Identity theft - straightening out your credit in the aftermath

FBI statistics reveal that identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States, with about 1 in 5 families in the U. S. being a victim of identity theft. Identity theft is obtaining another person's personal information (e. g., name, social security number, credit card number, passport) without that person's knowledge and using that information fraudulently. For someone who discovers they are a victim of identity theft, it is important to act fast. Here are some immediate steps to take in order to stop further misuse and to restore your good credit:

1. Contact the fraud departments of any one of the 3 credit reporting companies to place a fraud alert on your credit report. When a fraud alert is placed on your credit reports, creditors will contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. You only need to contact one of the three companies to place an alert, and they are required to contact the other two, which will place an alert on their versions of your report, too. Once you place the fraud alert in your file, you're entitled to order free copies of your credit reports. When you receive them, check them over carefully for any new accounts that may have been opened without your authorization. Also be aware of any new inquiries by banks, lenders and credit card companies that you were not familiar with.

2. Report the crime to your local police or sheriff's department and request a police report.

3. Contact your creditors, banks, phone companies, and utility companies and have them freeze your accounts. Banks, credit card companies and other creditors may require a copy of your police report. You may be liable for a small sum of the fraudulent charges; check with each of your card issuers for their policies. Most creditors promptly issue replacement cards with new account numbers.

4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

5. Monitor all bank and credit card statements and other bills carefully to ensure there are no fraudulent charges. If you find fraudulent checks or withdrawals on your bank account, notify the fraud department of your bank in writing immediately.

Stop payment on any missing checks and/or close your existing account. You can also notify the check verification companies not to accept further checks under the account number that was stolen. To find out if the identity thief has been passing bad checks in your name, contact SCAN @ 1800-262-7771.

If unauthorized credit card charges appear, notify your credit card company in writing without delay.

6. If you believe the theft involved your social security number, contact the Social Security Administration. They may re-issue a lost or stolen social security card or may, under some circumstances, give you a new social security number.

As you know, your credit rating is all important. Every precaution should be taken to protect your credit rating. Once you have your identity straightened out, you might consider registering with Equifax Credit Watch™. Equifax Credit Watch™ makes monitoring your report easy by automatically alerting you within 24 hours of key changes in your Equifax Credit Report™ - like when someone tries to get credit in your name or there are sudden changes in your credit card balances. - so you can act before serious damage is done.

Below are important phone numbers you will need for reporting your identity theft:

Credit Reporting Agencies:

Equifax 1800-525-6285

Experian 1888-397-3742

TransUnion 1800-680-7209

Federal Trade Commission Hotline:

FTC Hotline 1877-438-4338

Check Verification Companies:

Telecheck 1800-710-9898

Certegy 1800-437-5120

To find out if the identity thief has been passing bad checks in your name:

SCAN 1800-262-7771

The truth about low rate credit cards

Low rate credit cards or as some know them as low APR credit cards can be very great for those individuals that carry a balance forward every month. The problem is that most people that really need or want low rate credit cards are unable to receive one because most credit card companies will only offer low rate credit cards to people with above average or excellent credit. This puts the majority of the population out of the market for low rate credit cards.

These low rate credit cards are out there, you can see them advertised on the television, on the internet and even in your email, but unfortunately, you may not qualify. The average rate for low rate credit cards is around 9 percent and some even go as low as 3.99 percent for certain individuals with an excellent credit rating. If you have credit that is less than appealing, you can always negotiate and possibly receive low rate credit cards if you have been employed with the same company for a certain amount of time, and the credit card company believes your income will stay steady.

However, many companies that offer low rate credit cards also have a pretty hefty annual fee or membership fee, which can be as high as $100. This can cost you more in the long run that owning a credit card with a higher APR from the start. Watch out for those introductory specials as well, just because the low rate looks wonderful, it may only be for 3 months and then the rate can go up drastically to up to 17%. You can always discuss these fees with the credit card company to see if they may waive this fee.

low rate credit cards may only be for an introductory period. You can even find a few with a 0% APR, the problem is once again that after the special there will be an increase. Some introductory specials for low rate credit cards are for 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, and in some rare cases 15 months. If you are sure you will be able to pay off your balance before this period is over then it would be a great deal, however, if you will have it paid off you may notice that you will be paying 17% APR on your balance.

