What do you understand when you hear “theft protection”? Most people will think about security guards, alarms, cameras and so on. But there is more to it than that, you know. The term theft is nowadays more used in connection with the Internet than the real world. The vast ground and the ability to go incognito in the virtual world has prompted many “brilliant” minds to carve out a career of swindling people.

It’s very easy to clone a bank website or email provider ID and ask people their personal data under the threat that if they do not comply, their account will suffer, be “locked”, etc. Most people do not even pause to think, leave alone check whether such “threats” or “directions” are genuine. As soon as they fill in their data, their lives are thrown into chaos. They find out that their accounts have been violated, used, robbed.

Do not be a victim! Ensure that you learn all that is about theft protection online, as this is as important as any other.

• Data Theft
  Posted on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 in Identity Theft – Comments: (0)
  Date theft is one of the most common online crimes; and one that leaves you completely violated. The other day I opened my email box to notice a communication from my bank. Since I receive my statement electronically, I recognized their style and logo. The email contained a warning saying that unless I registered my account for the Net Security my debit card (I do not have a credit card) will not be recognized for transactions on the Internet.I was re-directed to a page that looked identical to the page of my bank. Through that page they asked me my account id, transaction id number, debit card number, the debit card (ATM) pin and lastly my date of birth.I was about to enter the details when I noticed the address of the URL which was completely different from that of my bank. Alerted, I closed the site and called my bank.

• debt consolitation
  Posted on Friday, October 2nd, 2009 in Debt Issues – Comments: (0)
  Debt consolidation is a last resort for some, and the best saving route for others. What does it mean to you? Debt consolidation is read by the credit bureaus as a negative; the fact that you need to consolidate your debts in order to repay them, means that you have not planned your finances well, and therefore have created risk for your creditors.On the other hand, debt consolidation can teach some very valuable lessons.1. You need to think ahead. Most people fall into the debt trap because they live for the present. They buy impulsively; they don’t save; they don’t pay their bills on time. Debt consolidation is a time when you are forced to sit down and chalk out the future of your finances.2. Live within your means. There is no magic wand that will make your loans disappear; there will be no lottery that will suddenly give you all the cash you need to square up your debts.
• Myths About Credit Repair Companies
  Posted on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 in Credit Repair Companies – Comments: (0)
  There are many things said about credit repair companies. Unfortunately, though such beliefs are widespread and popular, they are negative and false. Myth No 1 – credit repair companies thrive on your misfortune. Wrong! They actually provide vital help at a time when you are about to lose everything – your possessions, your peace of mind, and your reputation. Myth No 2 – all credit repair agencies are fraudulent; they’re only after your money. Wrong! Reputable agencies make clients for life. They become friends, philosophers and guides to their clients, teaching them the art of financial management. They show you the light, when you are lost in financial darkness. Myth no 3 – credit repair agencies can work miracles if you pay them enough. Wrong again! Trustworthy agencies will tell you right from the start what can be done and how long it will take. They will use only legal means, which are in no way “magic.
• Great Ways To Get A Credit Card With a Bad Credit Score
  Posted on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 in Credit Cards – Comments: (0)
  It’s difficult to get a credit card if you have a bad credit score, but definitely not impossible. The most common way is to get a “secured” card.With a secured credit card you deposit funds into a bank account and the provider offers you credit with your deposit as collateral. This is a good solution when you are looking to increase your credit limit and score by some clever financial manipulations.A second way is to have a relative or spouse have you as an add-on to their credit cards. The positive things here is that you can use the credit card without any problem; however, the positive or negative points for timely payment/non-payment of the bills will go to the main owner of the card. You are not affected by the transactions.The third way to obtain a credit card with a bad credit score, is by looking up introductory offers where people with poor credit are wooed.
• The Importance Of Knowing How To Improve Your Credit Score
  Posted on Monday, October 5th, 2009 in Credit Report and Credit Score – Comments: (0)
  Most people will tell you that knowing how to improve your credit score can keep you out of trouble. However, this is one of the most popular myths regarding credit repair. The most important factor is not maintaining a good credit score – through this is important in its own right – but learning how to manage your finances well.Learn proper financial management and you are automatically free from all other worries. Another fallacy is that good financial management means budgeting, saving, investing – in general spending wisely.  But there’s more to it that that. You also need to ensure that you are safe on and off the Internet in regard to identity theft.Identity theft is today one of the most quoted reasons for poor credit, second only to credit card abuse. Learn what it takes to be safe when making financial transaction on and off line!
• How To Get The Best Poor Credit Auto Loans
  Posted on Thursday, October 1st, 2009 in Credit Repair General Topics – Comments: (0)
  Poor credit auto loans are among the most wanted loans in the USA. Statistics show that almost 7 in every 10 Americans have suffered at one time or other from poor credit and had to apply and accept poor credit auto loans in spite of hostile terms and conditions. Here are three tips that can get you better deals next time:1. Use collateral. Do not agree to pay higher interest. Instead, offer collateral for the loan. This will eliminate the risk factor to a large extent, allowing for lower interest rates.2. Have a co-signee. Ask your friend or family member to co-sign for the loan. They should have good credit standing. When they agree to be a co-signee they provide live collateral to the creditor, which in turn offers you better leverage.3. Do without poor credit auto loans altogether; buy from auctions. These are A1 quality vehicles sold at police and bank auctions.

