Recently, the FDIC issued its Winter 2017 FDIC Consumer News which can be read or printed at www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnwin17, with e-reader and portable audio (MP3) versions forthcoming. Additionally, in the coming weeks a Spanish-language version will be posted at www.fdic.gov/quicklinks/spanish.html.  This issue focuses on Answers to Common Questions on How to Avoid Financial Mistakes and Protect Your Money. 

Each year, thousands of consumers contact the FDIC with questions about financial services and products such as mortgages, checking accounts and credit cards. The Winter 2017 FDIC Consumer News focuses on common concerns the FDIC hears from consumers and offers tips for solving and avoiding problems. Some topics include:

  • What to do if a credit card bill shows a charge you did not make;
  • Where to go for help if you can't access funds on your prepaid card;
  • How to handle an email that appears to be from your bank and that asks for personal information; and
  • Understanding your options if you're turned down for a checking account.

Consumers also frequently contact the FDIC to determine whether their deposit accounts are fully insured. The latest FDIC Consumer News provides an overview of "EDIE," the FDIC's simple online tool for estimating deposit insurance coverage. Users can input dollar amounts they have on deposit in a bank or hypothetical amounts they may want to deposit. If the results show there may be uninsured funds, EDIE will show the amount and the category that is over the FDIC insurance limit. EDIE is available at www.fdic.gov/edie.  Also included in the latest issue of FDIC Consumer News is information for bank customers about recent guidance issued by the FDIC and other federal regulators related to deposit account errors.

Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.