Consumer Action

Consumer Action INSIDER - May 2013

2013-04-30T17:35:48Z

The May 2013 edition of the INSIDER features stories about our activities at various financial literacy events, some considerations when teaching older adults and a new credit resource created by our staff. Hotline Chronicles looks at the case of a woman who was convinced against her better judgment to purchase a timeshare.

SIGN OUR PETITION: Save Wireless Lifeline!

2013-04-10T09:49:51Z

A recent Washington Post article highlighted growing criticism of the low-income phone subsidy program known as Lifeline, which was founded under President Ronald Reagan’s administration and expanded to include cellphone service during the presidency of George W. Bush.

Despite its Republican beginnings, this crucial subsidy that keeps low-income families connected to schools and job opportunities and to E-911 has come under attack by conservatives who mischaracterize the program as a massive giveaway called “Obama phones” being distributed at taxpayer expense. In fact, wireless and landline Lifeline programs are funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF). Telecommunications providers must contribute to the USF through an assessment on their interstate and international revenues. While the telecommunications providers typically pass the USF assessement on to customers in their bills, Lifeline subsidies are not taxpayer funded.

The House Communications and Technology Subcommittee will hold a hearing on the Lifeline program on April 25. Sign this petition now so we can deliver it to the committee in advance of the hearing.

Consumer Action INSIDER - April 2013

2013-04-01T14:22:06Z

The April 2013 issue of Consumer Action INSIDER features stories about our staff activities, including our participation at the Consumer Assembly, new legislation we support to protect accountholders from excessive overdraft fees, the potential perils of ignoring bill collectors' calls, a new grant to work on electronic medical privacy education, and more.

CONSUMER GROUPS: Respect users’ ‘Do Not Track’ choices

2013-03-13T14:01:30Z

Leading consumer advocates call for a simple Do-Not-Track (DNT) mechanism that allows individuals to decide when, whether, and how they will be tracked online, no matter what kind of technology or device they use.

Consumer Action INSIDER - March 2013

2013-02-28T20:12:58Z

In the new issue of Consumer Action INSIDER, our monthly e-newsletter, we recount our recent doings, including response from an online poll about using credit cards after the CARD Act, reports on 2012 hotline complaints and free publication distribution, coalition efforts with our consumer colleagues and our ongoing outreach to community partners. In this month's Hotline Chronicles, we talk about the "dual tracking" of foreclosures and loan modifications, which unfairly impact homeowners in financial distress who are seeking to save their homes.

CONSUMER POLL: Consumers benefit from CARD Act

2013-02-21T22:43:39Z

Consumer Action surveyed cardholders online to learn what impact the CARD Act has had on credit card users. Overall, respondents reported that credit card companies are treating them the same or better than before the law and that the disclosures mandated by the law have helped them take action to avoid credit card debt.

MOBILE PRIVACY: Do you know what your phone is doing?

2013-02-15T21:47:49Z

Half of all U.S. adults now own a smartphone. An estimated 50 billion apps were downloaded in 2012. What does this growing reliance on mobile technology mean for consumer privacy? Consumer Action surveys the privacy landscape, shares predictions from privacy experts, and reveals some things all mobile users should be aware of.

Mobile Privacy Issue (February 2013)

2013-02-14T19:38:33Z

Get Credit for Your Hard Work (2012 Tax Year)

2013-02-12T18:22:19Z

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low-income, working taxpayers and families get more money back when they file their federal income tax return. This publication contains EITC guidelines for the 2012 tax year.

Good Credit - Build it and keep it (English)

2013-02-09T02:12:50Z

A fact sheet that explains what a credit history is, how to get your credit report, how to establish good credit and where to complain if you have a problem.

Saving to Build Wealth - Make money work for you (English)

2013-02-08T21:56:45Z

This brochure provides information about the importance of saving, setting short- and long-term goals to promote saving, opening a savings account and ways to make your money grow faster, including certificates of deposit (CDs), individual retirement accounts (IRAs), U.S. Savings Bonds and college savings accounts.

Consumer Action INSIDER - February 2013

2013-02-01T10:37:12Z

The February issue of our monthly e-newsletter features stories about a new financial resource for servicemembers and veterans, an update on our educational efforts around potential credit card "checkout fees," news about our new Columbia University interns, and a Hotline Chronicles entry about unauthorized charges on your phone bill ("cramming").

Servicemembers and Veterans Financial Empowerment Resource Sheet

2013-01-28T20:35:42Z

This 15-page resource guide is designed to help military servicemembers, veterans and their families make ends meet and weather financial crises. The guide details government and non-profit programs that provide financial aid, housing assistance, discounts on essential living expenses, financial counseling, legal advice, job training and more.

CHECKOUT FEES: Coming soon to a retailer near you?

2013-01-23T21:14:24Z

Consumer Action offers a brief guide to help consumers understand new and potentially higher costs when they use a credit card at some retailers. A recent court settlement between retailers and the payments industry allows retailers to pass their credit card acceptance costs onto consumers in the form of a new fee. Not all merchants will charge this fee—it’s up to individual business owners.

NEW YEAR, NEW LEAF: Check out our ‘Frugal Issue’

2013-01-02T16:30:52Z

The Winter 2012-2013 issue of Consumer Action News contains tips and advice for budgeting and saving.

Consumer Action INSIDER - January 2013

2013-01-01T15:29:58Z

The January issue of INSIDER presents stories about Consumer Action's recent activities, including coalition efforts to explain online data collection to consumers, our recent Consumer Action News "Frugal Issue" and the work we expect to be doing in 2013, as well as suggestions to avoid restocking fees on returned merchandise and more.

Winter 2012-2013: The Frugal Issue

2012-12-21T15:24:10Z

Hate to waste money? Believe in the saying "A penny saved is a penny earned"? So does Consumer Action, and we wish you a more prosperous 2013 with our compendium of money management and savings tips. It's our holiday gift to you. Enjoy!

Credit card checkout fees

2012-12-13T12:37:33Z

A recent court settlement between retailers and the payments industry allows retailers to pass their credit card acceptance costs onto consumers in the form of a new fee when consumers choose to pay with a credit card. Not all merchants will charge this fee so consumers should be aware that they can avoid it by shopping around.

Consumer Action INSIDER - December 2012

2012-12-01T15:23:41Z

The December issue features stories about our successful annual fundraising event and our Third Annual Consumer Empowerment Conference in Chicago last month, updates on our activities around financial literacy, privacy and election fairness, and a Hotlines Chronicle tale about rental car deposits.

Consumer Action INSIDER - November 2012

2012-11-01T15:00:35Z

This month's INSIDER is chock full of news about Consumer Action's activities, including a new series of briefings with Google, our upcoming 3rd Annual National Consumer Empowerment Conference, a campaign to update children's online privacy rules, and a run-down on our collaboration with the Fan Freedom Project to give consumers more rights around restrictive paperless tickets for live entertainment events.