By Karla Sullivan
Military Consumer is a campaign to empower military and veteran communities that is sponsored by the Department of Defense, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office of Service member Affairs, and Military Saves. The initiative is in direct response to protect military families against fraud and receiving the benefits they deserve.
To promote awareness, Wednesday, July 16th 2014 has been named the second annual Military Consumer Protection Day.
What is Military Consumer, your first line of defense?
The following categories listed below are aimed helping the military community make the best possible choices. All of the below information is displayed on their website.
Auto information includes everything from tips on taking your car in for reports to state advocated laws concerning car sales scams. North Carolina Department of Justice offers information on how to research vehicle makes and models before visiting a dealership. Washington State Office of the Attorney General offers valuable insight into auto lease termination if you are an active duty service member and need to terminate an automobile lease without having to pay early termination.
Getting help offers links to the Office of Social Security and the application process for retirement; Medicare and Medicaid information; and disability benefits. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides information concerning money transfers, mortgages, student loans, and bank loans. Benefits for Illinois Veterans are detailed concerning what is entitled by law. Blue Star families include spouses and families from all services – including National Guard and Reserve as well as veterans and civilians. With 46 chapters around the world, they lead and strengthen military families to provide better options through unique challenges.
Managing credit and debt covers information concerning collections, legal assistance, and debt management. Active service members may also be temporarily protected from being sued. Some examples also demonstrate how to protect your credit rating, as well as online companies posing as the free credit report site but charge money, which you don’t want to do.
Owning a home can be an expensive venture so Military Consumers offers advice on home equity loans, home improvement and repairs, landlord, tenant right as well as foreclosure rescue and loan modification scams. Childproofing your home can significantly reduce injury. Besides safety latches and gates, doorknob covers are sturdy and allow a door to be opened quickly in the event of an emergency
Protecting against identity theft is crucial for service members who are deployed; they can place alerts on their credit reports. SEC currently warns against government impersonators offering grants or financial assistance and forwarding investment offers to them. The Social Security section presents information on the fastest growing crime in America and how identity thieves can steal your information.
Saving and investing offers Kiplinger’s personal finance guide for military families, as you do have special opportunities and tax breaks to help build up savings. While the National Military Family Association offers an overview of financial resources and services available to military families, information is available about charitable giving and making sure it is used for what you have intended. The Arkansas Consumer Protection Division offers advice on how to avoid phishing by knowing what to look for and contacting the appropriate services.
Reach out and find out more about the Military Consumer initiative and celebrate with them on July 16th. Celebrate with your military family and friends, providing them with wonderful resources for the sacrifices they give for us everyday.
