Protecting Consumers through Congregations

[RCCAtl]

The Federal Trade Commission works with churches, community groups, and organizations to provide information that helps consumers protect themselves against scams and make wise buying decisions. Read more...

You can distribute resources during community events, workshops or through any of your church's relevant ministries. The FTC offers brochures, booklets, videos, and other materials covering a wide array of consumer topics free of charge (including shipping) and you can order them by visiting FTC Bulk Orders. Or, you can call 202-326-2345 or email [e-mail]. Here are just a few of the resources available to your churches:

General Consumer Information

• Numbers to Know, Places to Go designed particularly for churches includes listings of resources and information from the FTC
• Filing a Complaint with the FTC
• FTC consumer education videos
• FTC consumer education site
• Many materials available in Spanish.

Learning tips for money management — including budgeting and handling credit and debt at MoneyMatters
Avoiding scams and fraud when looking for a job

Teaching kids and young adults (or those just starting out—at any age) how to be smart and safe consumers

• Focus on Finances
• Getting Credit
• virtual mall setting to teach kids about pricing, truth in advertising and competition);
• video game designed to help kids identify and interpret the messages behind advertisements. Both sites include educational materials for teachers and parents.

Avoiding identity theft and practicing online safety

• Identity Theft Online Safety
• Materials Deter, Detect, Defend: AvoID Theft

The FTC, announced that Countrywide will pay $108 million to settle charges that they collected excessive fees from cash-strapped borrowers who were struggling to keep their homes. The settlement also resolves charges, brought with the help of the U.S. Trustee Program, that the company mismanaged loans for people trying to save their homes via Chapter 13 bankruptcy. That announcement prompted FTC to write two brochures – Defaulting on Your Mortgage Has Costly Consequences and Mortgage Servicing: Making Sure Your Payments Count.