According to a February 2011 Javelin Strategy & Research report, more than 8.1 million identities were stolen in 2010. On average, victims were responsible for paying $631 in out-of-pocket costs, such as those to cover fraudulent debt or legal fees, which is a significant rise from $387 in 2009. The California-based market research firm says the increase may stem from thieves focusing more on new account debit card fraud.
The climbing costs may provide individuals with even more incentive to secure credit protection and other helpful services that may allow them to better monitor their credit reports and scores. While a credit and fraud protection program can be a great asset, consumers should also make sure to take the proper steps to lower their risk of identity theft.
Here are six tips that may help consumers better defend against thieves.
1. Avoid throwing away any private documentation - bills, credit card offers, bank statements - that contains personal identifying details without first running it through a paper shredder. Visit www.chicagoshreds.com to find free shredding events in the Chicagoland area.
2. Take receipts after a purchase and check their listed amounts against credit card bills. This approach may help a person identify any fraudulent charges on his or her statements.
3. People should avoid carrying their Social Security cards out of their home unless it's absolutely necessary. Similarly, they should not share their nine-digit numbers with anyone unless they've properly verified the person or company.
4. Individuals who plan to take a vacation should ask to have their mail delivery temporarily suspended. Taking this approach may help prevent thieves from pilfering important financial material from mailboxes while people are out of town.
5. Use a different password for each online account. Consumers who use the same codes across all of their accounts run the risk of having all of their information exposed if a single account is compromised. In addition to using a variety of different passwords, individuals should also make sure to construct their keys with a combination of numbers, capital letters, and, if possible, symbols.
6. Researching and staying abreast of the latest online fraud tactics may help consumers protect their credit reports and scores from an identity theft-related scheme. Knowing what scams are out there can help individuals practice safer Web browsing behavior.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Flood Damaged Vehicles May Turn Up for Sale
Even living thousands of miles away from areas damaged by Tropical Storm Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, flood damaged vehicles could make way to car dealers in your area.
Once on used-car lots, flood damaged vehicles may be sold at deep discounts relative to the going rates of similar used vehicles. However, this is a time to be wary if buying from sellers not disclosing about a vehicles’ exposure to the storms.
With the vehicle identification number (VIN), shoppers can check the National Insurance Crime Bureau to see if vehicles have been salvaged or stolen.
The risk of buying a flood damaged car should add an additional layer of scrutiny to what always should be a rigorous process. Shoppers need to take extra steps when looking at a car including:
• Check used cars thoroughly for evidence of soot, grime and water damage. After a visual inspection, the car should be taken to a mechanic, who can put the car on a lift and run diagnostics on the electrical system.
• A car that’s been waterlogged can have an unmistakably musty odor similar to a wet basement.
• Start the car, drive it and listen to the engine.
• A potential buyer should put hands over everything, checking for dampness as well as soot or grit.
For more information on finding businesses you can trust, visit www.bbb.org
Once on used-car lots, flood damaged vehicles may be sold at deep discounts relative to the going rates of similar used vehicles. However, this is a time to be wary if buying from sellers not disclosing about a vehicles’ exposure to the storms.
With the vehicle identification number (VIN), shoppers can check the National Insurance Crime Bureau to see if vehicles have been salvaged or stolen.
The risk of buying a flood damaged car should add an additional layer of scrutiny to what always should be a rigorous process. Shoppers need to take extra steps when looking at a car including:
• Check used cars thoroughly for evidence of soot, grime and water damage. After a visual inspection, the car should be taken to a mechanic, who can put the car on a lift and run diagnostics on the electrical system.
• A car that’s been waterlogged can have an unmistakably musty odor similar to a wet basement.
• Start the car, drive it and listen to the engine.
• A potential buyer should put hands over everything, checking for dampness as well as soot or grit.
For more information on finding businesses you can trust, visit www.bbb.org
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Champion Window of Chicago Donates 135,000 Pounds of Food To Close the Window on Hunger
Local Home Improvement Showroom Joined The National Summer Campaign To Shed the Light On Child Hunger and Support The Greater Chicago Food Depository
Champion Window of Chicago donated more than 135,000 pounds of food this summer to help fight child hunger in their community. The donation was part of a company-wide program to raise awareness of hunger in America and increase the amount of food available through local food banks during the summer months when donations typically decline.