First of all immediately file a complaint with the proper authorities, so the fraud can be investigated and possibly be stopped before it draws in other victims. Once you have reported the scam, go back and find the right credit repair agency for help. Do not lose hope because you have gone through credit repair fraud.

This time ensure that you check the antecedents of the company thoroughly before you sign the dotted line. The best bet will be to check whether they are affiliated with any significant regulatory body such as the ECRA (Ethical Credit Repair Alliance) and/or the BBB (Better Business Bureau). When you avail of the services of such agencies you are safe from any credit repair fraud.

The basic information needed will be your name and credit card number. It will be difficult for the providers to act with the urgency required, post credit card theft, if they do not get the right information in time. Therefore, it would be in your best interest to have the credit card numbers noted somewhere in a safe place. You can, for example, send yourself an email with the details; or you can have them coded and entered in your cell phone under a fictitious name.

Learn proper financial management and you are automatically free from all other worries. Another fallacy is that good financial management means budgeting, saving, investing – in general spending wisely.  But there’s more to it that that. You also need to ensure that you are safe on and off the Internet in regard to identity theft.

Identity theft is today one of the most quoted reasons for poor credit, second only to credit card abuse. Learn what it takes to be safe when making financial transaction on and off line!

On the other hand, debt consolidation can teach some very valuable lessons.

1. You need to think ahead. Most people fall into the debt trap because they live for the present. They buy impulsively; they don’t save; they don’t pay their bills on time. Debt consolidation is a time when you are forced to sit down and chalk out the future of your finances.

2. Live within your means. There is no magic wand that will make your loans disappear; there will be no lottery that will suddenly give you all the cash you need to square up your debts. Debt consolidation will teach you that you should – and can – live within your means.

