Direct Deposit: Theft Protection for Federal Benefit Payments (or any payments!)
Receiving paper checks for federal benefit payments is risky. Criminals can steal checks out of mailboxes, leaving people who rely on that money for essentials – such as medicine, rent or groceries – in a difficult situation.
That’s one of the reasons why the U.S. Department of the Treasury is moving to all-electronic federal benefit payments. It’s important that people not wait until the final March 1, 2013, deadline to make the switch to electronic payments.
NEW Crime Prevention tool kits are available to help community-based organizations and financial institutions promote the safety benefits of electronic payments and urge people to switch now to direct deposit or the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card.
Materials include:
• Newsletter copy and news briefs – Publish in communications to beneficiaries or staff
• Social media tips – Post on social media sites like Twitter or Facebook
• Fliers and posters – Display in facilities or hand out at events
These materials can be easily added to your existing activities for Crime Prevention Month (October) or any time of year. For more information, contact a campaign representative at GoDirect@webershandwick.com or (952) 346-6055.