Just because, there are low rate credit cards out there does not mean that everything will be cheaper, the balance transfers can be expensive as well at around 3%. So, be sure that you read all the terms and conditions carefully before you even apply for low rate credit cards, or choose your Low APR Credit Card.

Many low rate credit cards offer a variable or a fixed rate of interest. If you choose a fixed rate of credit, this means that the rate will stay the same, however, with a variable interest the rate can fluctuate.

Understanding and maintaining a good credit history

Credit history may be defined as a record of how a person has borrowed the debt and repaid the same over a period of time. A good credit history is an important aspect of your life.

Keeping a good credit rating is of immense importance to maintain the quality of life. It helps you to have easy access to loans at competitive rates of interest and with lesser formalities.

Establishing a credit history is the first step towards having a good credit rating. If you do not know your credit rating checking with the local credit bureau and getting a copy of the report would be the first step towards this end. Absence of credit history affects young and old. The problem of not having a credit history is also common among divorcees and widowed women as they might have shared the accounts with their spouse and that were reported in the latter’s name. Building a credit history by applying for credit in a local business unit or bank may be resorted to in such cases. Another option would be to open a savings or checking account to show your management of Money. Paying the bills on phones and pagers on time will demonstrate the capacity to pay. Securing a standard or secured credit card may also solve the problem in building up a credit history.

Maintaining a good credit history shows your responsibility to pay off your debts. Should you feel that the debts are getting out of your control you should not hesitate to seek the help of a financial counselor who can assess the situation better and find the best option to bail you out of the trauma. A poor credit history may not only deny you further loans but also creates stumbling blocks in finding a job or letting out an apartment. The importance of rebuilding the credit history assumes significance in such a situation. Obtaining a credit card either standard or secured and making regular repayments and payments of various bills on time to mention a few would enable you to get back to a good credit rating. At the end a good credit history is your passport to the ever expanding world of credit...

Credit cards and aprs

You probably see a lot of credit card offers on a daily basis whether it's on television, the internet, a magazine or in the mail. In the advertisement, you probably see or hear APR mentioned several times in the form of Introductory APR, Standard APR, Cash Advance APR, Balance Transfer APR and Default APR. The differences between these APRs might be confusing at first but they are pretty simple to understand.

Introductory APR refers to the initial interest rate you receive for purchases on the credit card when you first get it. This Introductory APR is usually really low (around 0%) and lasts between 6 and 12 months.

Standard APR is the interest rate the credit card goes up to after the Introductory APR period is over.

Cash Advance APR is the interest rate you receive for cash advances.

Balance Transfer APR is the interest rate you receive for any credit card balance you transfer over to your new credit card. As a side note, if you have a high interest rate credit card and the new credit card company's Balance Transfer APR is lower than your present credit card's interest rate or if they offer the Introductory APR for balance transfers, transfer your balance to the new credit card if you can pay the balance off within the Introductory APR period.

Default APR is the interest rate your card goes up to if you are late on payments or go over your credit limit.

Student credit card

There is a ton of extra literature the high school senior receives in the mail during their twelfth grade year. There are special scholarship offers, student financing, and special college programs, not to mention the number of invitations from Uncle Sam to come join the Navy, Marines, and Army. Having just been through this, I can add to that, at least fifty offers for a student credit card.

Now, no offense to these hard working people and their advertising campaigns, not to mention the U. S. Postal Service who delivered these documents; but, the majority of these offers ended up in the round file, aka as the trash, unopened. There is just too much, too fast, and you're busy with other things, like just getting through those last few months of school.

As a parent of a recent college graduate and another one coming up, I realize it is important that the college student have a credit card. Now that all of the excitement of final exams and graduation is over, it's time to start looking forward to the next step. With the new college year just around the corner, it's time to look at and compare those college student credit cards offers.