• Debt Counseling – Does it Impact Your Credit Score?
  Posted on Thursday, September 3rd, 2009 in Credit Counseling – Comments: (0)
  People are divided on debt consolidation as there are two opinions on this aspect. Some say that since this decreases the credit score, it’s not a good idea. It’s true that the credit bureaus, as well as the creditors, consider debt consolidation a sign of financial inconsistency. However, debt counseling bears no significance upon your credit score. Whenever you feel constrained by debts, you can always seek out counseling. Many reputed credit repair agencies offer this service for free. This is a good first step towards financial self-sufficiency On the other hand, there are people who consider debt consolidation as a positive action. It’s true that this will initially register negatively on your credit report. However, in the long run you will benefit because you will get rid of your debts.Debt counseling would be an excellent medium that helps you to decide whether or not to adopt debt consolidation as a solution.
• Credit Repair Scams
  Posted on Saturday, September 5th, 2009 in Credit Repair Scams – Comments: (0)
  Too much has been said about credit repair scams. In most cases, the client – the person who is looking for credit repair – is actually inviting such scams to insnare them.Even though they know that credit repair takes time and effort, in most cases they will talk themselves into believing that the promises made by fraudulent companies can come true. They part with your hard-earned money knowing fully well that such services are not legally possible.Why do they allow themselves to be scammed?If you’re in need of the services of a credit repair agency, say “No” to false promises. Face your debt problems squarely. In most cases there are many ways that will lead you out of your financial impasse the legal way. Work together with reputable credit repair agencies so you can not only resolve your credit report problems, but also ensure that such situations do not repeat themselves in the future.
• How to Improve My Credit
  Posted on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 in Credit Cards – Comments: (1)
  This is a question that plagues not only those who have poor credit but also those who maintain a good score. Everyone wants to be a little better off her, because it translates into better interest rates and overall, many perks while availing of loans.When you ask yourself, “how to improve my credit”, the first thing that comes to the mind is “use credit cards sparingly.” More than two thirds of people who declare bankruptcy at one time or another in their lives, do so because they abuse their credit cards. Make it a point to use credit cards only when it’s absolutely necessary.Another point that you need to keep in my mind here is that you should always, without exception, pay your credit card bills in full. In this way, you’ll not be caught in the debt trap of paying 3 percent compound interest on the outstanding balance.
• Quick Fix Credit Score – Good or Bad?
  Posted on Friday, September 4th, 2009 in Credit Repair General Topics – Comments: (0)
  When it comes to quick fixing of your credit score, the question should be whether it’s legal or not, rather than whether it’s good or bad. While it’s certainly possible to repair your credit score, fixing it overnight is not realistic.When and if you find credit repair agencies promising you otherwise, please keep in mind that they are probably employing illegal means.  Don’t ever be tempted to hire the services of such credit repair agencies because you will fall into more trouble than help.The way you can fix a credit score legally is by improving your financial transactions, and the minimum time for this to register with the bureaus is about 6 months. You can also improve your credit score by removing wrongly entered negative information. It will be possible to raise your credit score a few notches if there are major mistakes on your credit report. And given the fact the anywhere from 1/3 to 90% of credit reports DO contain errors!
• Fair Debt Collecting Practices Act and You
  Posted on Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 in Credit Repair Law – Comments: (0)
  The Fair Debt Collecting Practices Act is especially designed to protect you, the indebted, from being harassed by creditors and/or collection agencies. While it’s important that you pay money you have borrowed, in the event you are unable to pay, you will find protection against intimidating action of creditors and debt collectors under this Act.Many creditors are tempted to harass you directly or through third party agents (collection agencies) in order to recover the money owed them. In such cases, you can file a suit against them under the Fair Debt Collecting Practices Act.

