Identity Theft Resources
Identity theft is constantly changing as criminals discover new ways to access your vulnerable data. Stay informed to get ahead of identity thieves and fraud. Whether you are concerned that you or a member of your family may have already been affected by identity theft or prevention is your goal, find out recent data breach news, identity theft techniques, and protection practices to stay safe and keep your information secure.
7 Simple Tips for Safer Internet Browsing
There are many ways for your computer or personal information to be compromised on the web. Viruses and malware can infect your machine, phishing scams can trick you into providing information to thieves, and “secure” websites can be hacked. While there’s no 100% guarantee of safe internet use, you can [...]
Five Strategies for Protecting Your Child’s Privacy Online
The internet is an amazing source of information, but it also contains many unique threats. One important concern in the digital age is online privacy; thieves, hackers, and other criminals may be trying to access your data and information for their own personal gain. Kids are just as vulnerable as [...]
How Can a Credit Card Balance Transfer Help You Pay Down Debt?
Credit cards with strong balance transfer offers can help cardholders with high-interest rates pay down their credit card debt faster and more affordably. In theory, it’s a simple concept: you simply move your existing credit card debt to a new card with a lower interest rate, with the intention of [...]
Buying a Home in 2019? Here’s How Your Credit Will Affect Your Mortgage Rate
When you’re shopping for a home, it’s important to pay close attention to mortgage rates, the amount of interest that lenders charge on a home loan. Though it’s only a small percentage, the mortgage rate directly affects the amount of your monthly payment and how much you’ll pay over the [...]
“Collection #1” Data Breach Leaks 773 Million Email Addresses and 21 Million Passwords
Last week, an enormous database of email addresses and passwords was publicly exposed on the internet, leaving hundreds of millions of people vulnerable to fraud, scams, and hacking attempts. The database, known as “Collection #1” could be the largest recorded public data breach in history. First reported by cybersecurity expert [...]
A Year in Review: The Worst Data Breach News of 2018
Cybersecurity threats were a major theme in 2018, as last year saw some of the biggest data breaches in history. Security flaws and illegal hacks exposed the personal data of millions and shook up some of the world’s largest organizations. Ultimately, there’s no foolproof way to protect your personal data [...]
4 Reasons Identity Theft is a Major Threat During the Holiday Season
Protecting your finances and identity is a year-round endeavor, and you should always be diligent to guard yourself against identity theft. But identity theft and fraud are especially prevalent during the holiday season. According to credit bureau Experian, fraud attempts spike during the holidays, especially on Thanksgiving and the days [...]
5 Tips for Avoiding Charity Scams Over the Holidays
For many charities, the holiday season is the biggest time of the year for charitable donations. People are in a giving mood, the deadline for making this year’s tax-deductible donations is approaching, and mission-based organizations are making their final push to solicit donors. But this spike in giving can put [...]
Massive Marriott Data Breach Exposes Personal Information of Up to 500 Million Guests
Marriott International, one of the largest hotel chains in the world, today revealed its discovery of a massive data breach that exposed the personal information of up to 500 million guests. The data breach leaves Marriott guests vulnerable to account fraud, identity theft, and other criminal activities. Marriott says an [...]
SIM Swap Scams: How Thieves Can Use Your Phone Number to Take Over Your Accounts
We’ve previously recommended two-factor authentication (2FA) as a useful tool for protecting your online accounts on this very blog. When enabled, 2FA requires a second verification after you enter your username and password, and it helps prevent anyone who has stolen your login credentials from gaining access to your accounts. [...]
The Social Threat: How Criminals Can use the Information You Share on Social Media
Social media networks are a great way to connect with friends and family online, but they’re also a breeding ground for scams and criminal activity. And while you may picture hackers trying to break into your account, thieves can just as easily use the information you volunteer to share publicly. [...]
6 Common Credit Report Errors
The information contained in your credit report should be fair and accurate. After all, it determines your credit score and helps lenders, creditors, and other companies decide whether to do business with you. Unfortunately, credit report errors are extremely common. In 2013, the FTC reported that one in five Americans [...]
5 Things You Shouldn’t Put on Your Credit Card
When used correctly, your credit card can be a useful personal finance tool. Credit cards can fund everyday purchases, build your credit score, and even earn valuable rewards. But when you use your card the wrong way, you can easily fall into financial hot water and damage your credit. There [...]
6 Tips for Protecting Your Social Security Number
With identity theft a rising threat for all Americans, it’s extremely important to keep your Social Security number safe and secure. With just a little identifying information and your Social Security number, thieves can apply for credit and open accounts in your name, wrecking your credit in the process. But [...]
6 Credit Card Benefits You Might Not Be Using
Credit card companies usually highlight their showier benefits, like cash back rewards or airline miles, to draw in new business. But many credit cards provide much more than that, offering a full suite of valuable benefits to their customers. If you’re only aware of your credit card’s surface level perks, [...]
5 Password Best Practices You Should be Using
When it comes to protecting your online accounts, passwords are one of the most important lines of defense. Your finances, credit score, and identity are all protected by the passwords you keep. Unfortunately, many people practice poor password security, which can leave them vulnerable. While passwords aren’t foolproof against thieves [...]
What to Do When a Debt Collector Calls
Getting an unexpected call from a debt collector can be an intimidating experience. Often, debt collectors will try to pressure you into paying them over the phone on the spot. But even if you’re swimming in debt, you have rights when a debt collector calls, and you should always do [...]
How Credit Card Pre-approval Offers Work
If you’ve ever received a credit card pre-approval offer in the mail, you may have wondered why the credit card issuer is reaching out to you. How do they know you would be a good customer? Why are they extending you an offer unprompted? And are these offers guaranteed? The [...]
5 Things to Avoid in a Credit Card for Bad Credit
One of the best ways to build credit is responsible use of a credit card. By maintaining a low balance and making your payments on time, you can use your credit card to improve your credit score. But if you already have bad credit, it can be tough to get [...]
Who Can Check Your Credit Report?
The primary purpose of your credit report is to demonstrate your creditworthiness to lenders and creditors. In other words, your credit report can help companies decide whether to approve or deny your loan and credit card applications. But lenders and credit card companies aren’t the only ones that can pull [...]
5 Myths Surrounding Bankruptcy
When you’re drowning in debt, bankruptcy can be an escape route. Bankruptcy can help you discard or pay off debts and get some financial relief, but it can also be devastating for your credit, causing your credit score to take a nosedive. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions and myths surrounding [...]
5 Things to Negotiate With Your Credit Card Company
If you’re unhappy with the terms of your current credit card, you might think you’re stuck with the status quo. But credit card companies are often willing to negotiate certain terms, especially if you’re a good customer or if you have special financial circumstances. Here are five things to negotiate [...]
Free Credit Report Freezes Are on the Way: Here’s What You Need to Know
Following last year’s enormous Equifax data breach that compromised the personal information of 143 million Americans, consumers were left wondering how to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft. One solution is credit freezes, which prevent thieves from using your credit to open fraudulent accounts in your name. But freezing [...]
Is a Debt Consolidation Loan Right for You?
When you’re stuck with high-interest loans or massive credit card balances, it’s hard to envision a future where you aren’t overwhelmed by debt. If that describes you, you may be considering a debt consolidation loan to help dig yourself out. Personal loans for debt consolidation are offered by many banks [...]
How to Get Your Credit Ready for a Credit Card Application
Before you apply for a credit card, it’s a good idea to review your credit and identify opportunities for improvement. That’s because a better credit score can get you lower interest rates, higher credit limits, and access to better cards. Whether you’re applying for your first credit card or your [...]
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