Let us create a 3d Digital eBook for you! DigyCat.com
|
||
|
||
|
Credit Information | Let us create a 3d Digital eBook for you! DigyCat.com |
|
|
|
Identity Theft - Dont Think You Are Immune
As identity theft becomes more prevalent, the need to regularly check your credit report is veryeasy to see and understand. Two big headlines in the news recently point to how closely tied yourcredit report and identity theft are. First, we hear of the troubles of Choice Point, a company involved in the storage and distributionof credit information. It appears some criminals set up a fake company and used it to obtainsensitive credit information. Then in turn they used it to steal the identities of about 750 people.That number will probably grow, since more than 500,000 people across the country have beenput at risk. Second, comes the story about missing computer tapes containing credit card records of morethan 1.2 million of Bank of America cardholders. Most of the accounts belonged to federalgovernment employees. This has placed the account holders in danger of increased risk ofidentity theft. Both of these companies are now in the process of notifying the people of their exposure. Thetruly bad part of all the problems is these leaks and losses occurred months ago. These twocompanies were not very quick in notifying the people affected. Way too much damage couldhave been done before they had been alerted to the trouble. While the headlines may change, the need to check your credit report does not. You may be verycareful. You may shred your documents, the credit card and other financial solicitations youreceive in the mail. You may take great care how and where you give out your financialinformation. Unfortunately as these stories show, it may not be enough. Identity theft affects about 10 million victims per year. It has been estimated to cost consumersand businesses more than 50 billion dollars a year. It is easily among the fastest growingcategories of white collar crime. You need to do all you can to fight theft of your identity. A new law has been put on the books by the Congress to help combat the losses. It allows theyou, the consumer to request a free credit report from the credit agencies once a year. You shouldnot hesitate to take advantage of it. However, the law has a rollout feature which does not allowfull access for all Americans until September 1 of this (2005) year. While this is a step in the right direction, in typical fashion the government continues to leave thepopulace exposed. You should access your credit report much more often than once a year. If anidentity theft takes place just after receiving the free credit reports, an enormous amount ofdamage can be done before you can review your next free report. The Federal Trade Commission has put together a list of questions and answers concerning thisnew law and the effect it will have on your credit report and your risk of identity theft. They canbe helpful to you in determining your rights under the law It makes sense to check your reports regularly, as often as, on a monthly basis. This may seem abit much to you, but just ask a person who has had their identity stolen how much hassle it is totake your life back. They will tell you it is well worth the effort. Let's face it, no one cares asmuch as you, about your credit record, and the damage that identity theft could cause in your life. (c)2005 David Wilding David Wilding has for the past ten years worked with groups and individuals to rid their lives of debt. Visit his website for more ideas, tools, and strategies to get rid of your debt.
MORE RESOURCES: Credit - Google News Credit Suisse Bonus-Bond Deferral Spares Investment-Bank Profit - BusinessWeek
Europe Bank Risk Premium Vanishing on ECB Cash: Credit Markets - San Francisco Chronicle
An Earned Income Tax Credit Q&A - Seattle Post Intelligencer (blog)
CORRECT: Fitch Jan Credit-Card Charge-Off Index At 4-Year Low - Wall Street Journal
IRS Offers Tool on Repayment of Home Buyer Tax Credit - New York Times (blog)
Financial News: Forex Moves Weigh On Credit Suisse Private Bank - Wall Street Journal
US Credit Swaps Reverse Rise as Greece Strikes Austerity Deal - BusinessWeek
Bank Credit Ratings, 'Zombie Banks,' PepisCo: Compliance - BusinessWeek
Republicans Target Tax Credits for Undocumented Immigrants - Fox News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
What is Credit Card and Debit Card Blocking? Have you ever been told you were over your credit card limit, or had your debit card declined, even though you knew you had available credit or money in your bank account? If this happened shortly after you stayed in a hotel or rented a car, the problem could have been card "blocking."What is Blocking?When you use a credit or debit card to check into a hotel or rent a car, the clerk usually contacts the company that issued your card to give an estimated total. Do you Know the Benefits of Checking your Credit Report? Do you know why you should check your credit report?Of course you do, because you have undoubtedly experienced one working in your life!No matter where you roam, your credit report follows you through life, updating all aspects of your life: your employment, where you live, your opened credit accounts, your closed accounts, your payment history, and even public records