1. Identity Theft
Someone wrongfully acquires and uses a consumer’s personal identification, credit, or account information.
If you’re a victim
Place fraud alert on credit reports
Close all your accounts
File police report, FTC

2. How To Avoid Identity Theft
Monitor checking accounts and other accounts often
Be Vigilant About Your Social Security Number
Shred All Identifying Documents, Bank Slips, Etc.
Shop Online Only on Secure Web Sites
Don't Fall for Phishing Scams
Beware of Telephone Scams
Keep Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware Software Up to Date
Check Your Credit Report,
Ask About Identity Theft Prevention Procedures
Secure Your Important Documents
Be Careful With Your Mail

3. Fraud
A deliberate deception, designed to secure unfair or unlawful gain—cheating the consumer.

4. Know one of your Rights according to the Consumer Bill of Rights (1964)
RESPONSIBILITIES
To Safety
To Use Products Safely
To Be Informed
To Seek Information and Use it to make Decisions
To Choose
To Choose Goods and Services Carefully
To Be Heard
To Speak Up and Let Likes and Dislikes Be Known
Consumer Bill of Rights (State of the Union Address of 1962, President John F. Kennedy) Source: Thomson South-Western, Economic Education for Consumers; USOE Adult Roles & Responsibilities

5. Agencies or Sources of Assistance that Are Available to Consumers
Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Food, drugs, cosmetics
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
US Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC)
US Department of Transportation (USDT)
Meat, dairy, gasoline, pesticides
Toys, produces, fabrics
Land, air, sea vehicles
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Encourage free enterprise and prevent restraint of trade and monopolies.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Maintain standards in business and advertising
Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP)
Protect consumers against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices.
Consumer Unions
(Consumer Product-Testing Organizations)
Consumer Report
Consumer Research
Changing Times

6. Insurance Basic Terms
Insurance: A means of financial protection against various risks
Premium: Amount you pay for an insurance policy
Deductible: Amount you pay BEFORE policy coverage begins.
Co-Pay: A fixed fee you pay for certain health insurance covered items at the time of service.

7. Common Types of Insurance
Auto
Homeowner’s
Life
Disability (Insure your earnings/salary)
Health