Beware of scrooges as you head out to do your holiday shopping in the coming weeks. They want to steal more than your good cheer. They want to steal your money, credit card information, and even your identity. As the lines at the mall pile up with people looking to cash in on deals, there will undoubtedly be some people out there looking to cash in on your naivety.
With the increase in people, merchandise, and blindingly good deals you may become distracted and let your guard down. Don't. Be aware. I recently read an article titled "Low Prices, High Identity Theft on Black Friday" that listed some steps you can take to protect yourself.
When headed to the storefront:
* Take only what you'll need - Avoid carrying all of your credit cards or personal identification. Never carry your social security card.
* Watch for shoulder surfers- Thieves are sneaky and quick. It only takes a second for them to copy down your credit card information, and some even take pictures with their cell phones.
* Write "Check Photo ID" on your credit card - In case your card is stolen, this can prevent thieves from using your card in stores.
And don't think you are completely safe if you plan to shop online. Also in the article on identity theft they stated that "This year, the National Retail Federation estimates that nearly half of consumers will shop online with more than 61 million shopping while at work. This leads to the potential that your personal information could be spread to more than one computer."
Some tips to help you protect yourself from cyber predators include:
* Make highly secure passwords - Make sure passwords use letters, numbers, and other characters.
* Never email personal information - This should be self explanatory...email is not guaranteed to be secure.
* Beware of unsolicited emails - If you get unsolicited emails from an online merchant, don't click on any links; use search engines or go directly to the site.
So the moral of this post is not to discourage anyone from shopping. In fact with the current state of our economy I don't think anyone would encourage you to not spend money. But just be aware. Being educated about the ways in which identity theft occurs is the first step to making sure you are not a victim. Also if you are a merchant it helps to stay up to date on the latest scams and tactics so you can protect your customers as well as your business.
~Douglas J. Mack, President
For information on the payments industry visit http://www.wemsk.com
Payex is The Payment Solutions Expert offering credit card processing, gift and loyalty cards, check protection, e-commerce, pre-paid and merchant funding solutions. Give us a call at 888-PAYEX4U today and let us see if we can lower you processing cost absolutely free!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Remove Collections From Your Credit Report
You must dispute a collection to remove it from your credit report. A dispute needs to be filed directly with the credit bureaus. A dispute letter must be sent to each bureau. In your letter you have to identify the mark you are challenging and explain why it is inaccurate and should be erased from your report.
Upon receipt of your letter the bureaus will conduct an investigation into the item. If the challenged item is verified then a credit repair service can be very helpful. This service will be able to use advanced techniques such as; escalated dispute information requests, debt validation, and creditor direct intervention.
What is a collection?
Your account will go into this after 6 months or more of delinquency. It is a lenders last resort to recover payment. Most lenders have some form of in house service. However many also will use an outside agency and/or sell your debt. These agencies will either work with lenders or purchase your debt outright. An agency is often brought in to collect on delinquent accounts and they are paid a percentage of every dollar recovered.
Be aware that if you just pay, the item will still remain on your credit report. It will change the status of the mark but it will not be removed from your report. Future lenders will still see the mark as a derogatory item even when paid. In sum you can remove collections from your credit report. You do not have to live with bad credit items for 7 years.
For more about how to remove a credit card debt collection from your credit report or to see how you can remove NCO Financial, a common collection agency, visit us.
Upon receipt of your letter the bureaus will conduct an investigation into the item. If the challenged item is verified then a credit repair service can be very helpful. This service will be able to use advanced techniques such as; escalated dispute information requests, debt validation, and creditor direct intervention.
What is a collection?
Your account will go into this after 6 months or more of delinquency. It is a lenders last resort to recover payment. Most lenders have some form of in house service. However many also will use an outside agency and/or sell your debt. These agencies will either work with lenders or purchase your debt outright. An agency is often brought in to collect on delinquent accounts and they are paid a percentage of every dollar recovered.
Be aware that if you just pay, the item will still remain on your credit report. It will change the status of the mark but it will not be removed from your report. Future lenders will still see the mark as a derogatory item even when paid. In sum you can remove collections from your credit report. You do not have to live with bad credit items for 7 years.
