Consumer EditionNovember/December 2007

 E D I T O R I A L

DISB’s Theme Months Help to Bring Financial Issues Into Focus
DISB used five theme months in 2007 to further its goals in reaching out to more District consumers. The months highlighted our consumer-education efforts, as well as provided several avenues for knowledge, information and empowerment.
 

T H E   C O M M I S S I O N E R ' S   C O L U M N

A Year for Retooling and Refocusing
In 2007, DISB adopted a three-pronged Approach to Consumer Protection, which encompasses all aspects of our work—business regulation, consumer empowerment and consumer services.
 

C O N S U M E R   C O R N E R

DISB Marks the District’s First Health Insurance Awareness Month
Although the District of Columbia fares relatively well in terms of health coverage for its residents, about 10 percent of the population is still without coverage. That is why DISB collaborated with the DC Department of Health in declaring November as the District’s first Health Insurance Awareness Month.
 

T H E   C O N S U M E R S'   H O W   T O   G U I D E

Putting Payday Loans Behind You
Strapped for cash? Following are some alternatives to payday loans.
 

S P E C I A L   F E A T U R E

Consumer CornerPayday Lenders to Comply With New Law
The Council recently enacted legislation that subjects payday lending to the District’s 24 percent interest cap. The new law states that the current payday lending structure is no longer authorized in the District of Columbia, and it will be effective January 9, 2008.
 


N E W S   Y O U   C A N   U S E

New IRS Web Site Offers Tax Relief Assistance for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has created a special section on its website for homeowners who have lost their homes because of foreclosure.

DISB Fraud Investigator Recognized
A fraud investigator with DISB received the Maryland Governor’s Award for Service recently.

“Protecting Our Seniors Together” Anti-Fraud Seminar Still Garners Interest
A DC government-agency sponsored anti-fraud seminar still makes waves six months after it first aired on Channel 16.

New Health Insurance Website Launched
Need comprehensive information on health insurance? DISB, the DC Department of Health and the Office of the Chief Technology Officer launched the District government’s first health insurance Web site on November 20.

Upcoming Events
DISB will start 2008 by continuing to focus on consumer empowerment through information. Here is a brief listing of DISB’s presentations in January.

DISB in the Community
DISB staff spoke about insurance fraud at the Police Servicing Area (PSA) 102 meeting for seniors northeast Washington.

New Federal Lending Review Division
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity announced the creation of a new Fair Lending Division that will review mortgage-lending practices throughout the nation.

Survey Shows Confusion Among Consumers Regarding Rental Car Insurance
A large percentage of US consumers are confused about buying insurance when renting a car, according to new research by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
 


DISPATCH is a bi-monthly publication from the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking. It will r eplace the agency’s consumer edition of The Capital Connection. The business edition will stay intact with the same name, and is only available online. To unsubscribe, contact Michelle Phipps-Evans at (202) 442-7822 or send an email to michelle.phipps-evans@dc.gov, and type REMOVE in the subject line.