Related Consumer Finance Programs - The following sub-directories of companies offer a wide variety of financial programs to assist you with the management of your finances. Consolidate debt with a consolidation loan or use a debt counseling service or mortgage refinance for help with the consolidation of your charge card debt and other monthly payments.

• Debt Consolidation Service - Are your bills piling up? Lower your monthly payments and consolidate them with a debt consolidation loan or a related service.
• Personal Loan Companies - Need a smaller loan? Personal loans are most often unsecured. That means you do not have to secure them with personal assets in order to do a debt consolidation. This type of financing is typically based upon your credit history and your ability to make your payments.
• Debt Settlement Services - If you have too many credit cards and other small debts and are unable to make your payments, this form of debt negotiation may be right for you.

Safe Online Banking, Shopping and Bill Paying: Our Latest Tips on Services Protecting Consumers

Avoiding Fraudulent Sites

There are numerous high-tech scams aimed at accessing your bank account online. In one example, known as "pharming," a computer virus or other malicious program redirects your PC to a fraudulent bank or retail Web site. The crooks behind the Web site collect your personal information for use in fraud and identity theft. The following services can help you:

The "padlock" symbol of certification: Before you enter personal information when banking or buying online, look for the image of a padlock on the lower part of your computer screen, double click on it, and read the certification information on the pop-up screen. It tells you who you are dealing with and that you are on a secure site certified by a trusted third party. "If there is no padlock," said Nelson, "you can't be sure who owns the Web site and how your information is protected in transit, and that means you are taking on more risk."

Verification engines: As an alternative to clicking on a padlock, you can install software onto your computer that will automatically tell you if a Web site you are visiting is real or fake. "Verification engines do the security work for you," said Robert Lee, a technology specialist in the FDIC's Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection.

FDIC Consumer News is published by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

FDIC Consumer News is produced quarterly by the FDIC Office of Public Affairs in cooperation with other Divisions and Offices. It is intended to present information in a nontechnical way and is not intended to be a legal interpretation of FDIC or other government regulations and policies. Mention of a product, service or company does not constitute an endorsement.

Find current and past issues of FDIC Consumer News at http://www.fdic.gov/consumernews. Refer to this same index to locate the issues that are specially formatted for being reprinted in any quantity.

To receive an e-mail notice about each new issue of FDIC Consumer News posted on the FDIC Web site, with links to stories, follow instructions posted at www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Last updated on 2/02/2006

Make educated decisions when shopping for bank services, consolidation of debt, mortgages and insurance. Read up!

DebtConsolidationLoan.com has a growing list of free informative and educational financial articles for consumers shopping for many types of financial services related to the management of your money, such as bill consolidation, fraud alerts and auto insurance. There is no better way to make decisions regarding your personal finances than to read and understand how they work, fees you will be charged, etc. Please feel free to visit our consumer library to learn more.

• Interest Only Mortgage Loan Financing - Interest only mortgage loans are a unique home loan type, and they are certainly not recommended for everyone. Read this quick article to determine if they are the right fit for you. 
• What if You Can't Pay Your Bills? - Making the payments on your monthly bills on time is always the most important thing you can do to ensure that you retain a good credit rating. But, in case you run into trouble, there are some things you should do immediately. 
• Your Bank as a Financial Supermarket - Today's banks are increasingly becoming financial supermarkets offering investment and insurance products in addition to insured savings accounts. Learn the difference between traditional bank products and newly offered services, as well as what is insured and what is not.
• Home Equity Loan Products: How to Borrow Safely - As values increase in many housing markets, Americans are increasingly tapping their home's equity for an equity loan or an equity line of credit. Learn more and make the right decision for your needs.

DebtConsolidationLoan.com is a service of Infinamic, Inc. All information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Infinamic, Inc. is not responsible for the content and services, that may be provided to you, by following the links from this web site. Use this service at your own discretion.