Annual credit report review
This Tip was first run in March 2007. This "encore tip" is an annual reminder to check your credit report. This is your annual reminder to request your credit report. Under the Fair and Accurate Credit...
View ArticleWhat to do when you lose your wallet
My brother-in-law had his wallet stolen over the weekend. In the interest of learning from the misfortunes of others, here are some things to think about. Never, never, never carry your Social Security...
View ArticleCredit freeze – defined
Most states have passed "credit freeze" laws, allowing individual consumers to lock their credit reports and, in theory, reducing their vulnerability to identity theft. While the credit freeze is in...
View ArticleSafe vacationing (encore tip)
It’s hard to believe that it’s almost Memorial Day and that people will start leaving for summer vacations soon. Please take appropriate precautions both before you leave and while you’re on your...
View ArticleYou just received a Breach Disclosure Letter. Now what?
You just received a breach disclosure letter. Their systems were "compromised". Now what? Do you call the police, close all your bank accounts and change your credit card numbers, file the letter and...
View ArticleOnGuard Online
As the holidays get closer, many of us will turn to online shopping. Done right, online shopping is about as safe as catalog shopping – and much more convenient. If you don’t take basic precautions,...
View ArticlePhone scam targets insurance policyholders
The Ohio Department of Insurance has confirmed an on-going scam targeting insurance policyholders. According to the ODI, the scam is currently targeted primarily at auto policies. In this scam, the...
View ArticleProtect your physical mail
Studies continue to show that most identity theft is committed using paper-based information. And while much of that is based on papers stolen from your kitchen counter (usually by someone you know...
View ArticleDebit cards return to their roots
In the past few days, both Bank of America and CitiCorp have announced that they are doing away with overdraft fees for debit cards. No longer will you be charged $35 in penalties for a $2 cup of...
View ArticleAnother “biggest” data theft
3.3 million identities stolen – this time from the Educational Credit Management Corp, the folks who guarantee many federal student loans. Names, addresses, Social Security numbers and other personal...
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