Additional Tips to Protect Yourself from Fraud.
Thieves are constantly exploring new and inventive methods for defrauding consumers. To minimize your chances of being targeted, you might want to consider following these basic guidelines:
- If you want to apply for a payment card, work directly with a financial institution. There's no reason to pay a third party. If you have problems with your credit history, many issuers offer secure cards where the credit limit is equal to a customer deposit.
- No one can magically erase a bad credit report. Legitimate negative information can stay on your report for up to seven years so beware offers that promise to erase your history.
- Scam Operators depend on the embarrassment and the silence of victims to stay in business. If you are the victim of a scam—or think someone has tried scamming you—take action.
- Report any suspicious activity involving unsolicited requests for your payment card information to the office of your state's Attorneys General. You can find the local office in the 'blue pages' of your phone book or by going online to the National Association of Attorneys General.
- Older family members or friends can sometimes be more vulnerable to scams. Help protect them against fraud and help them to report any fraudulent activity.
- Visit the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Web site to learn more about protecting yourself from scams. To stay up to date on the latest schemes and scams, visit the National Fraud Information Center Web site.
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