We regularly hear news stories about people losing their identity to unsympathetic thieves who have breached security measures and caused consumers financial troubles for months, and even years, to come. The one thing that this security concern does bring about is that consumers are now being more proactive about their own financial practices. More people are shredding their important papers and using stronger passwords to protect their vital information.
One avenue consumers can use to protect themselves is by using credit cards. Without a doubt, paying for purchases both online and off using a major credit card can bring you a piece of mind you may not get using other sources. Because the credit card company is essentially paying for your … (more) May 5, 2009

Posted in Credit Card Tips, Identity Theft, Report and Score Comments Off

With so much going on financially in the world, more people are getting desperate for fast money. Sadly, even during such hard times for people, there are still the miscreants who are willing to do just about anything to get their hands on your identity and other financial information.
During a recent gathering of select industries during National Consumer Protection Week, a wide array of groups including the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau, and even AARP, representatives each told varied tales of how important it is for all people to keep an eye on their personal information – a very close eye. The AARP group was represented because the age group it typically represents is more susceptible to fraud … (more) April 27, 2009

Posted in Credit Card Advice, Credit Score, Identity Theft Comments Off

Many people will assume that their credit score if fine based on their own actions with personal finance. However, it is never good to assume that your credit score is where you think it is or even that the information contained on your credit report is accurate. While the creditors and credit reporting agencies have a responsibility to you to to maintain the correct information, there is not way to guarantee that what your credit report is correct unless you check it frequently on your own.
Everyone is entitled to a free credit report once a year and at any time after being denied for credit. Take advantage of these opportunities to request your report and see where you stand. It … (more) April 16, 2009

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Just a few days left till the day when your laces suddenly get untied nearly every hour, your sweet ice tea gets salty, and your watch is an hour slow. The fool’s day is all pranksters’ favorite holiday. And when your friends, work-mates, or family members play innocent jokes on you, it is ok. You can just laugh together with them.
But when it comes to some serious and important issues, like your job, real estate, finances, etc., you are not likely to stay in a laughing mood, and keep your sense of humor, if something threatens your wellbeing. That is why such hoaxes as “Man! Why the hell are you jacking off here?! Your house is on fire!”, or “Buddy, … (more) March 26, 2008

Posted in Credit Card General, Identity Theft 2 Comments »

Fancy you have finally got a chance to go on your dream trip to Chili, Mexico, Brazil, the Maldives, or the Caribbean. You enjoy every minute of your vacation, lying in the beach, walking around the place, eating feijoado completa in Sao Paolo, or drinking Red Stripe in Jamaica. Imagine your righteous anger and disappointment when you find your credit card that you are trying to pay for your hotel stay in Rio or for another shot of Jamaican rum with to be suspended. This can really mess up your getaway.
You can laugh at it, but your credit card fraud protection system is the one to blame for your spoiled holidays. If you didn’t bother to contact your credit card … (more) February 29, 2008

Posted in Credit Card Advice, Identity Theft 2 Comments »

Identity theft is a growing concern, despite the high-tech attempts companies are making to help prevent it from happening.  It used to be that you’d only have to worry about identity theft if you were crazy enough to throw away documents without shredding them first.  If Joe the identity-thief was rifling through the dumpster, he’d be able to take those documents and run with them… literally, and start charging things in your name.
Now though, our information is stored all over the place.  Retail store databases, websites where we’ve created accounts and made payments for items, or where we’ve entered our personal information in order to receive payments for work completed.  Every time we swipe a credit card or debit card, … (more) October 24, 2007

Posted in Credit Card Tips, Identity Theft 3 Comments »