• Credit Repair Help
  Posted on Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 in Credit Repair Companies – Comments: (1)
  What do we mean when we say “credit repair help”? What kind of help do you seek? Most people go for credit repair help with the hope of seeing their credit scores improve rapidly, preferably overnight. But this only shows how little awareness there is about the principles that make a credit report. A credit report is nothing more than the record of your financial transactions from the day you became an adult. Once you understand this basic principle, it will be obvious that it is not feasible to expect that help with your credit can “wipe away” negative entries. Such services can only help you improve the way you manage your finances, which over a period will reflect in your credit score. Beware of companies that promise you instant revamped credit reports. There are no legal ways that permit you to wipe off all true records from your credit report.
• Credit Repair Company – What it Can Do, What it Cannot
  Posted on Sunday, August 16th, 2009 in Credit Repair Companies – Comments: (1)
  If you’re seeking the services of a credit repair company, you should be aware of just what such a company can and cannot do for you.Some people expect near miracles when they hire a credit repair agency. Unrealistic expectations are never a good thing. Moreover, a credit repair company that makes too-good-to-be-true promises is one you will want to steer clear of. But as for the company, a client who comes to them with unrealistic expectations is likely to end up being a dissatisfied client, regardless of how hard the company works on his behalf.Just what CAN a credit repair company do to solve you financial problems? Check your credit report from each of the major credit bureaus, for information that is to be inaccurate Initiated a credit report dispute when inaccuracies are discovered Following up until all errors are removed from the report Advise the client on the best course of action that will result in the quickest possible improvement in your credit score Counsel you regarding the best ways to manage your finances so as to avoid future problems Facilitating avenues that will enable you to earn your livelihood again Watch your credit report closely to prevent any errors that could erode your credit rating Teach you how to maintain a good credit to income ratioWhat  you should NOT expect from a credit specialist.
• Credit Repair Scams – Don’t Get Ripped Off!
  Posted on Friday, August 21st, 2009 in Credit Repair Scams – Comments: (2)
  No doubt you’ve heard a great many stories of people who have gone to credit repair agencies hoping they can improve their credit, only to be ripped off by credit repair scams!To protect yourself from these crooks, you need to be aware of how they operate.First of all, they are keenly aware of the desperate situation of those who have bad credit. And they know that such people are so very desperate, they are eager to believe just about anything a company tells them, if they think it will help them out of their despair.They are often so disheartened by the system, which seems downright cruel and uncaring toward  their plight, that they’ll do anything to improve their situation. Most people who seek out help are on the verge of declaring bankruptcy. It’s these individuals who are the most likely to fall prey to credit repair scams.Why?
• Credit Repair Program
  Posted on Thursday, August 13th, 2009 in Credit Repair Companies – Comments: (1)
  Most people feel that they would invite more trouble than help when and if they subscribed to a credit repair program. This is a myth – one that stops you from reclaiming complete charge of your life. Do not fear the credit repair agencies. They are your friends. These are bridges that help you cross over from hopeless situations to workable ones. Do recognize the fact that when you are indebted beyond help, the whole world looks rather depressing. This would continue to deteriorate until you reignite hope in your mind – hope that you can beat the seemingly insurmountable odds. It IS possible. The only thing you need to watch out for when you subscribe to a good program for credit repair is that it “helps” you overcome your debts in a lawful manner. No matter how tempting it sounds, avoid those which promise you overnight results. These will lead you to disaster.
• One Time Credit Report
  Posted on Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 in Credit Bureaus – Comments: (4)
  The first thing that you will need when you start planning to improve your credit score is your one time credit report. You can obtain this document for free once a year from each one of the three credit bureaus – Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. You may visit this site to apply for your free report – http://www.annualcreditreport.com.Space your request every four months so you can have a free update at quarterly intervals. You can have these reports at more frequent intervals but that will require a fee of about $15 – $30.The purpose in getting your one time credit report is to check whether it contains an accurate representation of your financial history. Chances are good that there will be anomalies. Your score will improve considerably if you remove all the inaccurate entries on the report. For best results, you will need to write separate letters for each erroneous entry if there is more than one.

• Shared Items – May 2, 2009
  Posted on Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 in Identity Theft – Comments: (0)
  Identity Theft: Don’t Tell The Children by Daryl CampbellMay 2, 2009- Identity theft doesn’t happen only to adults: children are even easier targets for those who would steal identity. And worst of all, sometimes the “thief” is one who’s duty it is to act in the child’s best interest.
• Posted on Monday, May 11th, 2009 in Uncategorized – Comments: (0)
  My Podcast Alley feed!
• Hiring a Credit Repair Company? Five Tips to Avoid Being Scammed!
  Posted on Friday, May 8th, 2009 in Credit Repair Companies – Comments: (0)
  Credit Repair Companies – 5 Tips to Avoid Being Scammed!Credit Repair Companies, in general, are looked on with suspicion and not without justification! Many scammers have posed as credit repair agencies, promising to help relieve their clients of their credit problems. But at the end of the day, all they have “relieved” their clients of is their hard-earned money!But not all credit repair companies are thieves! There are lots of honest credit repair companies that provide a badly needed service to consumers.A poor credit score can dig deeply into your bank account and fritter away  your financial resources because of appallingly high interest rates. At the same time, credit repair is a long drawn out process, which requires close follow-up and often specialized and customized appeals for removing inaccurate negative data from your credit report. You are undoubtedly aware that there are a great many credit repair companies and credit repair lawyers ready to offer their services, but you don’t know which one to choose.

