Crack Cocaine: Federal Courts Handling New Sentences for Crack Cocaine

As of March 3, 2008, more than 21,000 inmates serving time for federal crimes involving crack cocaine became eligible to have their sentences reduced. Federal courts had been preparing for that eventuality...  Crack Cocaine: Federal Courts Handling New Sentences for Crack Cocaine

Spyware Scammer: Judgment Entered Against Spyware Scammer

A federal judge has granted the Federal Trade Commission's request for a default judgment against a software developer who helped scammers infect millions of computers with destructive and intrusive spyware. The judgment bars the defendant from distributing software that interferes with consumers' computers and requires that he give up his ill-gotten gains. Spyware Scammer: Judgment Entered Against Spyware Scammer

IRS Free File Now Available for Nonfilers Who Must File a Return to Receive Economic Stimulus Payment

IRS Free File Now Available for Nonfilers Who Must File a Return to Receive Economic Stimulus Payment
The Internal Revenue Service announced today that individuals who normally do not file a tax return but must do so this year in order to receive their 2008 economic stimulus payment can now use the IRS Free File program to help them file returns for 2007.

Tax Season 2007: Important Changes for Tax Year 2007

Following are just some of the most important changes for tax year 2007 . For more specific information, consult a tax professional.Tax Season 2007: Important Changes for Tax Year 2007

Cyber Alert: Java Sun Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities in Java

If you have Sun Java installed, then you should apply updates from Sun to remedy these vulnerabilities. Follow these instructions to update your version of Java. Cyber Alert: Java Sun Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities in Java

Tax and Rebate Scams: FTC Cautions Consumers

The Federal Trade Commission is cautioning consumers looking forward to rebate checks from the government that they may be targets of scammers out to steal their identity. The agency has issued an alert to help consumers avoid this situation. FTC Cautions Consumers About Tax and Rebate Scams

IRS Update: Special Economic Stimulus Letters Reach Mailboxes in March

More than 130 million American households will begin receiving Internal Revenue Service letters next week reminding them to file a 2007 tax return in order to receive a 2008 economic stimulus payment.

IRS Update: Special Economic Stimulus Letters Reach Mailboxes in March

Appraisal Fraud: Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Sign Agreements To Combat Appraisal Fraud

Accurate, independent appraisals are very important to ensuring the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the mortgage market," said Director Lockhart. "These agreements build upon existing federal and state laws and regulations to further strengthen the single-family home appraisal process. The agreements should help restore confidence in the mortgage market by enhancing underwriting practices, reducing mortgage fraud and making home valuations more reliable. I thank the Attorney General, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for their strong roles in this important effort.

Appraisal Fraud: Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Sign Agreements To Combat Appraisal Fraud

Crack/Powder Cocaine Sentences: Judiciary Backs Reducing Disparity

Crack/Powder Cocaine Sentences: Judiciary Backs Reducing Disparity
A federal judge told a House subcommittee that the policy-making Judicial Conference of the United States "strongly supports legislation to reduce the unsupportable sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine."

FCC Approves Transfer of Control of Direct TV to Liberty Media Subject to Conditions

FCC Approves Transfer of Control of Direct TV to Liberty Media Subject to Conditions
Four years ago, I strenuously dissented to the Commission's decision to allow News Corp. to acquire DirectTV.  At the time, I said that the consolidation of so many media properties under News Corp.'s control could not be good for localism, diversity and competition.

Preventing Foreclosure: Consumer Workshops on Preventing Foreclosures

Preventing Foreclosure: Consumer Workshops on Preventing Foreclosures
The State and Consumer Services Agency and Business, Transportation and Housing Agencies are pleased to present a series of Consumer Workshops Focusing on Preventing Foreclosures. Credit counselors, loan servicers and lenders will offer on-site assistance and information on available options with your mortgage.

Going Green: FTC Announces Workshop on Green Guides and Packaging

Going Green: FTC Announces Workshop on Green Guides and Packaging

The Green Guides and Packaging workshop will provide a forum for the discussion of topics such as: 1) trends in packaging and the resulting environmental packaging claims; 2) packaging terms currently covered by the Green Guides and whether the perception of these terms has changed over the past decade; 3) new green packaging terms not currently addressed in the Green Guides; 4) claims based on third-party certification and consumer perception of such claims; 5) the impact of scientific and technological changes, including the use of new packaging materials and their impact on the environment; 6) the current state of substantiation for green packaging claims; and 7) the need for new or updated FTC guidance in these areas.

Online Extortion: The FBI Reports

Online Extortion: The FBI Reports

Learn about the "hit-man" e-mail scam that continues to circulate. The scam e-mail, which first appeared in December, threatens to kill recipients if they do not pay thousands of dollars to the sender, who purports to be a hired assassin.

New crash tests of SUVs: Nissan Murano is Top Safety Pick

New crash tests of SUVs: Nissan Murano is Top Safety Pick
The best overall performer in front, side, and rear tests of nine 4-door midsize SUV models is the redesigned 2009 Nissan Murano, which earns the Top Safety Pick award. The tests were recently conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Home Evacuation Plan: When Is the Time for You and Your Family to Prepare a Home Evacuation Plan? Now!

Home Evacuation Plan: When Is the Time for You and Your Family to Prepare a Home Evacuation Plan? Now!
There is no time like the present when it comes to sitting down with your family and preparing for the day when you may be forced to evacuate your home, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

A To-Do List for Fine-Tuning Your Finances

A To-Do List for Fine-Tuning Your Finances Any time is a good time to prioritize your financial goals and begin taking steps to achieve them. Here are suggestions to consider for your financial to-do list.

Spring Break 2008 and International Travel Safety Information for American Students

As spring and summer breaks approach, many students are getting ready for a trip abroad. The following information will help students plan a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Planning a Winter Getaway? Insurance Is Available in the Event of a Disaster

Planning a Winter Getaway? Insurance Is Available in the Event of a Disaster: "Before sailing off on a cruise or hitting the slopes, make sure that you have adequate insurance to protect your financial investment in a pre-paid vacation, said the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). “Vacations can sometimes cost thousands of dollars, so it is important to have travel insurance to provide financial protection in case you have to cancel your trip due to illness or some type of disaster listed in policy,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I. “Some insurers also offer the option of adding a ‘cancel-for-work reasons’ endorsement to a travel insurance plan.”"

Tony Hawk Foundation Grants for Public Skateparks: Deadline March 1

Tony Hawk Foundation Grants for Public Skateparks: Deadline March 1: "The Tony Hawk Foundation is accepting applications for its grants to support building high-quality, free, public skateparks in low-income areas or areas with a high population of ‘at-risk’ youth in the United States."

Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams: Don't Be an On-line Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams

Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams: Don't Be an On-line Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams: "Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States, and has ranked as one of the top consumer concerns for the past several years. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has produced a multimedia presentation to help consumers protect themselves from identity theft. The presentation provides information on steps consumers should take to secure their computer and protect themselves from identity theft, as well as actions consumers should take if they become a victim of identity theft. Financial institutions are encouraged to make the link available to their customers from their websites. This presentation is hosted by Vodium."