Highlights

IMPORTANT INFORMATION INCLUDING ALERTS, WARNINGS & NOTICES

• Masquerading Web Site: Helpwithmybank.comThe Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has been informed that the above-mentioned Web site, "helpwithmybank.com," is attempting to masquerade as the legitimate Web site, "helpwithmybank.gov," and contains potentially damaging malware. The illegitimate site redirects the user to the legitimate site "helpwithmybank.gov" in an attempt to convince users that they are connecting to a legitimate site. Attempts to connect to the fake Web site could expose the user to harmful malware. Any information that you may have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of: occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov.
• E-mails with Malware Attachments That Claim to Be from the FDIC Are Reportedly in Circulation - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of fraudulent e-mails that appear to be from the FDIC and contain an infected attachment. The fraudulent e-mails have addresses such as "no.reply@fdic.gov" or "notify84zma@fdic.gov" on the "From" line.

DFI PRESS RELEASES

• Department of Financial Institutions Appoints Receiver for Citizens Bank of Northern California - 09/23/11
  FDIC Information for Citizens Bank of Northern California, Nevada City, CA
• California Department of Financial Institutions Orders Closure and Liquidation of Sacramento District Postal Employees Credit Union - 08/12/11
• California Commissioner and FSOC Member Calls for Further Risk Mitigation by Industry - 07/27/11
• DFI Announces Retirement of Chief Deputy Commissioner Carol Chesbrough - 06/22/11
• California Department of Financial Institutions Receives National Accreditation - 04/06/11
• State Agencies Highlight the Importance of Financial Literacy During the Month of April - 04/04/11

CONSUMER RESOURCES

• Franchise Tax Board's Free VITA/TCE Site Search

  The Franchise Tax Board Web site provides a site search for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) locations. VITA volunteer sites provides assistance to taxpayers regardless of age. TCE volunteer sites devote special attention to those taxpayers 60 years of age or older. You will be able to search for the addresses of sites where IRS and FTB trained volunteers prepare basic personal income tax returns for low to moderate income taxpayers free of charge. Most VITA/TCE sites open after February 1, 2012. Search for a VITA/TCE location near you.

• Find a Community Event

  The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) brings information directly to consumers through outreach efforts such as presentations to community and consumer groups and distributing consumer information at community events. DFI also develops partnerships with other regulators, government agencies, financial services, community organizations and others who are working to help consumers become informed and proactive. To invite DFI to participate in a community event, please contact Alana Golden, DFI Public Information Officer agolden@dfi.ca.gov or 916-323-7012.

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Questions and Answers

  What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)? Who can claim the credit? Where can I get more information?

• FDIC Consumer Newsletter Offers Strategies for Building a Better Financial Future - News and tips on Internet banking also featured
  Consumers have important decisions to make when it comes to managing money and saving for their future, particularly in a tough economy when every dollar counts.  To help consumers make choices based on practical information from reliable sources, the Fall 2011 issue of FDIC Consumer News offers simple strategies in three areas: saving for retirement, improving credit scores, and buying vs. renting a home.  In addition, the issue offers new tips and information related to Internet banking. The latest issue can be read or printed online at www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnfall11.

LICENSEE RESOURCES

• Earned Income Tax Credit Now it's easier to spread the word about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC Toolkit provides useful general and specialized marketing tools, including templates, statistics, fact sheets, how-to tips, specialized products and links to other helpful resources.
• Directo a MéxicoDirecto a México is an account-to-account service used to transfer money from a participating financial institution account in the US to an account at any bank in Mexico. The program was established by the Federal Reserve Banks and Banco de México. It’s ideal for reoccurring payments that can be programmed. Possible users of this channel are: U.S. financial institutions that already process direct deposit and send payments to Mexico. Consumers and businesses in the United States that need to send payments to Mexico through a low-cost, fast, and secure channel. U.S. financial institutions that are looking to expand their customer base to include individuals who have moved from Mexico to their community. Government, loan, pension, life insurance policies and other payments. Information for U.S. financial institutions interested in enrolling in Directo a México is available on the program’s Web site.
• All Federal Benefits to be Paid Electronically. Help Spread the Word! Partner with Go Direct®. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently announced that all federal benefit and non-tax payments will soon be paid electronically. With this announcement, a change is in effect that will phase out millions of paper checks over the next 2-1/2 years. The Treasury Department's Go Direct® campaign needs the help of partner organizations to spread the word about this new requirement. NEW electronic materials, such as newsletter copy, are available and make sharing this information easy. You can also order NEW, free printed materials, such as fliers and posters, to display in your facilities and hand out at events. For more details, please visit www.GoDirect.org.