For more about how to remove a credit card debt collection from your credit report or to see how you can remove NCO Financial, a common collection agency, visit us.
Increasing Credit Scores Part 10 - Key Credit Repair Weapon Revealed
You probably have the experience of missing a few credit payments. And lenders often automatically include a fee charge for non payment, this being the admin fees for your default account which will eventually require more follow through effort from the lender. In addition, your lender will include interest charges on the outstanding amounts as well. This is penalty for not paying your bills on time thereby incurring a certain amount of interest. To compound this scenario, worst of all you have created a ding on your credit, and hence a bad record in your credit report. If you ignore this outstanding balance and let it accumulate, expect to see your credit score reduce significantly.
Getting that Waiver is not the issue. Ego is.
You have a sure win choice. But you may not use it due to your ego. You could in actuality reduce or remove those late fee charges and additional interest charges in most cases. Call up the lender or your banker, and you probably will be waived of the charges. Lenders want to get paid, and if they believe that you will pay your bill more quickly by waiving the late fee and interest charges, they will more often than not remove the fee in exchange for prompt payment.
Face Up The Embarrassment And Salvage Your Credit Report Score.
The issue here is not how to get the charges waived, but more so on how you work around that huge ego of yours and rationalize between saving face and money. For some people, even the thought of asking for waiver over the phone is beyond them. This is also one key reason why some people choose to enlist the assistance of credit repair companies instead as getting a third party to help smooth out the embarrassment of asking lenders for grace periods, chargers waivers, negotiations are much easier than doing it themselves. Obtaining waivers on behalf of clients is the credit repair company top weapon as the first step in their repair service.
You Gain More Financially.
The greatest benefits of overcoming the embarrassment and doing the above yourself are that you are more committed to pay your bills in future, more soul searching and finally you do not incur any additional charges from credit repair companies. The best kept secrets in the credit Repair industry is that getting waivers for fee charges is the first and key services that they perform on behalf of clients. So imagine the amount you could have saved, your credit repair company service fee not to mention the late fee and interest charges if you could do it yourself, and at no cost too.
Joey Lee is a CFP and MBA with 17 years of banking, financial, business & marketing experience and a Platinum Ezine Author. Learn authentic Credit Repair skills and comprehensive information on Credit Repair Tips, credit reports, credit scores at CreditRepairSkills.org
Getting that Waiver is not the issue. Ego is.
You have a sure win choice. But you may not use it due to your ego. You could in actuality reduce or remove those late fee charges and additional interest charges in most cases. Call up the lender or your banker, and you probably will be waived of the charges. Lenders want to get paid, and if they believe that you will pay your bill more quickly by waiving the late fee and interest charges, they will more often than not remove the fee in exchange for prompt payment.
Face Up The Embarrassment And Salvage Your Credit Report Score.
The issue here is not how to get the charges waived, but more so on how you work around that huge ego of yours and rationalize between saving face and money. For some people, even the thought of asking for waiver over the phone is beyond them. This is also one key reason why some people choose to enlist the assistance of credit repair companies instead as getting a third party to help smooth out the embarrassment of asking lenders for grace periods, chargers waivers, negotiations are much easier than doing it themselves. Obtaining waivers on behalf of clients is the credit repair company top weapon as the first step in their repair service.
You Gain More Financially.
The greatest benefits of overcoming the embarrassment and doing the above yourself are that you are more committed to pay your bills in future, more soul searching and finally you do not incur any additional charges from credit repair companies. The best kept secrets in the credit Repair industry is that getting waivers for fee charges is the first and key services that they perform on behalf of clients. So imagine the amount you could have saved, your credit repair company service fee not to mention the late fee and interest charges if you could do it yourself, and at no cost too.
