Buying a new vehicle is an exciting experience, but sometimes things don’t go as smoothly as you hope. Your dream car might turn into a nightmare if it repeatedly has defects that won’t go away. Fortunately, California has consumer protection laws in place known as “Lemon Laws” to safeguard your rights when you purchase a […]
Understanding California’s Lemon Law: What You Need to Know Read More »
In our fast-paced world today, it’s become more critical than ever to stay alert and protect ourselves from those with ill intentions. One particularly sinister threat that has begun targeting our financial well-being is the Social Security scam. Imagine this: You receive a call, email, or text message from someone who claims to be from
Social Security Scams: How to Protect Yourself from Digital Deception Read More »
In today’s digital age, where our lives are intertwined with the internet, the threat of identity theft looms large. And the consequences of it can be devastating, ranging from financial loss to a tarnished reputation to criminal charges and more. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your identity and commits a crime while impersonating you.
Behind the Mask: Exploring Examples of Identity Theft Read More »
In today’s interconnected digital world, the power of technology has brought with it many new challenges. Among them is an increasingly sophisticated crime known as employment identity theft. While the term might not be familiar, its impact can be devastating. Employment identity theft occurs when someone impersonates you and applies for a job in your
Guarding Your Career: How to Prevent Employment Identity Theft Read More »
Gift cards are everywhere. We like them because they’re easy to use and don’t require any paperwork or other red tape to get started. Yet lurking in the shadows of this seemingly carefree purchase is a predator. The same gift cards that offer convenience are being exploited by scammers looking for easy ways to obtain
Never pay with a gift card. It’s always a scam! Read More »
Just when we got used to the term phishing and somewhat savvy about how to spot phishing scams, along come smishing and vishing. What is a wary consumer to do? In this post, we’re taking a look at all three scams. We hope to help you spot smishing, vishing, and phishing scams in advance so
Smishing, Vishing, and Phishing, Oh My! Read More »
You can check your credit for free by simply requesting a free copy of your credit report. Federal law entitles you to three free copies of your credit report every year. There are three major credit reporting agencies, and the law says each of them must provide you with one free credit report every year.
How to Check Your Credit for Free Read More »
A car title loan is a quick way to obtain cash when you need it. In a title loan transaction, you offer up your car as collateral and receive a short-term infusion of cash from a lender. No credit check is required. Typically, you only need to show an ID and proof of insurance. Car
Car Title Loans Can Trap Borrowers Read More »
You can find anything online today, from soup to nuts to certificates of deposit. But purchasing online can carry risk, especially when the purchase involves a financial product. It can be a risky endeavor because your identity and banking information are exposed when you invest, and you’re spending more money than you would on other
Fake Certificates of Deposit Being Sold Online Read More »
An IRS agent calls to say you owe back taxes and must pay them today. You can’t mail a check, they say, or arrange for any payment method other than an immediate one. A wire transfer or prepaid debit card would be acceptable. And if you can’t help them resolve the issue immediately, armed marshals
Watch Out for Criminals Posing as IRS Agents Read More »
