Federal Trade Commission with BU, NU, Suffolk, & UMass Boston Teach Credit Smarts to Boston Students: "Get credit card savvy"

Media Advisory

WHAT:

The Federal Trade Commission's Northeast Regional Office will hold a press conference to kick off its partnership with Boston University, Northeastern University, Suffolk University, UMass Boston and college lender Nellie Mae to launch Project Credit Smarts a campaign to educate area college students about responsible credit card use.

WHEN:

Wednesday, September 4, 2002 at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Boston University Campus, 775 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston
On plaza in front of Sherman Student Union Building

Almost 200,000 students are now coming to the Boston metro area's colleges and universities -- over 25,000 as freshmen. These teens are targets for high pressure -- and sometimes unscrupulous -- credit card offers. The FTC's "Project Credit Smarts"-- a crash course for freshmen and other students on how to survive the high pressure tactics of credit card promoters -- is coming to the Boston area. Studies show that 83% of under grads have at least one card and their median debt has shot up by 43%. And Credit Smarts is not just for students. In the wake of recent business scandals and a plunging stock market, all consumers, now more than ever, need to exercise control over their finances. Beth Kobliner, best-selling author and financial news commentator, will be on hand to offer consumer tips on how to control personal spending and debt.

WHO:

Barbara Anthony, Regional Director, FTC, Northeast Region
Lilly LaBranche, Northeastern University sophomore with her credit card story
W. Norman Johnson, Vice President & Dean of Students, Boston University
Beth Kobliner, Author of The New York Times Best Seller, Get a Financial Life
Ron Martel, Dean of Student Life, Northeastern University
Dr. Nancy C. Stoll, Dean of Students, Suffolk University
Stephanie C. Janey, Dean of Students, UMass Boston
Nina Prikazsky, Vice President, Operations, Nellie Mae

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