Credit Freezes Help Prevent Identity Theft

The security breach at consumer credit reporting firm Equifax impacted an estimated 147 million people. Were you one of them, The potentially compromised personal information included social security numbers, birth dates, driver license details, email addresses and phone numbers, among other things. Credit freezes help prevent identity theft since most businesses will not open credit accounts without first checking a consumer’s credit file. For a small fee you can temporarily lift or remove a freeze for any creditor you specify. Check for unusual activity or fraudulent accounts opened in your name.

Even a single unfavorable clause in the agreement can affect the borrower credit status. He must understand each cost involve in the loan. And, the person must prefer a loan deal which is cheaper till the last repayment. Shopping around is the best way to ensure the best deal. And before availing, it is also recommended to consult with the credit advisor. He will evaluate credit situation and he will suggest you the mode which has a perfect match with your needs.

People get into financial difficulties for many reasons. If you find yourself in debt, there is help available. If you cannot meet your financial commitments, contact the creditor (the business or person you owe money to) as soon as possible to discuss a repayment plan. When negotiating a repayment plan, be realistic about what you can pay, taking into account your other financial commitments.

Be honest with the creditor or debt collector about your situation. Prepare and stick to a budget to avoid debts building up and taking you by surprise. Keep copies of bills, payment receipts or receipt numbers, any letters you send or receive, and notes of any conversations you have with the creditor. The hotline is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. A free and independent financial counselling service may be able to help you if you are having trouble paying your debts or managing your budget.

Free financial counselling services are available in every state and territory - find out more on ASIC’s MoneySmart website. If you’re threatened with legal action, get advice about your options as soon as possible. Free legal aid and community legal services are available in every state and territory. Your credit report has information about your credit history and is used by credit providers to work out whether you can afford a loan.

You should check your report to confirm the information is accurate and fix any mistakes. For more information on credit reports, including where to obtain a copy of your report and how to make sure it is accurate, visit the ASIC MoneySmart website. A debt consolidator can provide services to help people struggling with debt. However they will charge a fee, either up front or as a commission on a new loan.

Be cautious and find out what services you’re getting from such a business and how much it will cost you. You may be able to get the same services from a financial counsellor for free. For some people in debt crisis, bankruptcy or a Bankruptcy Act agreement may be an option, although this has serious consequences. If you are thinking about filing for bankruptcy, it’s very important that you get advice from a free and independent financial counsellor or a qualified financial adviser. You can also get information on personal bankruptcy from Australian Financial Security Authority.

Your credit score is one of the most important factors of your financial life. Banks use it to decide whether to give you a credit card or loan. Some service providers use it to determine whether you should pay a security deposit. Car insurance providers consider your credit score when setting your insurance rate. While it's important to know what things help you build a good credit score, you also have to know those things that could hurt your credit score. If you avoid doing the following fifteen things, it will help ensure a good credit score.

York-Poquoson deputies say they need the public's help to identify two suspects who they say used a stolen credit card at two locations. York-Poquoson deputies say they need the public's help to identify two suspects who they say used a stolen credit card at two locations. YORKTOWN, Va. (WAVY) -- York-Poquoson deputies say they need the public's help to identify two suspects who used a stolen credit card at two locations.

Both a male and a female suspect were caught on camera at a 7-Eleven located at First. St. and Hampton Highway in Yorktown. A surveillance photo also shows the car the two drove to and from the store. Deputies say the two also purchased items at a Walmart in Hampton. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Distance Learning or ‘Home Study has come a long way since Isaac Pitman taught shorthand via correspondence courses in the 1840s. However the huge benefits of studying from home, or from the workplace, remain the same. First of all, with a Distance Learning course you enjoy the freedom of being able to study in your own time and at your own pace.

Thats because Distance Learning courses are carefully designed to fit in with your life. Whether you wish to improve your life, increase your job prospects or simply study a hobby that you are interested in, more and more people are choosing to study from home as it fits in comfortably with their lifestyle.

Distance Education courses available for home study can include anything from Airline Training to Art Studies, Book-keeping to Business & Management, Counseling to Child Care and Writing to Web Design. You will find courses on things like Wedding Planning and Event Management, Nail Technician, Animal Care and Behaviour…even courses such as Diet & Exercise, Forensic Science and How to Start Your Own Business.