“When we learned that nearly 1 in 4 American children are now impacted by food insecurity we decided it was time to do something; that’s why we created our Close the Window on Hunger program,” said Champion Window Chief Executive Officer Denny Manes. “Champion Window of Chicago set the bar by donating 135,000 pounds of food, the highest of Champion’s 84 stores. This significant accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of each employee in our Chicago showroom.”
Close The Window On Hunger launched on June 1 and provided Champion Window of Chicago, in Elmhurst IIl. and its customers a chance to help fight hunger in their own community. Champion worked with The Greater Chicago Food Depository (http://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/) by donating 50 pounds of food per in-home appointment, and an additional 100 pounds of food for every project order placed by Aug. 31.
“Here in the Chicagoland area, we recognize the importance of being a part of the community we service and giving back on a local level,” said Steve Piwowar, Division Manager, Champion Window in Elmhurst Ill. (http://closethewindowonhunger.com/midwest/stores/chicago/). “We have worked closely with The Greater Chicago Food Depository in this effort to spread the word and fight hunger our own community and we are thrilled with how much food we were able to donate this summer.”
“For too many children, the end of the school year signals the end of a consistent source of breakfast and lunch,” said Kate Maehr, executive director and CEO of The Greater Chicago Food Depository. “We’re grateful for the support of Champion Factory Direct during these challenging times.”
To learn more about Champion’s Close the Window on Hunger visit http://www.CloseTheWindowOnHunger.com or contact Champion at 630-279-0909. Champion is located at 549 W. Lake Street in Elmhurst.
Started in 1953, Champion Window, Door and Patio Room Company is one of the nation’s leading home improvement companies. Champion builds and installs vinyl replacement windows, entry doors, patio rooms and siding, with more than 45,000 homeowners joining the ranks of customers on an annual basis. Champion’s energy-efficient products help consumers save money on their utility bills year-round. Champion's control over every aspect of manufacturing, distribution, installation and servicing provides a single source of accountability for its customers, removing all concerns about who is responsible for their home improvement project. The company operates factories in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Denver, Colo. For more information on Champion Window, please visit www.ChampionFactoryDirect.com.
Champion Window of Chicago donated more than 135,000 pounds of food this summer to help fight child hunger in their community. The donation was part of a company-wide program to raise awareness of hunger in America and increase the amount of food available through local food banks during the summer months when donations typically decline.
“When we learned that nearly 1 in 4 American children are now impacted by food insecurity we decided it was time to do something; that’s why we created our Close the Window on Hunger program,” said Champion Window Chief Executive Officer Denny Manes. “Champion Window of Chicago set the bar by donating 135,000 pounds of food, the highest of Champion’s 84 stores. This significant accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of each employee in our Chicago showroom.”
Close The Window On Hunger launched on June 1 and provided Champion Window of Chicago, in Elmhurst IIl. and its customers a chance to help fight hunger in their own community. Champion worked with The Greater Chicago Food Depository (http://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/) by donating 50 pounds of food per in-home appointment, and an additional 100 pounds of food for every project order placed by Aug. 31.
“Here in the Chicagoland area, we recognize the importance of being a part of the community we service and giving back on a local level,” said Steve Piwowar, Division Manager, Champion Window in Elmhurst Ill. (http://closethewindowonhunger.com/midwest/stores/chicago/). “We have worked closely with The Greater Chicago Food Depository in this effort to spread the word and fight hunger our own community and we are thrilled with how much food we were able to donate this summer.”
“For too many children, the end of the school year signals the end of a consistent source of breakfast and lunch,” said Kate Maehr, executive director and CEO of The Greater Chicago Food Depository. “We’re grateful for the support of Champion Factory Direct during these challenging times.”
To learn more about Champion’s Close the Window on Hunger visit http://www.CloseTheWindowOnHunger.com or contact Champion at 630-279-0909. Champion is located at 549 W. Lake Street in Elmhurst.
Started in 1953, Champion Window, Door and Patio Room Company is one of the nation’s leading home improvement companies. Champion builds and installs vinyl replacement windows, entry doors, patio rooms and siding, with more than 45,000 homeowners joining the ranks of customers on an annual basis. Champion’s energy-efficient products help consumers save money on their utility bills year-round. Champion's control over every aspect of manufacturing, distribution, installation and servicing provides a single source of accountability for its customers, removing all concerns about who is responsible for their home improvement project. The company operates factories in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Denver, Colo. For more information on Champion Window, please visit www.ChampionFactoryDirect.com.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Beware of a Bank Card Scam
The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois (BBB) has been alerted of a scam involving an automated system being used to alarm people into believing their Visa or MasterCard has been compromised.
