone records, why they might want to do it, how they try to access your private information and what you can do to reduce the chances of becoming a victim. A companion Leader's Guide is available.



Protect Your Phone Records - Leader’s Guide. Pretexting is a method of obtaining someone else’s personal information, including phone records, under false pretenses. This Leader’s Guide, written in question-and-answer format, will help give trainers background on the techniques pretexters use, the damage they can do to victims, various laws and regulations that keep phone records private, how to protect personal data and how victims can file complaints. A companion brochure is available.



Protect Your Phone Records - Lesson Plan. This lesson plan, which explains why phone records contain private information that someone might try to access without consent for illegal or harmful purposes, is designed to help you lead trainings and seminars. The 13-page packet, part of the Protecting Your Phone Records series, contains a detailed curriculum, classroom activities and worksheets for participants. (Note: It is only available as a PDF file.)



Protect Your Phone Records - Powerpoint Slides. The Protect Your Phone Records PowerPoint slides explain who would want to access your phone records, why they might want to do it, how these people try to access your private information and what you can do to reduce the chances of becoming a victim. The PowerPoint slides can be downloaded from the "Download File" section.



Protect Your Phone Records (Chinese). Phone records are an important source of private information that someone might try to access without your consent for illegal or harmful purposes. This publication can help you understand who would want to access your phone records, why they might want to do it, how they try to access your private information and what you can do to reduce the chances of becoming a victim. A companion Leader's Guide is available.



Proteja su historial telefónico. Su historial telefónico es una importante fuente de información privada que alguien podría tratar de obtener sin su permiso con motivo de hacer daño o alguna actividad ilegal. Esta publicación puede ayudarle a entender quién podría tratar de obtener su historial telefónico, porqué lo harían, cómo tratan de obtener su información personal y qué puede hacer usted para disminuir las posibilidades de convertirse en víctima.



Choosing a Wireless Service Provider. The wireless world offers broad choices among service providers, calling plans, and phones. Low-priced equipment and rates make wireless calling affordable for many individuals and families. Plus, today's cell phone is not just for talking - it can be used to snap photos, surf the Internet, send email, play games, and more. With so much to choose from, it can be a challenge to figure out what's best for you.



Choosing a Wireless Service Provider - Backgrounder Guide. This question-and-answer format booklet is designed to help you understand the issues involved in shopping for and using cell phone service. Topics covered include wireless service plans and coverage, wireless phones, keeping your phone number when you change providers, reading a wireless phone bill, cell phones and driving, courtesy when using cell phones, preventing theft and fraud, privacy concerns and resources for information and assistance.



Choosing a Wireless Plan - Training Curriculum. This PDF packet provides guidance for teachers and team leaders about consumers' cell phone choices—service providers, calling plans, and phones to name a few. The packet contains a detailed curriculum, and classroom activities designed to teach adults.



Choosing a Wireless Service Provider - Powerpoint Slides. These PowerPoint slides cover many of the issues involved in shopping for and using cell phone service.



Choosing a Wireless Service Provider (Chinese). The wireless world offers broad choices among service providers, calling plans, and phones. Low-priced equipment and rates make wireless calling affordable for many individuals and families. Plus, today's cell phone is not just for talking - it can be used to snap photos, surf the Internet, send email, play games, and more. With so much to choose from, it can be a challenge to figure out what's best for you.



Cómo elegir un proveedor de servicio telefónico móvil. El mundo del teléfono móvil ofrece una gran variedad de opciones de proveedores de servicio, planes de llamada y teléfonos. Los precios bajos de los equipos y las tarifas los ponen al alcance de muchos individuos y familias. Además, el teléfono móvil de la actualidad no es para hablar únicamente; se puede usar para tomar fotografías, explorar el Internet, enviar un correo electrónico, jugar, y mucho más. Con tantas opciones, decidir lo que más le conviene podría resultarle problemático.



Telemarketers : Do Not Call. Are you tired of unwanted telemarketing calls? Now there is a new government tool to help stop unwanted calls. The National Do Not Call Registry is a free list you can join to limit calls to your home and cell phone for five years. "Telemarketers: Do Not Call!" explains how easy it is to put your name on the registry, what you should expect when you register and how to deal with unwanted telemarketing calls.



Vendedores telefónicos: No me llamen!. ¿Está cansado de recibir llamadas de vendedores telefónicos que no solicitó? Ahora existe una nueva herramienta gubernamental para ayudarle a detener las llamadas nos deseadas. La inscripción en la "Lista Nacional No Llame" es un servicio gratuito al que usted se puede suscribir para disminuir la cantidad de llamadas que recibe en su casa y su teléfono celular por cinco años. "Vendedores telefónicos: ¡No llame!" explica qué fácil es incluir su nombre en la lista, qué debe esperar cuando usted se inscribe y cómo actuar ante llamadas no deseadas de vendedores telefónicos.



Telemarketers : Do Not Call (Chinese). Are you tired of unwanted telemarketing calls? Now there is a new government tool to help stop unwanted calls. The National Do Not Call Registry is a free list you can join to limit calls to your home and cell phone for five years. "Telemarketers: Do Not Call!" explains how easy it is to put your name on the registry, what you should expect when you register and how to deal with unwanted telemarketing calls.



