NCPW Week March 7-13 Internet Consumer Tips

FDIC to Provide Quick Tips for Consumers Over the Internet



New service announced in conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week

At any age or stage in life, it's important to stay informed about ways to save and protect your money. The FDIC, in observance of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) March 7-13 and its theme of helping people of all ages exercise their consumer rights, announced today that the agency will begin to regularly deliver timely tips on money management on the agency's Web site and through an e-mail subscription service.

"Consumer education is already a big part of what the FDIC does to increase the public's knowledge of financial issues," said FDIC Chairman Sheila C. Bair. "We believe this new service – delivering simple, practical tips on an ongoing basis over the Internet – will make it easier and more convenient for people to stay informed about issues that may affect their financial decisions."

Chairman Bair added, "The FDIC also is proud to be one of the national organizers of National Consumer Protection Week and to support this year's message that we all can become knowledgeable and empowered consumers."

The first five tips will be issued during NCPW – one each day – beginning Monday, March 8. Starting the following Monday, the tips will be provided on a weekly basis as the FDIC "Consumer Tip of the Week." Topics will range from saving and borrowing money to protecting money with FDIC insurance and avoiding financial fraud.

The FDIC's "Consumer Tip of the Week" may be found at www.fdic.gov/consumertips. Consumers, members of the media, financial educators and anyone else interested in receiving the tips automatically in e-mails should subscribe to the "Consumer Tip of the Week" using the e-mail update link on this Web page.

For more information about the FDIC's educational programs and service for consumers, including a toll-free Call Center, free videos and brochures, current and past issues of FDIC Consumer News (including the Spring 2008 special edition entitled "Money Tips for All Ages: Your Finances at Different Stages of Life"), and the Money Smart financial education curriculum (one version for adults and one for young adults), visit www.fdic.gov or call 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342). The FDIC also has added a special Web page about National Consumer Protection Week at www.fdic.gov/ncpw that features quick links to several of the agency's products for consumers.

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Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 to restore public confidence in the nation's banking system. The FDIC insures deposits at the nation's 8,012 banks and savings associations and it promotes the safety and soundness of these institutions by identifying, monitoring and addressing risks to which they are exposed.

The FDIC receives no federal tax dollars – insured financial institutions fund its operations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2010 Media Contact:
David Barr (202) 898-6992
dbarr@fdic.gov