The automated message states:
“Hello, this is a message from XXX Bank, your card has temporarily been suspended because we think it has been accessed by a 3rd party. To reactivate your card, press 1 to be immediately transferred to our security department.”
No bank or financial institution will call and ask you for your bank information, they already have it. If you do receive a call like this, hang up and call your actual bank to verify if there really is anything going on with your debit or credit card.
Banks typically do not use phone recording to contact customers or solicit confidential customer information.
If you have given your personal information out over the phone in relation to this or any other scam, call your bank immediately using the contact information provided on your cards and statements.
For more information about identity theft prevention visit www.bbb.org
The automated message states:
“Hello, this is a message from XXX Bank, your card has temporarily been suspended because we think it has been accessed by a 3rd party. To reactivate your card, press 1 to be immediately transferred to our security department.”
No bank or financial institution will call and ask you for your bank information, they already have it. If you do receive a call like this, hang up and call your actual bank to verify if there really is anything going on with your debit or credit card.
Banks typically do not use phone recording to contact customers or solicit confidential customer information.
If you have given your personal information out over the phone in relation to this or any other scam, call your bank immediately using the contact information provided on your cards and statements.
For more information about identity theft prevention visit www.bbb.org
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Nine Tips for Avoiding Online Rip-offs
1. Know the retailer before providing your credit card information. Visit www.bbb.org to view a company’s Business Review to help ensure safe shopping.
2. Don’t be pressured. Comparison shop so that you know where to find the best price.
3. Review your credit card statement each month. Look for any unauthorized charges and contact your bank or credit card company immediately if you find discrepancies. Consumers can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org
4. Stop payment on orders that didn’t get delivered. A company must ship mail-ordered merchandise within 30 days from the time it receives your order-unless some other time is stated for shipment. If the company cannot ship within the advertised time then it must notify you and permit you to cancel or agree to the delay.
5. Watch out for “all sales are final” language. Understand the retailer’s return policy before you make a purchase.
6. Do not click on links in emails from strangers. This may be an attempt to steal your personal information.
7. Check for credit card protection. Many credit card companies offer fraud protection that will cover the cost if you report it within a certain timeframe. You may also be able to monitor activity online to help catch anything unusual.
8. Get a new credit card number. Ask your credit card company for a different number that you can use exclusively when online shopping. This may help reduce identity fraud.
9. Change your passwords. Keep track of your passwords in a secure document, and don’t stick with simple passwords that are easily guessed. You should change your passwords regularly.
2. Don’t be pressured. Comparison shop so that you know where to find the best price.
3. Review your credit card statement each month. Look for any unauthorized charges and contact your bank or credit card company immediately if you find discrepancies. Consumers can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org
4. Stop payment on orders that didn’t get delivered. A company must ship mail-ordered merchandise within 30 days from the time it receives your order-unless some other time is stated for shipment. If the company cannot ship within the advertised time then it must notify you and permit you to cancel or agree to the delay.
5. Watch out for “all sales are final” language. Understand the retailer’s return policy before you make a purchase.
6. Do not click on links in emails from strangers. This may be an attempt to steal your personal information.
7. Check for credit card protection. Many credit card companies offer fraud protection that will cover the cost if you report it within a certain timeframe. You may also be able to monitor activity online to help catch anything unusual.
8. Get a new credit card number. Ask your credit card company for a different number that you can use exclusively when online shopping. This may help reduce identity fraud.
9. Change your passwords. Keep track of your passwords in a secure document, and don’t stick with simple passwords that are easily guessed. You should change your passwords regularly.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Federal Benefit Payments are Going All Electric
Having federal benefits paid electronically by direct deposit into the bank or a credit union account, or into a Direct Express® card account is safer, faster and more reliable than receiving paper benefit checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service reports that in 2010, more than 540,000 Treasury-issued checks were reported lost or stolen, and had to be reissued.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is now requiring all federal benefit and non-tax payments to be paid electronically. People applying for Social Security, Veterans Affairs or other federal benefits, will receive their payments electronically starting with their first payment. People currently receiving federal benefit checks must switch to an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013.
If they do not choose an electronic payment option at the time they apply for federal benefits or those who do not switch by the deadline will receive their benefit payments via the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card. If you are already receiving benefit payments electronically you do not need to take action. You will continue to receive your payment as usual on the payment day.
