To help educate consumers about how to better protect their bank accounts, the Federal Reserve has published a set of precautions that can help safeguard checking accounts from fraud.

The Fed has proposed rules to prohibit unfair practices concerning credit card and overdraft services. Among other safeguards, the rules would protect consumers from unexpected interest rate increases on pre-existing card balances.

Identity theft is a serious and growing problem. The Federal Reserve and other agencies are proposing rules that would require financial institutions and creditors to establish programs to combat the crime.

A new program will evaluate and assess the lending practices of some nondepository lenders with large subprime mortgage operations to ensure their compliance with consumer protection regulations.

New payment methods are proliferating as technology increases the options available to consumers. The Atlanta Fed has published a guide to help consumers understand the payment system and the Fed's role in it.