Comparing Related Financial Services - In addition to the credit card company advertisers listed below, Debtconsolidationloan.com offers a wide variety of consumer finance program listings to assist you with controlling your debts and other money management needs. Consolidate credit card bills with debt consolidation loans or use a credit counseling service for help with your getting your monthly budget under control.
- Debt Settlement Help - Too much debt? List of companies providing this alternative to bankruptcy that provides for debt negotiation and arbitration services for those that need to eliminate debt.
- Debt Management Services - Do you feel that your credit card bills are stacking up with nowhere for you to turn? Your problem is not unique. Signing up with debt management firm may be the right solution to your debt problems. Review different firms offering these services to determine if this is the correct option for you.
- Personal Loan Rates - Need a smaller loan? Personal loan financing is most often unsecured. Meaning... your home or personal property is not used as collateral and the loan decision will typically be based upon your credit history and your ability to make the necessary payments. Also, this is often referred to as a signature loan.
For Any Age or Stage:
Practical Advice for Everyone on How to Save and Manage Money
Protect against fraud. Here are basic precautions against identity theft, check fraud and other financial scams:
- Be wary of requests to "update" or "confirm" personal information — especially your Social Security number, bank account numbers, credit card numbers (including security codes), personal identification numbers (PINs), your date of birth or your mother's maiden name — in response to an advertisement or an unsolicited call, letter or e-mail. Your bank won't call or e-mail you to confirm account numbers or passwords it already has.
- If you want to find out if a company is legitimate, look it up using a reliable source. Don't rely on the contact information that was provided to you on a Web site or in an unsolicited call or e-mail. For information about banks, you can use Bank Find, the FDIC's online directory of insured banking institutions, at http://www2.fdic.gov/idasp/main_bankfind.asp. Or, call the FDIC's toll-free consumer assistance line at 1-877-ASK-FDIC, which is 1-877-275-3342.
- Assume that any offer that "sounds too good to be true" — especially one from a stranger or an unfamiliar company — is probably a fraud. Example: You receive a call or letter announcing you've won a lottery or other prize you don't remember signing up for, and you are told to pay "taxes" or "fees" before you can claim your (nonexistent) prize.
- Beware of transactions in which another party sends you a check for more than you are due and then asks you to wire back the difference. "If the check is fraudulent, you could lose a lot of money," said Michael Benardo, manager of the FDIC's financial crimes section.
- Look at your bank statements and credit card bills as soon as they arrive and report any discrepancy or anything suspicious, such as an unauthorized withdrawal or charge.
- Keep bank and credit card statements, tax returns, credit and debit cards and blank checks out of sight, even at home. Also shred sensitive documents before discarding them. Why? Because dishonest relatives, neighbors, workers around the house and other people could use these items to commit identity theft or other crimes.
- Periodically review your credit reports to make sure an identity thief hasn't obtained a credit card or loan in your name. Experts suggest that, to maximize your protection, you request copies from all three credit bureaus but spread out the requests during the course of the year.
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Last updated on 05/13/2008