Background checks have become faster and more affordable thanks to the rise of digital technology. More employers, educational institutions and landlords than ever before now require background checks before entering into an agreement with an individual. Even those...
Steps to take when debt collection becomes harassment
Debt repayment delays are normal and sometimes, creditors may take initiative and remind you to pay from time to time. However, there's a threshold beyond which a debt collection call can become harassment. Understanding how debt collection harassment happens is...
Can you keep a loved one from becoming a fraud victim after death?
The potential for identity theft doesn’t end when someone dies. In fact, a lot of people take advantage of a person’s death to steal their identity and commit fraud. This can happen within days after a person dies, when loved ones may be shocked, grieving and worrying...
Common types of identity theft
Identity theft occurs when someone obtains, without your knowledge or agreement, personally identifiable information about you, such as your date of birth, address or credit card numbers, with the intent to conduct fraud or other unlawful acts. Unfortunately, many...
How can you dispute errors on your credit report
The information included on your credit report may be inaccurate, Perhaps you got married and have changed your name, or the information of someone with a similar name as yours may be mixed with yours. Identity theft may also lead to a credit report error. So, what...
What should you know about vehicle repossessions?
Many people need a vehicle to get around, especially when public transport is lacking in their area. Unfortunately, buying one is expensive and usually requires taking out a vehicle loan. Most people enter a vehicle loan with the ability to make require payments;...
National Consumer Protection Week details common investment scams
The annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) has just ended. However, it’s critical to remember the information provided during that week throughout the year. No matter how savvy you may feel as a consumer, scammers are getting more and more creative. Now they...
Common errors people may find on their credit reports
A credit report affects many aspects of someone's life. Obviously, someone's credit score and history of recent credit use can affect their finances. An accurate and positive credit report can help someone qualify for a lower-cost mortgage or better terms when...
It’s easy to become a victim of zombie debt collectors
If you’re being inundated by debt collectors calling, texting, emailing and otherwise contacting you, you may not even realize that one or more of them is attempting to get payment on something called a “zombie debt.” Zombie debts include debts that have already been...
Efforts to ban AI-generated robocalls are evolving
Robocalls can be intensely annoying. They can also be highly effective at convincing people to part with their money. If they were not, the companies that use them simply would not bother initiating them. AI has exacerbated the problem, and – for better and for worse...