Hot topics
Email Phishing Attacks – Don’t Take the
Bait
Scammers are very adaptable especially in the cyberworld. They can ply
their schemes with ease through phishing emails that look intriguing,
exciting and familiar but be aware: they want your personal information.
Click here to learn
about common phishing attacks and how you can protect yourself.
Oregon Saves - A little information goes a long
way
In February, as part of America Saves Week, we compiled a list of resources
and websites to help you with your efforts to save money, reduce debt
and make smart investing choices. Even though the week is over, the
list can help you all 365 days of the year.
Start here.
Crowdfunding - What is it?
The Division of Finance and Corporate Securities urges investors
to approach crowdfunding investment opportunities with great caution
especially since it is currently unlawful until the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) adopts rules to implement a new exemption
to allow it. The agency issued this advisory... read
more
Avoiding internet fraud
The Federal Bureau of Investigations assembled a list of the most
common scams they have investigated and have provided tips to both
identify and avoid these scams. Click
here to read more...
Keeping a good credit score
The new federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
(CFPB) offers tips on how to get and keep a good credit score...pay
attention to your credit report. read
more...
Loans for consumers
FICO score/house payment calculator
Are you thinking of buying a house? Would you like to get an idea how
your FICO score will affect your house payment? Visit
myFICO.com for a calculator that will help you estimate an
average monthly house payment.
Consumer alert: tribal payday lenders
It has come to our attention that a number
of lenders offering short-term loans (payday loans) to Oregon consumers
are subdivisions of, or affiliated with, federally-recognized Indian
tribes. As a result, these companies may not be subject to the jurisdiction
of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). We
are still evaluating the law and the various tribes’ positions
to determine if tribal lenders are outside Oregon’s authority.
Click here to read more....
Check on a loan originator
Find out if the loan originator you want to do business with is actively
registered and has any enforcement actions. Click
here for more information.
Foreclosure information
General
foreclosure information
Foreclosure,
you can avoid it — guide (English)
Embargo de inmuebles (ejecución
hipotecaria) Usted puede evitarlo
Identity theft
Protect yourself from identity theft
The Oregon Consumer Identity Theft Protection Act means consumers have
more tools to protect themselves against identity theft. read
more...
 Is
your password weak? Your password is the first line of cyber defense
against those trying to steal your identity, contact list and other
information stored on your personal or company . Is your selected password
strong enough to withstand a hacking? Here are some guidelines to make
yours stronger and check out a list of not-so-secure passwords. read
more...
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Debt management services
 Debt
management companies can help consumers in managing their
credit card, mortgage or car loan debt, and can assist with
credit repair and some loan modification activities. But how
do you know if a company is licensed? How much can they charge?
For answers to these questions and other important information,
click here.
Securities (investments)
Protecting your money includes knowing
the location of your stock certificates. If you have a
lost, accidentally destroyed, or stolen stock certificate,
take immediate action. The Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) has more advice on their website.
Are you considering working with a financial
professional? Whether choosing a stock broker, financial
planner or investment advisor, you will need to a lot of information
to make this important decision. To help you, see
these tips from the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC).
5 Keys to Investing Success
Learn how to set financial goals and create your own personal balance
sheet. This nine-page booklet also includes a glossary and helpful
worksheets. Help yourself by making investing a good habit. Click
here to download the brochure.
Using social media safely
Older Americans are increasingly becoming comfortable with and using
social media to connect with friends and family members but also to
help guide their investment decisions. The U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission's (SEC) created this alert to help seniors use social media
safely. read
more... For more alerts and bulletins published by the SEC, please
click here...
 If
municipal bonds are in your investing future, the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) has released a new advisory bulletin covering
all the basics. You will find definitions, disclosure information
and possible risks here. Click
here to read more...
Caution: Low Interest Rates May Lead to Empty Promises
Following the Federal Reserve's announcement that interest rates are
expected to remain low until at least late 2014, investors should be
aware of risky or outright fraudulent investments promising higher yields
or returns. Click
here to read more...
 Groundbreaking
program helps medical professionals, caregivers identify vulnerability
to investment fraud by seniors
Seniors are increasingly targeted by scam
artists attempting to defraud them of their hard-earned savings. Oregon
has joined a program that will educate medical professionals and other
caregivers on the warning signs. Click
here to read more...
Investor Alert: The increasing popularity of
online social networking sites provides fertile ground for con artists
touting shady investment deals. The North American Securities Administrators
Association cautions investors to be careful about these online “friends.”
read more...
Protect your money
Investing your money is risky enough without
worrying about investment scams and con artists. Visit our website protectyourmoneyoregon.org
to learn to learn more.
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