Identity theft remains one of the fastest growing crimes in America and has topped the FTC’s list of consumer complaints for the past eight years straight.Chances are, you know someone in your family or at work who has been a victim of identity theft. Beyond the financial costs, identity theft victims can spend hundreds of frustrating hours talking to credit card companies, banks, police and credit bureaus repairing the damage. Factor in that thieves may hold onto information for as long as six months before using it, and that a single stolen identity may be used up to 30 times, the full impact of the crime really begins to take shape. And unfortunately, you are guilty until proven innocent when it comes to identity theft - adding insult to injury.The fact is you could already be a victim of identity theft and not know it for months.Here are the top five things you can do now to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft:1) Place Fraud Alerts On Your Credit ReportFraud alerts make it extremely difficult for thieves to open new lines of credit in your name. Fraud alerts have proven 82% effective in […]
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Here0s how to avoid high risk cards or turning your good deal card into a high risk one:
1. Check the fine print. Most offers have parameters and eligibility status requirements. The old saying that nothing0s for free is true. If the offer is too good to be true, check what could disqualify you as a potential candidate for rebates and rewards. You can get those rebates and rewards but you have to be a good customer. Some offers are cancelled the month you miss one check. Yup, one missed pay date and your balance goes up to a higher APR and you0re stuck with massive interest. Sometimes it can be two missed payments. It pays (a lot) to check this out before you write down your name on anything.
2. Know that companies can change your terms and conditions without prior notice. As a former customer service agent, I used to get lots of calls regarding this. A lot of people simply don0t read their terms and conditions. Usually, there0s print at the bottom that says subject to change without notice. To avoid this, READ every bit of mail that the credit card company sends you. This can range from offers, to policy […]
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The hard way always seems to be the better way. I have been told there are two ways to do things in life, “The hard way and the easy way.” I think most want to do things the hard way. When it comes to buying a house for the first time, there is process to follow so your buying experience is not done the hard way. The easy way may not seem the best way in the eyes of a buyer, but I assure you it’s the correct process. I have seen more problems with mortgage loans following apart because someone led the cart before the horse. Here is the easy way to buy a home.Get approved firstThe first step in the home buying process is to get your finances in order first. Get your credit reports pulled and your income verified to see where you stand. If you don’t do this first I guarantee that you will have problems. Most want to go and look at homes first and then apply for a mortgage. This is why all the nightmares you hear about happen in the lending industry.Meet with reputable lenderAfter you have been approved for a mortgage meet […]
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