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 your homework and exercise your [...]
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 your credit report. In fact, [...]
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 your credit with all [...]
Cybersecurity is a constant concern for retailers that store consumer data online. Even so, hackers are persistent, and data breaches have happened to some of the largest retailers in the world. When you use your credit card or debit card to shop online, you run the risk of your account information falling into the [...]
A lack of familiarity with your credit report could cost you big. The information in your credit report determines your ability to qualify for credit cards, loans, and even employment in some cases. Negative information in your credit report could hurt your credit score and block access to the financial products you need. You should [...]
Criminals with a lot of time on their hands are committing a con that can take years to pay off and sounds like something out of the future: Synthetic identity fraud. Instead of the traditional identity theft of stealing an existing identity from someone and posing as them, synthetic identity fraud criminals create a new [...]
Debit cards are one of the worst ways to use your money if you want your identity protected. Because it’s linked directly to your bank account, anyone with your card information can instantly withdraw all the money from your account. If that doesn’t scare you enough, there’s the fact that debit cards don’t have [...]
Online shopping offers convenience and great deals, but it also leaves you vulnerable to hackers and data breaches. Criminals are constantly trying to break into the databases of online retailers to access consumers’ personal information and debit or credit card numbers. You should take steps to protect yourself online, and that includes determining the best [...]
Staying safe as you shop online requires diligence. Some good habits, such as keeping your credit card number private, are obvious. But savvy shoppers can go above and beyond to reduce the risk of theft and fraud as they shop on the Internet, using modern technology and safeguards to protect themselves. Here are five [...]
Each year in the United States, tax season provides con artists an opportunity to scam taxpayers out of their hard-earned money. It’s a serious problem that is only on the rise: according to the IRS, the number of potential victims for one common scam has skyrocketed from hundreds to several thousands in a matter of [...]
Children are just as vulnerable to identity theft as adults, but they don’t have access to the same system of checks and alerts. By falsifying birth dates, thieves can use your child’s Social Security number to open credit cards, take out loans, apply for government benefits, and more. When it’s done to a child, identity [...]
