Want to protect yourself from fraud and financial troubles? Here are a few simple actions you can take in the next few minutes that could save you a lot of time, money and suffering down the road.
It's the latest scam: A con artist calls your phone posing as a tech from a big computer company, and claims to have detected a virus on your computer. He (or she!) then asks for access to it in order to "help" you. Agree, and your troubles are just beginning.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau analyzed data from the three largest CRAs %u2013%u2013 Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion %u2013%u2013 over the last year. We pored over the 38-page report. Here are a few of the most staggering findings we came across.
It's not hard to get copies of your credit report: You can even get them free from the major credit-reporting agencies. But each one of us has more than one credit score, and the one you're given may be very different from the ones lenders and other businesses actually use.
Americans are getting more educated about credit scores, and younger people are the most well-versed of all. But that doesn't mean there aren't some gaps in their knowledge. So what should you do to keep on top of your credit? Here are a few free tips.
Credit scores affect many aspects of our lives -- more than you may think. Paying bills on time and staying well below your credit limits are sure-fire ways to build and maintain good credit. But there are some lesser-known strategies to boost your score as well.
You should always know what's in your credit report -- especially if you're planning any major purchases or intend to apply for a new job in the near future. But creditors and credit agencies aren't the only ones who can contribute to your report. You can have your say, too.
With identity theft on the rise, more consumers are actively seeking ways to protect themselves. New companies have sprung up to address their fears, but how well do they really work?
