theft

Applying for Online Loans

by Pamela M

 Online LoansEveryone needs extra cash from time to time. There are even times when things feel desperate. Applying for online loans might seem like a good idea – a quick fix – but they are often a source of trouble. Loans are offered by everyone from legitimate banks to credit cards to cash advance services. Due diligence and giving out the right information may save you from theft, fraud, or worse.

Red Flags

Red flags can be obvious, but may not be recognized by uneducated consumers. Before applying for a loan, check out the company thoroughly to make sure it’s legitimate. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to start. Research reviews from former and current customers. Check scam websites.

Seven Signs:

  1. The lender doesn’t request credit history. The first thing a reliable lender should ask for is your credit history. Real lenders want to know they are making a calculated risk. Before applying, you should have your credit history in front of you. Credit history is issued through three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. If you aren’t required to give your credit history, it’s a scam. They are interested in collecting high fees from late payments.
  2. The lender isn’t registered. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires registration for all lenders and loan brokers in the state(s) they conduct business. Verify the lender is legally permitted to process your loan.
  3. The lender requires a prepaid debit card. Some sites will require a prepaid card as collateral or insurance. Prepaid cards are untraceable and nonrefundable, so the scammers keep the money free and clear.
  4. The lender approaches you. Legitimate lenders advertise, but you should be suspicious of one that calls or shows up at your door. If you receive such a call do a free phone trace on iPhone to verify the number of the caller.
  5. Their website isn’t secure. If your antivirus or firewall software doesn’t catch it, you can tell a website is secure if it features a padlock symbol next to the URL. Also, a secure site will have an address with https://www… Instead of the typical http://www.
  6. The lender has no address. All banks and loan brokers have a physical address. Use Google Maps to pinpoint their location.
  7. The lender wants immediate action. Don’t give in to limited time offers, even if the lender promises to send the money the next day.

Reporting a Fraud

If you suspect you have been the victim of a fraud or identity theft due to an online loan offer, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Avoiding Identity Theft

by Pamela M

Avoiding identity theft is becoming more difficult every day. Thieves target much more than credit cards these days; they may steal social security numbers, driver’s licenses, passports, green cards, visas, addresses, tax returns, phone numbers, and more. It might seem nearly impossible to avoid identity theft altogether, but there are some measures you can take to protect yourself from crime.

Watch out for online scams

Guard Your Phone

Most of us have become thoroughly attached to our phones. So much so that the majority of our personal information is stored inside. While it is certainly convenient, it can also be a nightmare if your phone is lost or stolen. To protect yourself and your information, password protect your phone with a code, fingerprint or facial recognition software. There are a plethora of apps on the market that will help you to block calls on your iPhone and potential thieves. Additionally, store the information in a place an identity thief may not think to look such as a document titled, “family recipes” or “medication schedule.”

Password Protection

Most websites offer password protection, often including several layers of security. Features may include multiple secret questions, pin numbers, or secondary verification through email or text. While those are helpful features, they won’t prevent an identity thief from pulling that information from your computer if it’s not protected as well.

Identity Theft Monitors

As identity theft grows, so do the number of companies that offer protection. Information can be obtained in many ways, including a breach of credit bureaus, credit card or utility companies. You may not know for months if your information has been stolen. While companies typically assist in fixing the problem, it can take years to get things back to normal.

If you’re going to invest in a monitoring company, do your research to find the one that best fits your needs.

Limit Card Use

Using a card instead of cash has its benefits. It eliminates the need to carry cash or checks and, in some cases, it’s much faster to get service. It is also easy to track expenses. However, thieves are always developing new ways to steal your information and use it for gain. Try to limit your card use when shopping in grocery stores and gas stations where it’s easy for someone to peer over your shoulder and get your information. They often employ tools like gadgets that can swipe your info at gas pumps or as you pass by, completely unaware of what is happening. You can also get theft prevention wallets that will block electronic scanning of your cards.

Shred Documents

It might seem simple but shredding your documents is an effective way to deter theft. You might reserve the shredder for financial documents when, in fact, identity theft can occur with less sensitive items such as phone bills, magazine labels, and junk mail. If something has your name and address on it, be safe and shred the item. If you have a large amount of material, use a commercial shredding company or burn it.