The Trusted Scout: 2013 Military Pay Raise Now Official

January 2013 l Volume III l Issue 1

IN THIS MONTH'S EDITION

2013 Military Pay Raise Now Official.

What Will Veterans Do For Jobs When the Defense Industry Collapses?

Picture of the Month

The aircraft carrier the USS John C. Stennis operates during sunset in the Arabian Sea in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, Jan. 5, 2012 The Stennis is conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class James Stahl

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

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Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

SCAM ALERTS!

BBB January 2013 Hot Topics

Check out the latest scams and bad business in BBB's January 2013 Hot Topics!

BBB Warns: Beware of Super Bowl Scams

The Super Bowl is right around the corner! Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on the lookout for counterfeit memorabilia and phony game tickets.

Watch Out for Malware Disguised as Sudoku Generator

A scam that promises unlimited Sudoku puzzles is extra tempting this time of year. You have hours to kill sitting through a slow day at work, waiting at the airport or hanging out at a relative's house. It's a great time to waste time.

MILITARY CONSUMER

ISSUES & INITIATIVES

2013 Military Pay Raise Now Official

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has released the 2013 Military Pay and Allowance charts. This year's pay raise is 1.7% across the board, and the monthly basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) rates increased to $242 for officers and $352 for enlisted. The 2013 Military Pay Raise goes into effect on January 1, 2013.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Issues Rule to Protect Consumers from Irresponsible Mortgage Lending

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) adopted a new rule that will protect consumers from irresponsible mortgage lending by requiring lenders to ensure prospective buyers have the ability to repay their mortgage. The rule also protects borrowers from risky lending practices such as "no doc" and "interest only" features that contributed to many homeowners ending up in delinquency and foreclosure after the 2008 housing collapse.

What Will Veterans Do For Jobs When the Defense Industry Collapses?

When you look at the 2012 lists of who was hiring veterans, you'll find an impressive array of companies where the leaders are defense contractors. If you're a veteran, you may work for them already and most likely know at least a dozen or so other veterans that currently do.

5 Simple Tips to Reach 2013's Savings Goals

Personal finance experts are pushing for consumers to understand the importance of saving more and spending less. It may appear to be a simple concept to incorporate into your life, but consumers tend to find that saving isn't always easy at it seems.

WHO WE SERVE

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Stephen Cameron, left, salutes former Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Paul Goodyear, a Pearl Harbor survivor, before presenting a wreath on behalf of the Marine Corps during a Dec. 7, 2012, remembrance ceremony at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Hawaii. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth

SCAM ALERTS Continued...

Internet Crime Complaint Center's (IC3)
Scam Alerts

This report, which is based upon information from law enforcement and complaints submitted to the IC3, details recent cyber crime trends and new twists to previously-existing cyber scams.

Government Imposter Scams

Scammers sometimes impersonate government officials to get you to send them money. They often claim you've won a lottery or sweepstakes. But to get your prize, you must pay "taxes," "fees," or "insurance."

As a partner in the Joining Forces Initiative and DOD Financial Readiness Campaign, BBB Military Line^® brings BBB consumer education and services to military personnel (including Reservists and National Guard), retirees, DoD civilians, and their families.