Protect Your Good Credit

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. The same thought process has applied to those who create or hate “spyware”. At first glance, those cute little toolbars that give you the ability to dress-up your email, “block” pop-up ads, download free screen-savers are just fun, interactive pieces of software.
On the other hand, those […]

A bipartisan group of Senators has recently introduced a proposal for new legislation which is designed to protect Americans from identity theft. At first glance, it appears to be similar to the legislation passed by California and Texas. However, it does require that businesses collecting and sharing individuals personal data begin bearing more of […]

In order to help citizens protect themselves from identity theft, California and Texas have passed legislation that allows individuals to freeze their credit history with each of the three credit bureaus. There are mixed reviews from various camps on whether or not this will actually benefit consumers, however, many other states are proposing similar […]

It costs us millions every year. Can you afford it?
Data security experts in Europe don’t collect statistics on identity theft because it’s not seen as enough of a problem. Conversely, the Federal Trade Commission reports that over 10 million Americans are victims of identity theft each year.
Europeans, as a rule, have national identity […]

When I tell mortgage applicants that, if they’re in credit counseling, they are less likely to qualify for a home mortgage, they are agast!
Since most consumers seek credit counseling in an effort to improve their credit worthiness, it is clear that the information given to them at the onset by credit counselors, fails to […]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “If it seems to good to be true, then it probably is. You can’t get something for nothing!”
Credit card companies have long been encouraging consumers to sign up for their card by offering “introductory” teaser rates. For a while, it worked. I know […]

As Hurricane Dennis plows across the Gulf of Mexico toward the US coastline, I am reminded of my experiences when Hurricane Isabelle slammed inland and hit Richmond in September of 2003. While I faired better than most and had only minor damage from downed trees, I was glad that I had prepared for the […]

My local Sunday paper contained an article about a woman in Georgia who, as a result of her identity being stolen, has been convicted of a felony. This only reinforces my belief that not only are we all at serious risk, the credit reporting ones may be minor compared to the possibility of criminal […]

Nearly 10 million people fall victim to identity theft annually, costing consumers $5 billion in out-of-pocket losses and businesses $48 billion, according to the FTC.

Yesterday’s Washington Post included an article “Have You Been Stolen?’ in which the numerous recent security breaches of personal data by several large national creditors are outlined in detail. In several of my recent posts, I also noted these breaches and pointed out that this is an increasingly significant threat nationwide.
The Post’s article refers […]