Joey Lee is a CFP and MBA with 17 years of banking, financial, business & marketing experience and a Platinum Ezine Author. Learn authentic Credit Repair skills and comprehensive information on Credit Repair Tips, credit reports, credit scores at CreditRepairSkills.org
Use Your Credit Cards to Cash in on Holiday Bargains
Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? Probably not. If you are like most people you are still formulating the list of items you want to buy and trying to figure out just what you can afford this holiday season. While you may not have thought of it yet, your credit cards may be able to help you out in making some of your purchases a little more affordable.
Seasonal Discounts
The first thing you should do is look at that last credit card statement that came in. In addition to your bill and list of charges you made, there likely is also some seasonal advertising on that statement. You see, credit card companies work with stores to offer special discounts and deals to their customers when they use their credit card. If you don't pay attention to those deals, you may miss out.
Cash Back Rewards Credit Cards
Do you have a cash back rewards credit card? These are a great way to get a little something back for the holiday shopping you need to do. Depending on where you use the card you can get anywhere from a penny to a nickel back for every dollar you spend. All those pennies and nickels add up quickly and will soon be a nice check back in your hand.
Shopping Rewards Credit Cards
Shopping rewards credit cards are usually from a particular store that you like and have purchased a lot from in the past. Have you paid attention to any of the perks of this card? From discounts on your purchases to rebates on the items you buy this season, you may be able to save a lot by using the cards you have for the stores you love.
Travel Rewards Credit Cards
If you like to see the world, or just would like to see another area of the country, you may want to put your holiday spending on your travel rewards credit cards. This time of year the points can add up quickly and before you know it, you will be able to cash in on a trip to somewhere.
If you don't have any of these types of credit cards to enjoy the perks from, maybe it's time you did. Do a little comparison-shopping and find the best credit cards that will offer you perks you can use.
Steve Sikes is an MBA and writes articles on credit cards and other financial products. To read other articles and compare and apply online for top credit card offers for low interest, balance transfers, rewards, cash back , business, airline miles, you will want to visit http://www.CreditCardWave.com
Seasonal Discounts
The first thing you should do is look at that last credit card statement that came in. In addition to your bill and list of charges you made, there likely is also some seasonal advertising on that statement. You see, credit card companies work with stores to offer special discounts and deals to their customers when they use their credit card. If you don't pay attention to those deals, you may miss out.
Cash Back Rewards Credit Cards
Do you have a cash back rewards credit card? These are a great way to get a little something back for the holiday shopping you need to do. Depending on where you use the card you can get anywhere from a penny to a nickel back for every dollar you spend. All those pennies and nickels add up quickly and will soon be a nice check back in your hand.
Shopping Rewards Credit Cards
Shopping rewards credit cards are usually from a particular store that you like and have purchased a lot from in the past. Have you paid attention to any of the perks of this card? From discounts on your purchases to rebates on the items you buy this season, you may be able to save a lot by using the cards you have for the stores you love.
Travel Rewards Credit Cards
If you like to see the world, or just would like to see another area of the country, you may want to put your holiday spending on your travel rewards credit cards. This time of year the points can add up quickly and before you know it, you will be able to cash in on a trip to somewhere.
If you don't have any of these types of credit cards to enjoy the perks from, maybe it's time you did. Do a little comparison-shopping and find the best credit cards that will offer you perks you can use.
Steve Sikes is an MBA and writes articles on credit cards and other financial products. To read other articles and compare and apply online for top credit card offers for low interest, balance transfers, rewards, cash back , business, airline miles, you will want to visit http://www.CreditCardWave.com
Using Credit Cards to Get More Out of Black Friday Sales
For many people, Black Friday shopping is a ritual. They start on Thanksgiving by getting the circulars that are advertising the sales that will be offered Friday morning. Many people then set up a plan to camp out at those stores, sometimes in freezing temperatures, so they can be the first in line when it comes time to shop and get the limited specials.
There is a better, and warmer way to get in on great holiday sales. Use your credit cards.
Learn What Your Credit Card Offers
Many credit card companies have seasonal specials of their own hoping you will make your holiday purchases on their cards. Take a little time out today to log on to your credit card company website and look for any of the specials they are advertising. You may find a list of stores they are working with to offer something a little extra on your Black Friday shopping. Perhaps they will offer double or triple points or cash back for the purchases you make with your card through select stores.