• Are You In Trouble With Your Credit – 10 Signs That Say “YES”
  Posted on Monday, April 6th, 2009 in Credit Repair General Topics – Comments: (0)
  It is not that only during recession time people are alert about their credit score and reports. Rather that during times when the economy experiences any type of turbulence, the credit and related matters is highlighted. Are you, as a layperson, aware of the signs that flash to you, ‘You are likely to be in trouble?’ Here are ten key indicators, which you need to learn to recognize. If you see four or more of these, it is time you take some concrete action.  photo credit: TheTruthAbout… Opening a checking out is out of your reach You are unable to find approval for your car loan without a co-signatory Your phone rings incessantly and it is always about the payment of some bill (which is overdue) You are unable to find someone wiling to be your reference for any financial transaction You are unable to qualify for a regular credit card; the only one you can have is a secured credit card You pay the credit card bills of one card with another, and vice-versa You are seriously considering bankruptcy You are taking loans to pay for basic necessities Your monthly paycheck does not last beyond the first week Most of your groceries come from coupons Take Action Now Look carefully and truthfully take a tour.
• Shared Items – April 7, 2009
  Posted on Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 in Credit Repair Companies – Comments: (0)
  Bad *Credit Repair* Myths Dispelled — *Credit* Might!April 7, 2009- Because credit repair is a service badly needed by millions of Americans , there will always be scammers who take advantage of other’s desparate need. That’s why it’s so important to research any credit repair company you’re considering hiring. Also make sure they are an ECRA member!
• Identity Theft and Credit Repair
  Posted on Thursday, April 9th, 2009 in Identity Theft – Comments: (0)
  Many credit repair organizations advertise and advise that people avail their services not only in times of emergency – read this as the time when they slip below the average credit score – but also during the time they feel they are ‘okay’. As you read these lines, you might be smiling thinking that this was a great to milk customers of their hard-earned money. Good Advice – Take It I know there would be enough skeptics who would deny the need for such services. However, let me give you one typical scenario (and there are many more) and we will reserve the decision until you read it all. Tom Walters is a successful IT professional drawing a comfortable salary, savvy about the use of the Internet. He supports his wife and two teenage children aged 15 and 17 respectively. The children, like all teenagers, love surfing and shopping on the Net. Come recession, and Tom’s company announces major layoffs.
• How to Choose a Credit Counselor
  Posted on Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 in Credit Counseling – Comments: (0)
  Are you knee-deep in debt? Can’t seem to save enough for retirement? And are you always worried about your monthly budget? If this sounds familiar, you definitely need help. Living on paycheck to paycheck can be a frustrating experience. It is important to seek the services of a credit counselor to get you back on track. There are many credit counseling organizations that are specifically created to help people like you. However, you need to take note that even if a certain organization classify themselves as “non-profit”, it is no guarantee that you won’t be charged for the services nor does it guarantee that you’re actually getting a legitimate service. Credit counseling can be though phone, internet, or through local offices. If possible, it is advised to get credit counseling in person. A lot of universities, credit unions, military bases, and branches of the US Cooperation Extension Service provide non-profit services.
• The Ethical Credit Repair Alliance – WELCOME!
  Posted on Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 in Uncategorized – Comments: (0)
  The Ethical Credit Repair Alliance is the “Watchdog” organization of the credit repair business, committed to protecting consumers from credit repair scams and unscrupulous practices rampant in the profession.For more information visit our Home Page. Look to the right for additional resources.