With direct deposit, the Treasury Department sends an electronic message to your bank or credit union account on your usual payment day with the exact amount of your benefit payment from Social Security, VA or other federal agency. You don’t have to worry about your money being stolen out of your mailbox and there’s no need to make a trip to cash or deposit a check. Plus, it’s better for the environment and saves taxpayer dollars.
To learn more about the switch from paper to electronic benefits, and to register for paperless benefits by March 1, 2013 visit www.GoDirect.org.
For more consumer tips and to learn how to avoid identity theft, visit www.bbb.org
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is now requiring all federal benefit and non-tax payments to be paid electronically. People applying for Social Security, Veterans Affairs or other federal benefits, will receive their payments electronically starting with their first payment. People currently receiving federal benefit checks must switch to an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013.
If they do not choose an electronic payment option at the time they apply for federal benefits or those who do not switch by the deadline will receive their benefit payments via the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card. If you are already receiving benefit payments electronically you do not need to take action. You will continue to receive your payment as usual on the payment day.
With direct deposit, the Treasury Department sends an electronic message to your bank or credit union account on your usual payment day with the exact amount of your benefit payment from Social Security, VA or other federal agency. You don’t have to worry about your money being stolen out of your mailbox and there’s no need to make a trip to cash or deposit a check. Plus, it’s better for the environment and saves taxpayer dollars.
To learn more about the switch from paper to electronic benefits, and to register for paperless benefits by March 1, 2013 visit www.GoDirect.org.
For more consumer tips and to learn how to avoid identity theft, visit www.bbb.org
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service
Monday, August 22, 2011
BBB Offers Summer Air Conditioning Tips
As temperatures stay hot, keeping your house cool can be a challenge. Your BBB offers the following advice to keep your house cool and your air conditioner running properly.
When dealing with your air conditioner you can either hire someone to come inspect your system or you can do some of the maintenance work on your own.
If hiring someone, get at least three bids from companies. Also check to see if they are licensed with the state of Illinois at www.attorneygeneral.gov or 1-888-520-6680.
Once hired, make sure he or she checks the refrigerant, inspects the oil fans, and makes sure that wiring and switches are operating properly. Also, the outdoor coil in the unit should be chemically cleaned every year to ensure the unit is working efficiently.
If you are doing the maintenance work on your own, check the disposable filters (if you have them) every two months and replace them when necessary. You can also clean permanent filters as directed by the manufacturer and make cleaning duct outlets and registers a part of your regular housecleaning routine. Also make sure to leave the fan on the furnace continuously running. This will help keep air circulating and keep your house at an even temperature. If you live in a two story house and have high and low return air registers, make sure to close the bottom return and open the top return. This will pull the hot air off the ceiling to better cool your house. (Make sure to reverse the registers when you turn on your furnace.) You should also be sure to trim bushes and shrubs back 18” from the outdoor unit.
Having your unit inspected and cleaned every year will help increase your unit’s efficiency and cause fewer breakdowns.
For a list of BBB Accredited Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in your service area, visit http://www.bbb.org/
When dealing with your air conditioner you can either hire someone to come inspect your system or you can do some of the maintenance work on your own.
If hiring someone, get at least three bids from companies. Also check to see if they are licensed with the state of Illinois at www.attorneygeneral.gov or 1-888-520-6680.
Once hired, make sure he or she checks the refrigerant, inspects the oil fans, and makes sure that wiring and switches are operating properly. Also, the outdoor coil in the unit should be chemically cleaned every year to ensure the unit is working efficiently.
If you are doing the maintenance work on your own, check the disposable filters (if you have them) every two months and replace them when necessary. You can also clean permanent filters as directed by the manufacturer and make cleaning duct outlets and registers a part of your regular housecleaning routine. Also make sure to leave the fan on the furnace continuously running. This will help keep air circulating and keep your house at an even temperature. If you live in a two story house and have high and low return air registers, make sure to close the bottom return and open the top return. This will pull the hot air off the ceiling to better cool your house. (Make sure to reverse the registers when you turn on your furnace.) You should also be sure to trim bushes and shrubs back 18” from the outdoor unit.
Having your unit inspected and cleaned every year will help increase your unit’s efficiency and cause fewer breakdowns.
For a list of BBB Accredited Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in your service area, visit http://www.bbb.org/
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