That is what is so great about the internet. You can enter college student credit card into any search engine and come up with a number of sites that give you a choice right here online. You don't even have to leave the comfort of your own home. You can shop right here and even sign up and order your card any time day or night. No need to take a trip to the post office to mail your application, you just press enter.

When applying for a student credit card, there are a few things you need to keep in mind and consider.

-First, talk to your student about the responsibility that comes with having a credit card.

-Student credit card interest rates are a little higher because they usually have no previous credit history.

-Student credit cards have lower credit limits, normally $500 to $1,000.

-Caution your student about having more than one credit card.

-To avoid running up too much debt, the credit card should be used just for necessities.

-Try to pay the entire credit card balance each month.

-Explain to your student that if they fall behind in payments, the credit card issuer will increase their interest rate.

-Used properly, a student credit card can build up good credit, which is a valuable tool in today's world, along with that college degree.

Most college students obtain their first credit card either before they enter college or during their freshman year. Student credit cards can be a good thing, when used responsibly. Your student has used his time wisely thus far, enabling him to be admitted into college. Now it's up to them to earn a good credit rating, by following the rules of the credit card issuer. This is called education by experience.

Business credit report

Like other types of credit report, credit bureau also maintains your Business Credit Report. Business Credit Report is the short summary of your business credit. It instantly indicates the financial position of your business. In today's competitive market many business offer as well as get credit facilities. So credit plays an important role in every business.

All the credit transactions of a business are included in their Business Credit Report. Many a time business credit reports are useful as reference purposes. It helps to know the liabilities as well as assets of the business. Business Credit Report mainly includes debts incurred, loan repayment, business credit history, creditors and debtors list, bills, etc, which are necessary to inform about the financial position of a company.

It is advisable that a person must check his/her business credit report so that necessary steps could be taken to eliminate the errors or negative remarks, which can act as an obstacle to obtain credit facilities. If situation demands one must also repair business credit report as repairing can also help to increase credit score.

Why Repair Business Credit Report?

Like other credit report one must also repair business credit report. Bad credit report can hinder your credit borrowing capacity but good credit report can wider your credit line. One must always repair the credit report by some credit report service agency or by some credit repair professionals. Apart from all one must repair the business credit report periodically.

Confidentiality

Many a time there is complete secrecy in business credit report. But many a time it becomes necessary to disclose it as to obtain credit facilities.

Procedure to obtain Credit Report

You can get your credit report from the respective credit bureaus but with the developed in online facilities on can also order for free instant credit report. Below are some of the procedures that can help you to get free credit report.

• Initially download the Credit Report Request Form that you can get from Credit Bureau or you can get it personally.

• Carefully complete up the form.

• Soon your application will be verified and you can get your credit report either with the help of fax, post or hand delivery.

Chase goes after small businesses with business credit cards

Like the other players entering this market, their business credit cards too are designed to help small business owners free their personal credit cards from the burden of business related expenses whilst offering them a fresh source of purchasing power.

There are a number of business credit cards in their repertoire. Since many small business owners find rewards and discounts to be attractive features in business credit cards, Chase issues several different versions of these. The more interesting offers include cash back features ranging from 3 to 5 percent on the purchases that small business owners typically make on a day to day basis. Chase business credit cards with premier cash rebate, give 3 percent cash back on purchases of gasoline and office supplies, and those purchases made at restaurants, hardware stores, and home improvement centers; all other purchases give one percent cash back.

The cash rewards business credit cards offer 5 percent cash back on purchases from all merchants. Such a substantial cash back feature will doubtlessly induce greater spend on this business credit card.

They have an interesting flexible rewards platinum business credit card, allowing a choice between four kinds of rewards. The business earns 1 point for every dollar spent on this business credit card and the points accumulated are redeemable in the form of cash back, travel, merchandise or gift certificates, from 2,500 points upwards.

Chase also issued business credit cards in partnership with other companies, including Amazon, Bell South and others. Professionals get some special treatment with their own business credit card product, aptly named the Chase Professional card.