on you.In this country, a good credit history brings you benefits of all kinds--a home mortgage, an apartment lease, an auto loan, or even more credit--with ease. Cutting Credit Card Costs What are the APRs charged by the credit cards in your wallet? If you are paying more than 12% interest on any of them, you are probably paying too much. The prime rate is currently in the single digits, so credit card companies that charge above 13% APR are overcharging. What Can Happen to You as a Victim of Identity Theft, Facts & Figure Is identity theft really that serious? Thousands of people every year are victims of this terrible crime. Thieves use your personal information to commit fraud or other crimes in your name and can cause significant credit damage. Debit Card vs. Credit Card, What Are The Differences ? Ah, the "good old days". If you are a baby boomer, like me, then you probably remember how important it was to rush to the bank on payday. Good Credit Is a Necessity for Everyday Living Most of us want a good credit report to obtain vehicle financing, credit cards for emergencies and luxuries, and to finance a home mortgage. However, beyond these consumer loans, a great credit report makes your life easier. The Top 5 Secrets to Managing Your Credit Cards-So They Won't Manage You You've probably never heard of Frank X. McNamara, but he revolutionized the way you shop on a daily basis. 10 Ways To Boost Your Credit Score 1. Deleting Errors in 48 HoursThis is the absolute fastest way to correct errors on your credit report and raise your credit score. My Student Credit Card Adventure And some practical advice too!My first credit card?I remember my college days when it seemed there was a credit card advertisement on practically every bulletin board on campus. The banks would travel to the college and set up application booths on registration day. Credit Card Is Adding The Silver Lining To Your Pocket In the new millennium plastic money or credit cards has rendered a new zing factor to your pocket. This has not only made you economically more flexible but subsequently added glamour to your financial image as well. Why Does FACTA Matter to Me? FACTA stands for Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act. FACTA is the law which allows any American access to their credit report once per year. Bailiffs & Council Tax - Knowing What To Do This article is about bailiffs who may call trying to collect Council Tax or Community Charge (Poll Tax) arrears. If a bailiff has contacted you to collect another sort of debt the law might be different. My Credit Card Application Was Rejected! Now What?!? No doubt, you've probably gotten literally hundreds of credit card applications in the mail and online, and each and every one of them has said that you've been "Pre-Approved".Of course it's natural that this would lead us to believe that the application process is simply a formality. Sound Advice For First Time Credit Card Users If you are just entering the world of credit cards, there is important information you will need to know in order to manage your credit and your finances effectively. Establishing good habits and a good credit history now is the foundation for a solid financial future. Like It Or Not, You Have A Score To Settle! Like It Or Not, You Have A Score To Settle! (Part 1 of 2 on Credit Scoring)Just when most people finish with school and can stop worrying about test scores, there's a new kind of scoring that enters the picture. It's called credit scoring. Good Credit Is Not A Good Reason To Borrow More Money After Youve Achieved Financial Freedom The most important thing for you to remember is that the only way you'll ever be able to achieve financial freedom is if you are able to avoid getting back into debt once you've paid off everything that you owe. It seems like a lot of the different websites that give advice regarding bad credit are not looking at this the right way. Commercial Collections: Business Finance Booster Shot Commercial collections: fixture of the new B2B cultureIf you're in the business-to-business field, or even if you're a consumer products business that works through third-party distribution channels, you probably know what it's like to check your mail anxiously each day, sifting through all the bills for that payment that was supposed to have been in months ago.It wasn't supposed to be like this. Check Your Credit Before Shopping For That Home Loan Review Your Credit Score.Nearly every bank, credit union, and mortgage lender relies on a three digit score provided by one of the three major credit bureaus to help them make lending decisions. Useful Tips When Choosing Credit Cards Chances are you have received your share of "pre-approved" credit card offers in the mail, some with low introductory rates and other perks. Many of these solicitations urge you to accept "before the offer expires. Good vs. Bad Credit Debt Do you know the difference between good and bad credit debt? Most everyone seems to think that all debt is bad, but that is not always the case. In fact, there are some instances where good debt can actually help your financial situation.
|
|
Looking For Royalty Free Photos for your Website, Business or Advertising?
YourFree.biz Domain Is For Sale - $5,000 For Enquiries eMail Us © www.YourFree.biz 2011 |
|
