If it seems like everyone you know is using a mobile app to deposit their checks in the bank, that’s probably because they are. According to a recent Bankrate survey, 72% of millennials and 52% of Americans 50 and older use mobile deposit. And when you consider that approximately 95% of Americans own a cell… Read more »
News & Insights
Worshipers Targeted by Gift Card Scam
by Colleen Tressler Consumer Education Specialist, FTC We’re seeing a new spin on gift card scams. This time, scammers are pretending to be a pastor, rabbi, priest, imam, or bishop. They’re asking worshipers for gift card contributions for a worthy cause. Appeals are often made by email, but we’ve heard people are also getting texts… Read more »
4 Helpful Tips for Using Your Debit Card Overseas
Debit cards make everyday purchases more convenient. Whether you’re at the gas pump, store register, or restaurant drive-thru, swiping your card has likely become your preferred method for completing a transaction. But if you’re planning a trip overseas, you may be wondering whether you’ll be able to use your credit union debit card while traveling… Read more »
What the FTC Facebook settlement means for consumers
by Lesley Fair Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC The next time users visit Facebook, things might not look different, but big changes are brewing behind the scenes. The FTC’s record-breaking $5 billion settlement requires Facebook to conduct a massive overhaul of its consumer privacy practices. The settlement also makes major changes to… Read more »
SC Telco Named as a 2019 Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union
Greenville-based credit union receives distinguished award for second consecutive year Greenville, S.C. – SC Telco Federal Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, has been recognized as a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union list for the second year in a row. In collaboration with analytics firm, Statista, Forbes selected 2019 award recipients… Read more »
Medicare does not give out DNA kits
by Lisa Lake Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Here’s one that goes to show just how creative scammers can be. The FTC is getting reports that callers claiming to be from Medicare are asking people for their Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal information…in exchange for DNA testing kits. The callers might say the… Read more »
Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Luxury Car
When it comes to buying a car, you have a lot of decisions to make! New. Used. Make. Model. Compact. SUV. The choices can seem endless. But before you head to the car lot, here’s one more option to consider: Instead of opting for a brand-new economy model, could you get more for your money… Read more »
Mystery shop ’til you drop? Not so fast
by Lisa Lake Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Who wouldn’t love getting paid to shop and dine at cool places and then review them? Whether you’re a student looking for a summer job or someone wanting to start a side or full-time business, mystery shopping sounds like an exciting option. But while some mystery shopping opportunities… Read more »
Pros & Cons of Opening a Credit Card in College
Tuition, financial aid, and campus meal plans usually top the list of college-related financial concerns, but when it comes to day-to-day finances, parents and students face another question: Should a student open a credit card while they’re in college? Some financial experts recommend it; others discourage it. The answer depends on who you ask. If… Read more »