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Through education and advocacy, nonprofit Consumer Action fights for strong consumer rights and policies that promote fairness and financial prosperity for underrepresented consumers nationwide.
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Newsletters & Special Reports
Consumer Action INSIDER - April 2021 The April 2021 issue of Consumer Action INSIDER describes our new Share Financial Data with Care FinTech educational campaign to help consumers stay security savvy while using financial technology apps and online platforms; outlines how our FinTech work has helped consumers save money, even during the pandemic; tells readers how to get out of an unwanted auto-renewal service; details our latest webinar on food insecurity during the pandemic (part of our COVID-19 Educational Project); presents the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's latest work to protect students, homeowners and retirees; details our recent coalition efforts; shares the latest happenings at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; and announces new settlements posted in our Class Action Database. (Wednesday, March 31, 2021)
Consumer Action INSIDER - March 2021 The March 2021 issue of Consumer Action INSIDER tells readers what they can do to avoid becoming a victim of tax fraud this year; outlines how AFCPE®, the Wells Fargo Foundation and Yellow Ribbon Network have launched a free, virtual financial counseling and coaching initiative available to everyone, regardless of financial situation; reveals what we're facing when it comes to mass evictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the problem can be mitigated; tells readers how to file their taxes even without a W-2 form; outlines the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's new leadership and mission-driven goals; details our recent coalition efforts; shares the latest happenings at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; and announces new settlements posted in our Class Action Database. (Monday, March 01, 2021)
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Recent Publications
Library: English | Avoid pandemic-related ID theft and account fraud Coping with COVID-19 Identity thieves and fraudsters have taken advantage of the pandemic to get a hold of consumers’ personally identifying information and use it to steal their benefits, access their accounts and open new accounts in the victims’ names. This publication identifies some of the most prominent pandemic-related schemes consumers should be aware of, offers tips for safeguarding your personal and account data, explains how to detect fraud and ID theft, and outlines the steps to take if you discover you’re a victim. Category: COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud/Scams ID Theft on Mar 18, 2021
Library: English | Privacy and security when using FinTech apps Share financial data with care
This fact sheet gives FinTech users the knowledge to make wise decisions when choosing and using FinTech apps, take effective steps to keep their financial account data safe, and understand their options if something goes wrong. (Our companion guide, What you need to know about how FinTech apps work, offers an overview of financial technology and what privacy and security considerations users should be aware of before choosing and using digital financial tools.)
Category: Internet Money Management Privacy Rights Technology on Feb 16, 2021
Library: English | What you need to know about how FinTech apps work Share financial data with care Financial technology can offer attractive benefits for consumers who want to take their personal finances digital. But, like all internet-based tools and services, FinTech apps need to be chosen and used with care. This publication explains the types of FinTech tools available, how they work, and what that means for your data privacy and security. (Our companion guide, Privacy and security when using fintech apps, offers actionable tips for managing and protecting your data.) Category: Internet Money Management Privacy Rights Technology on Feb 16, 2021

Library: English | Get Credit for Your Hard Work (2020 Tax Year) Low-income working taxpayers may qualify for the federal EITC The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low-income working taxpayers and families get more money back when they file their federal income tax return. This publication contains EITC guidelines for the 2020 tax year (for taxes due in April 2021).
NOTE: Announced on Dec. 20, a “lookback” provision will allow low-income workers to apply their 2019 earned income to their 2020 tax returns for the purposes of calculating the EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). For both these credits, the more you earn (while still remaining below the maximum), the higher your credit. The lookback measure will allow filers to receive a credit in line with their normal earnings level, rather than be penalized with a lower credit on top of reduced 2020 earnings caused by the pandemic. However, taxpayers must actively “opt in” to the lookback provision (it won’t automatically occur).
Category: Money Management Taxes on Jan 04, 2021

Library: Spanish | Get Credit for Your Hard Work (2020 Tax Year) (Spanish) Los contribuyentes activos de bajos ingresos pueden calificar para el Crédito Tributario por Ingreso del Trabajo (EITC) The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low-income working taxpayers and families get more money back when they file their federal income tax return. This publication contains EITC guidelines for the 2020 tax year (for taxes due in April 2021).
NOTE: Announced on Dec. 20, a “lookback” provision will allow low-income workers to apply their 2019 earned income to their 2020 tax returns for the purposes of calculating the EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). For both these credits, the more you earn (while still remaining below the maximum), the higher your credit. The lookback measure will allow filers to receive a credit in line with their normal earnings level, rather than be penalized with a lower credit on top of reduced 2020 earnings caused by the pandemic. However, taxpayers must actively “opt in” to the lookback provision (it won’t automatically occur).
Filed Under: Money Management Taxes on Jan 04, 2021
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