Are You Knee Deep in Debt?

Or maybe ankle deep? Here's another FTC Facts for Consumers but this one is about debt. It includes tips to help yourself along with debt relief services and bankruptcy/damage control information.

Buying a Used Car

Purchasing a used vehicle carries a certain amount of risk. However, the risk can be lower today due to the certified pre-owned retailers. You can help manage the risk by reading the FTC Facts for Consumers report on Buying a Used Car.

What about buying a car online? The FBI offers this reminder of a scam & how to avoid becoming a victim. Added 08-16-11

Do Not Call Registry Data Book for Fiscal Year 2010

Have you registered a phone number with the Do Not Call Registry? If so, you might find the data book to be an interesting snapshot of data detailing the total number registrants by state and along with complaints.

Kids and Social Networks

Lately, I've read a few personal articles and blog posts from parents that have specific requirements for their children to follow when using social networking sites. Even with the specific requirements, these parents have discovered disturbing information once they gain access to the child's account (some on purpose others accidentally). The most common issue discovered is cyber bullying. Parents, you will want to take these tips in mind should you allow your children to have a social network account.

Knowledge is Power when Dealing with a Scam

The FTC has developed a few teaser sites to help consumers learn how to recognize scams. Each of the sites, or fake offers, will share the truth behind the scam.

Tweens Understanding Ads

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun a campaign to aid tweens with understanding the motive behind ad campaigns. Tweens need to be informed consumers and the FTC is giving them the tools to learn how to analyze and interpret ads. The FTC campaign includes Admongo.gov. From the About Us page of the website:

The multi-media campaign involves tweens, their parents, and their educators. It is based on Admongo.gov, which teaches core ad literacy concepts through game play. Other elements of the campaign include in-school curricula that are tied to state standards of learning; sample ads that can be used at home and in the classroom; and teacher training videos. What's more, although this campaign focuses on helping tweens analyze commercial messages, the critical thinking skills it teaches can help tweens evaluate non-commercial messages, including editorial content and literature. 

This campaign complements the many efforts undertaken by the FTC to protect children in the marketplace. These efforts include enforcing truth-in-advertising laws as they pertain to ads targeted to kids; enforcing the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and related regulations; and promoting better advertising practices by marketers of food, violent entertainment, and alcohol.

Free Credit Reports Rule Amended

Beginning April 1, 2010, there really will be FREE credit reports available. The Federal Trade Commission has a new rule that will help consumers avoid ads that promise free credit reports but actually charge a fee.

AnnualCreditReport.com or 877-322-8228

More about FREE Annual Credit Reports.