Don’t Fall for the Wrong Call. Telemarketing fraud — using the phone to swindle and cheat — robs U.S. consumers of about $40 billion a year. Don't fall for the wrong call, an 8-page, in-depth guide provides information on common tricks and charitable donation scams used by telemarketers, how to answer sales calls, warning signs of fraud, how to protect yourself from unwanted calls, your rights under the law and how you can sue telemarketers who do not honor your wishes not to be called. The guide also contains a listing of complaint handling agencies and other helpful resources.



No se deje engañar por teléfono. El fraude telefónico usar el teléfono para engañar y estafar roba a los consumidores de Estados Unidos aproximadamente 40 billones de dólares al año. "No caiga en la trampa" es una profunda guía de 8 páginas que provee información acerca de trucos comunes (como organizaciones de caridad inexistentes) usados por vendedores telefónicos. Incluye cómo contestar llamadas de ventas, signos de alerta de fraude, cómo protegerse de las llamadas no deseadas, sus derechos ante la ley y cómo puede demandar a los vendedores telefónicos que no respetan su derecho a no recibir llamadas. La guía también contiene un listado de organizaciones y agencias que reciben quejas de este tipo y otros recursos útiles.



Don’t Fall for the Wrong Call (Chinese). Telemarketing fraud — using the phone to swindle and cheat — robs U.S. consumers of about $40 billion a year. Don't fall for the wrong call, an 8-page, in-depth guide provides information on common tricks and charitable donation scams used by telemarketers, how to answer sales calls, warning signs of fraud, how to protect yourself from unwanted calls, your rights under the law and how you can sue telemarketers who do not honor your wishes not to be called. The guide also contains a listing of complaint handling agencies and other helpful resources.



Slammed!. This brochure explains what to do if you are "slammed" -- if your long distance service is switched without your permission. Slamming is prohibited by federal and state law. Includes the new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) consumer protection rules to help you if you've been slammed.



¡Pirateo!. Este folleto explica qué hacer si usted ha sido pirateado - si su servicio de larga distancia ha sido cambiado sin su permiso. El pirateo está prohibido por ley federal y estatal. Esta publicación incluye las nuevas reglas de protección al consumidor de la Comisión Federal de Comunicaciones (FCC, siglas en inglés), para ayudarle si usted ha sido pirateado.



Getting the Best Value from Prepaid Phone Cards. Prepaid phone cards allow you to pay in advance for telephone calls. Depending on how much the card costs, you receive a specific number of minutes of calling time. As you use the card, the minutes are reduced, until you have used up all the time on the card.



Cómo sacarle el mayor provecho a las tarjetas telefónicas prepagadas. La tarjeta telefónica prepagada le permite pagar las llamadas por adelantado. Usted recibe una cantidad específica de minutos según lo que cueste la tarjeta. A medida que la usa, se le reducen los minutos hasta que se le acabe el tiempo que tiene la tarjeta. Este folleto explica cómo funcionan las tarjetas prepagadas, dónde comprarlas, los recargos comunes y cómo evitar el fraude.



Checking Your Phone Bill. A brochure describing how to check your monthly phone bill in order to save money and prevent telephone fraud. This publication includes a list explaining the different charges you will probably find on your bill, information about your rights as a telephone customer, and what to do if you have a complaint about your service.



You Can Help Fight Phone Fraud. A 16-page guide to help consumers avoid and detect phone fraud, including slamming, cramming, toll fraud, calling card fraud, identity theft and wireless (cell) phone fraud. Lists resources for information as well as reporting phone fraud.



Usted puede ayudar a combatir el fraude telefónico. Una guía de 16 páginas que ayuda al consumidor a evitar y detectar el fraude telefónico, incluyendo el pirateo o "slamming," cargos no autorizados o "cramming," fraude de larga distancia, fraude por tarjeta telefónica, robo de identidad, y el fraude de radiotelefonía móvil. Incluye una lista de fuentes de información adicional y de oficinas donde se puede denuciar el fraude.



Phone Fraud. An illustrated fact sheet that describes what phone fraud is and how you can become a victim. Explains how to protect yourself and how to complain about phone fraud.



Fraudes de Teléfono. Hoja informativa ilustrada que describe el fraude telefónico, cómo protegerse del fraude telefónico y cómo quejarse si le ocurre a usted.



Phone Fraud (Chinese). An illustrated fact sheet that describes what phone fraud is and how you can become a victim. Explains how to protect yourself and how to complain about phone fraud.



Preventing Telemarketing Fraud. An illustrated fact sheet that describes how con artists cheat people over the phone, and gives tips to avoid being a victim of fraud. Includes a list of the "10 Warning Signs of Fraud."



Previniendo el Fraude del Mercadeo Telefónico. Hoja informativa ilustrada que describe cómo los estafadores engañan a las personas por teléfono y da consejos sobre cómo evitar ser víctima de un fraude. Incluye una lista de las "10 señales de peligro de fraude."