Whether you're from Malibu or Manhattan, Tacoma or Tallahassee, no one is immune from identity theft.

A new study exposes subprime credit cards with high start up fees.

Just about the time the sun goes down, the trick or treaters will arrive. But what about the creepy credit card tickster in my mailbox? Say NO to credit card rip-offs. Go to www.creditcardreform.org

A new documentary film, “Overdrawn,” provides a humorous yet sobering look at the issue of hidden banking fees associated with common banking practices.

On Saturday, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation that could have protected California consumers from identity theft.

On Thursday Oct 4th Experian became the last of the Big Three credit reporting agencies to announce, in a press release, that the company would offer the security freeze (the most effective tool in fighting new account fraud) to all consumers nationwide, DC and in the US territories. ExperianÂ’s press release stated that the company would begin the program on November 1st of 2007.

This may be the perfect opportunity for consumers to make an impact and obtain more control over their credit files and identities through a low-cost, easy to use security freeze.

TransUnion announced yesterday that they will be extending the security freeze to all consumers in about a month. Beginning October 15, 2007, TransUnion will offer the security freeze for no cost to identity theft victims and for $10 for non identity theft victims in states that do not yet have a security freeze law on the books.

If you've been concerned about the widespread use of your SSN, you're not alone. A recent Consumer Reports Poll has found that 89 Percent of Americans Want Lawmakers to Restrict the Use of Social Security Numbers, and that Americans are routinely asked for Social Security Numbers by businesses
and government agencies, fueling concerns about identity theft.

Last Tuesday the American Banking Association (ABA) released a survey showing that “sixty-five percent of consumers spend $3 or less in monthly fees.”

You may soon discover, or have already discovered, that you are paying more cash to get cash. Bank of America has raised the fee to $3 for all non-customers who use their ATMsÂ…nearly double what most banks charge. According to Bankrate.com, the average ATM surcharge fee is $1.64.

We've heard from a number of consumers about how they had placed their names on the Do Not Call, or other opt-out lists, and yet still obtain solicitations they do not want. Why is this? Because there are more places than one where you'll need to opt-out. Luckily, the World Privacy Forum has identified a Top Ten list of Opt-Outs which also can help explain just why you may be still obtaining a preapproved offer from your bank.

I'm sure you have seen those "get your 'free' credit report and credit score" ads on TV and all over the net. Another Consumers Union project, Consumer WebWatch funded a study by Robert Mayer, Professor of consumer studies at the University of Utah on these various "free" credit report and credit score offers.

If overdraft fees enrage you, you’re not alone. Karney Hatch has written and directed "Overdrawn! The Documentary," a “feature-length documentary film exploring the predatory lending practices of the major national banks.” The movie will be premiering at the Clinton Street Theatre in Portland on August 2 and expects to open in more theatres.