Find the Black Friday Deals
Next you need to do a little research to find out what Black Friday deals are out there for you to take advantage of. Make a list of the ones that you are most interested in. Now see if any of those stores are also companies that your credit card company is offering a special savings with. This way you can double or triple up on rewards when it's time to buy.
Start Shopping
One thing you need to remember when it comes to Black Friday sales is that they start at the crack of early. Generally they begin at 12:01 A.M. on Friday morning, so you need to stay up late (or get up real early) to make sure you can get in on the online deals before they are sold out.
Cyber Monday
Just in case you don't get all the shopping you had hoped to done on Black Friday, there is also Cyber Monday shopping. The Monday after Black Friday has become the biggest day for Internet sales of the year and many companies will be offering special sales this day as well.
Steve Sikes is an MBA and writes articles on credit cards and other financial products. To read other articles and compare and apply online for top credit card offers for low interest, balance transfers, rewards, cash back , business, airline miles, you will want to visit http://www.CreditCardWave.com
There is a better, and warmer way to get in on great holiday sales. Use your credit cards.
Learn What Your Credit Card Offers
Many credit card companies have seasonal specials of their own hoping you will make your holiday purchases on their cards. Take a little time out today to log on to your credit card company website and look for any of the specials they are advertising. You may find a list of stores they are working with to offer something a little extra on your Black Friday shopping. Perhaps they will offer double or triple points or cash back for the purchases you make with your card through select stores.
Find the Black Friday Deals
Next you need to do a little research to find out what Black Friday deals are out there for you to take advantage of. Make a list of the ones that you are most interested in. Now see if any of those stores are also companies that your credit card company is offering a special savings with. This way you can double or triple up on rewards when it's time to buy.
Start Shopping
One thing you need to remember when it comes to Black Friday sales is that they start at the crack of early. Generally they begin at 12:01 A.M. on Friday morning, so you need to stay up late (or get up real early) to make sure you can get in on the online deals before they are sold out.
Cyber Monday
Just in case you don't get all the shopping you had hoped to done on Black Friday, there is also Cyber Monday shopping. The Monday after Black Friday has become the biggest day for Internet sales of the year and many companies will be offering special sales this day as well.
Steve Sikes is an MBA and writes articles on credit cards and other financial products. To read other articles and compare and apply online for top credit card offers for low interest, balance transfers, rewards, cash back , business, airline miles, you will want to visit http://www.CreditCardWave.com
The Call to Debt Counseling Help is All on You
If through the financial shadows (that you casted yourself thanks to haphazard habits) you find yourself dwelling and drifting without any glimmer of hope, know that all it takes to cease your lost status is a simple howl, a mere call for help. "And to who am I howling at," you may be asking? Well, it's to those who can howl back, find your location and save you from further financial turmoil - none other than debt and credit counselors. And as a pack of financial servicing individuals who are more than willing to provide their hand and lead you out of debt, you can rest assured that you're in the right hands here.
Within their reach is the ability to not only heal you, but also prepare you. What does this imply? Simply, your financial wounds will be assessed and mended accordingly. And, additionally, you will actually be informed of what it takes to be financially responsible and grounded.
What Can Debt Counseling Help Do For You?
In all honestly, quite a bit. Debt counseling assists in more ways than you'd probably think or hope. Not only does debt counseling aid you in getting out of debt, but it also helps you to figure out what actually placed you into debt in the first place. Subsequently, this will allow you to reduce your self-inflicted chances of getting in over your head once again. What's even better here is that some debt counseling professionals will speak with your creditors as to engineer and/or renegotiate current interest rates on your various debt or credit card balances.
To your benefit, and if spoken to with enough astute financial grace, you can easily gain waived penalties for all of those late payments that have caused your balances to significantly balloon, almost to the point of bursting.
