FDIC Helps With Customer Education with Online Resources

Consumers of all ages are increasingly turning to the Internet for help with managing their finances, but knowing where to go online for reliable, practical money tips can be challenging. That’s why the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has compiled a “Top 10” list of FDIC online resources for consumers on subjects ranging from deposit insurance to shopping for a bank account and avoiding financial fraud. The FDIC’s Top 10 list issued in observance of National Consumer Protection Week 2011 (NCPW), which is March 6-12.

“FDIC.gov is a great starting point to learn about shopping for a bank account, maintaining a budget, building savings and avoiding financial scams,” said FDIC Chairman Sheila C. Bair. “We encourage everyone to check out our Top 10 list and the many other online resources for consumers from the FDIC.” Chairman Bair added: “The FDIC also is proud to be one of the organizing partners of National Consumer Protection Week and to support this year’s theme of focusing on the importance of consumer access to practical financial information on the Internet.”

Here are the 10 FDIC online resources the agency is encouraging consumers to use:

• “EDIE,” the FDIC’s Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator:    An online calculator that assists consumers and businesses in determining their deposit insurance coverage for each FDIC-insured bank where they have deposit accounts. EDIE also provides a printable report showing whether those deposits are fully protected or if some exceed the federal limits.
• FDIC Consumer News:    The FDIC’s quarterly publication for consumers offers information and tips on credit cards, bank accounts, loans, scams, money management, and much more. Consumers can also listen to articles anywhere, anytime online or by downloading to an MP3 player.
• Bank Find:    Our online directory that consumers can use to locate an FDIC-insured institution, learn what happened to a bank that changed names or no longer exists, and more.
• Customer Assistance Form:    An easy-to-use form to submit a question to the FDIC or a complaint regarding a financial institution. Of course, consumers with questions or concerns can also call the FDIC toll-free at 1-877-ASK-FDIC, which is 1-877-275-3342.
• Consumer Alerts:    Warnings about financial frauds and scams.
• Small Business Web Page:    Useful information for small businesses, especially regarding access to loans, plus an online form to ask the FDIC a question or register a concern.
• The FDIC YouTube Channel:    Videos on topics such as deposit insurance and Internet fraud and messages from FDIC Chairman Bair.
• Money Smart:    A financial education curriculum concentrating on the development of consumers’ financial skills and positive banking relationships.
• Foreclosure Prevention Toolkit:    A Web page that provides easy access to helpful information for homeowners on avoiding foreclosure and foreclosure “rescue” scams.
• E-mail updates:    Sign up to receive e-mail notices of each new issue of FDIC Consumer News, Consumer Alerts, and other announcements and publications from the FDIC. Consumers can also follow the FDIC on Twitter and Facebook.