In what could well become quite popular, Chase released a purpose designed business credit card for contractors. These business credit cards are issued under the Visa signature business credit card series, which means that there are no pre-set spending limits enforced.

The contractor business credit cards allows for some elbow room on cash flow by giving 60 days of same-as-cash credit for certain qualified construction purchases. Within the 60 days and at a 0 percent APR, the business will not be required to make payments against qualified construction purchases charged to the business credit card. Bear in mind though, that the purchase must exceed the $1,000 mark.

It is important to note, that those in default on their business credit card payments for due balances, will lose the special privilege. Those balances above the revolving credit amount will be subject to finance charges, which will be included in the minimum payments due.

Contractor business credit card holders get 2 percent cash back on all material and supply purchases and 1 percent on all other purchases. The eligible business credit card purchases will include those made at retail stores or with other contractors recognized by Chase. Business credit card purchases made at warehouse clubs, discount stores, and superstores will not be eligible for the 1 point for every $1 purchase feature.

Are we underestimating what we spend on credit cards

:
An investigation organized by Egg says consumers have greatly underestimated the amount that credit cards are used throughout the United Kingdom, what this means is consumers are spending a lot more than they think. The investigation revealed that when consumers thought they had spent was Ј236billion was in fact Ј437 billion, some difference!

How come there is such a big difference?

Well most of us usually pay for everything with the plastic card and find it hard to keep track of what we spend.

Most people have more than one credit card and a lot of them transfer their balances from time to time to get the best interest rate, so when you are working with two or more credit cards it’s easy to miscalculate how much you’re spending, and with so many different payment options for you to choose from you can see how there can be such a difference in what we spend, over Ј200billion! scary or what?

Another question you have to ask is, if we do not know what is in our accounts how do we know we are not getting ripped off?

Six out of ten consumers didn’t know how much was in their accounts so money could be taken out and they would have no idea. Mind you some would say (not me you understand) if you don’t keep track of your money you deserve to have it pinched.

The British Bankers Association revealed that by the end of September, credit cards sales had fallen for the last two months indicating that consumers are being careful, but with Christmas around the corner I am sure the credit card sales will be up and we will have another bumper spending spree with the plastic cards.

So the question was, are we underestimating what we are spending? well the facts definitely say yes!

So what should we do about it well keep a tighter grip on your accounts, double check what’s coming in and out and make sure everything balances at the end of the month.

good luck!

Paying off your credit card balances running the numbers

Ever thought about paying off your credit card balances? Maybe you would like to be debt free just to reduce your stress. Or perhaps you need to be debt free to retire.

If you have Microsoft Excel running on your computer at home or work, you can use Excel’s NPER function to calculate how quickly you can pay off a debt such as a credit card balance.

The NPER function calculates the term, or number of regular payments, needed to pay off a debt given its interest rate, payment amount, oustanding balance, balloon payment (if any), and, optionally, the type-of-annuity switch.

The type-of-annuity switch is a little complicated, but here's how it works. If you set the type-of-annuity switch to 1, Excel assumes payments occur at the beginning of the month, following the annuity due convention. If you set the annuity switch to 0 or you omit the argument, Excel assumes payments occur at the end of the month following the ordinary annuity convention.

But let me show you how the function works in theory and in practice. All of this will become quite clear, I'm sure.

The function uses the following syntax:

=NPER(rate, pmt, pv, fv, type)

For example, to calculate the number of $100 monthly payments required to pay off a 9% credit card that has a $10,000 balance, you enter the following formula into an Excel worksheet cell:

=NPER(.09/12,-100,10000,0,0)

The function returns the value 185.53, representing roughly 185 payments and then another roughly half payment. Notice that to convert the 9% annual interest to a period interest, the formula divides the annual interest rate by 12. Notice, too, that the payment amount, as a cash outflow, shows as a negative value while the loan balance, as an implicit cash inflow, shows as a positive value.

One final note: The NPER function rarely returns an integer, or whole-number result. As in the preceding example, it commonly returns a fractional value, indicating that after the last regular payment, an additional fractional payment will also need to be made.