Continuing Debt Counseling Abilities For You
Another major perk that comes along with calling out for debt counseling help is the time it will take. Basically, you get the best deal as far as how long it takes to rid yourself of debt is concerned. Instead of organizing and clearing the debt yourself (which could easily take more time than what you have to give) you can allow debt counseling hands to help and direct you to quickest, most efficient way possible to end your debt dilemma.
Consider especially the way in which you've been paying off your debt - all through mere minimum payments. As you can find out through a debt counseling service, this is not the way to go about clearing your debt slate clean. If anything, it's the worst and most inefficient idea possible. What you need to do is consider that if you have been paying debt this way and were planning to continue with this method, what you'd have is stagnant debt. This implies that it would take far too long, upwards of 20 some years, to pay off a good sized balance; not even the principal of the loan would be chipped away at or reduced.
The Choice Is All On You
Clearly, the wise choice would be to take up the option of debt counseling. As it is, all it takes is a call, a yell to let these services know that you are in need and debt's shadow is hovering over, above and behind you. To not pick debt counseling would be a poor choice. Ponder with financial healing in mind here. Think of getting help to fix you up now, but also to correct your ill financial ways with permanence in mind, instilling sound financial plans for you to harbor and use the rest of your life.
So, don't hesitate. Howl out loud and call for assistance, for debt counseling help is all around and ready to lend a helping hand or two; what do you have to lose other than your debt?
Within their reach is the ability to not only heal you, but also prepare you. What does this imply? Simply, your financial wounds will be assessed and mended accordingly. And, additionally, you will actually be informed of what it takes to be financially responsible and grounded.
What Can Debt Counseling Help Do For You?
In all honestly, quite a bit. Debt counseling assists in more ways than you'd probably think or hope. Not only does debt counseling aid you in getting out of debt, but it also helps you to figure out what actually placed you into debt in the first place. Subsequently, this will allow you to reduce your self-inflicted chances of getting in over your head once again. What's even better here is that some debt counseling professionals will speak with your creditors as to engineer and/or renegotiate current interest rates on your various debt or credit card balances.
To your benefit, and if spoken to with enough astute financial grace, you can easily gain waived penalties for all of those late payments that have caused your balances to significantly balloon, almost to the point of bursting.
Continuing Debt Counseling Abilities For You
Another major perk that comes along with calling out for debt counseling help is the time it will take. Basically, you get the best deal as far as how long it takes to rid yourself of debt is concerned. Instead of organizing and clearing the debt yourself (which could easily take more time than what you have to give) you can allow debt counseling hands to help and direct you to quickest, most efficient way possible to end your debt dilemma.
Consider especially the way in which you've been paying off your debt - all through mere minimum payments. As you can find out through a debt counseling service, this is not the way to go about clearing your debt slate clean. If anything, it's the worst and most inefficient idea possible. What you need to do is consider that if you have been paying debt this way and were planning to continue with this method, what you'd have is stagnant debt. This implies that it would take far too long, upwards of 20 some years, to pay off a good sized balance; not even the principal of the loan would be chipped away at or reduced.
The Choice Is All On You
Clearly, the wise choice would be to take up the option of debt counseling. As it is, all it takes is a call, a yell to let these services know that you are in need and debt's shadow is hovering over, above and behind you. To not pick debt counseling would be a poor choice. Ponder with financial healing in mind here. Think of getting help to fix you up now, but also to correct your ill financial ways with permanence in mind, instilling sound financial plans for you to harbor and use the rest of your life.
So, don't hesitate. Howl out loud and call for assistance, for debt counseling help is all around and ready to lend a helping hand or two; what do you have to lose other than your debt?
Debt Settlement Warnings - For Those in a Bind
If you're in a highly shaky financial position and debt has become something that's been put off more than dealt with face to face then it's likely you're in a serious bind. The financial shackles have you and because of this you've been unable to pay your bills and credit card balances on time, if at all. Yet, this is something that needs to be addressed and corrected as soon as possible. For letting this continue where shackles could easily constrict you to the point of having to file for bankruptcy would be one of the worst cases to financially be in.
Yet, you can unlock yourself from the bind and shackles you've placed yourself in. And one way to do this, as you've discovered already, is the choice of debt settlement. It is one of the finest options before having to file for bankruptcy and it's used by many individuals and couples in a bind.
Help With Debt Settlement?
There is undeniably much help found with the service of debt settlement. Yet, there are also some serious problems attached with this service, especially the companies who offer them. Sure, it would be ideal to have a helping hand when it comes to getting yourself settled with your debt, but take heed before seeking that outstretched hand. The price that you'd pay for reaching too quickly will be hefty and worthy of regret.
Take To Mind The Fees Involved
If you're curious as to how much you will pay for debt settlement services then start looking and asking now. The sad truth is that most companies will never actually give you a straightforward answer. Why is this the case? Easily enough, the fees of the industry are constantly altered and, as such, can change literally in a heart beat's notice. Charges for fees can be placed before you in two ways: either through a percentage of the total debt that is paid before you actually start to accumulate savings or through a percentage of the debt savings upon settling (also factoring in sign-up and monthly service charges). Another less often used charging approach is through a flat monthly fee that lasts the span of the program.
And what's even worse is that the debt settlement industry itself questions the challenge in outlining payments and fees that are set in stone.
Considering The Prospect of Unreliability
With the financial structure that could easily be improved and better blueprinted, realize that there is some unreliability to consider. Even beyond the aspects involving servicing fees and charges, the prospect of unreliability comes in the form of questionable services overall. A negotiation of debt is what's supposed to take place, yet what most don't know is that many unscrupulous companies do is withdraw from the escrow account that you are saving money in.
In reality, there is no settling that takes from the get go at all. Additionally to your detriment, the promise of debt settlement company X taking calls from collections agencies can easily cause you harm and lead you directly toward legal complications. This is so thanks to creditors typically escalating accounts once they're aware their client has hired a debt settlement company.
With all the setbacks that can easily come with debt settlement services, just be sure it's your last, best option before bankruptcy. If you must, be dead set on finding a credible and accredited company to lend you their helping hands.
Yet, you can unlock yourself from the bind and shackles you've placed yourself in. And one way to do this, as you've discovered already, is the choice of debt settlement. It is one of the finest options before having to file for bankruptcy and it's used by many individuals and couples in a bind.
Help With Debt Settlement?
There is undeniably much help found with the service of debt settlement. Yet, there are also some serious problems attached with this service, especially the companies who offer them. Sure, it would be ideal to have a helping hand when it comes to getting yourself settled with your debt, but take heed before seeking that outstretched hand. The price that you'd pay for reaching too quickly will be hefty and worthy of regret.
Take To Mind The Fees Involved
If you're curious as to how much you will pay for debt settlement services then start looking and asking now. The sad truth is that most companies will never actually give you a straightforward answer. Why is this the case? Easily enough, the fees of the industry are constantly altered and, as such, can change literally in a heart beat's notice. Charges for fees can be placed before you in two ways: either through a percentage of the total debt that is paid before you actually start to accumulate savings or through a percentage of the debt savings upon settling (also factoring in sign-up and monthly service charges). Another less often used charging approach is through a flat monthly fee that lasts the span of the program.
And what's even worse is that the debt settlement industry itself questions the challenge in outlining payments and fees that are set in stone.
Considering The Prospect of Unreliability
With the financial structure that could easily be improved and better blueprinted, realize that there is some unreliability to consider. Even beyond the aspects involving servicing fees and charges, the prospect of unreliability comes in the form of questionable services overall. A negotiation of debt is what's supposed to take place, yet what most don't know is that many unscrupulous companies do is withdraw from the escrow account that you are saving money in.
In reality, there is no settling that takes from the get go at all. Additionally to your detriment, the promise of debt settlement company X taking calls from collections agencies can easily cause you harm and lead you directly toward legal complications. This is so thanks to creditors typically escalating accounts once they're aware their client has hired a debt settlement company.
With all the setbacks that can easily come with debt settlement services, just be sure it's your last, best option before bankruptcy. If you must, be dead set on finding a credible and accredited company to lend you their helping hands.
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