Credit Card Balance Transfers
by Scott Bilker
I would like to use a credit card introductory rate to pay off a bank loan. I will need to borrow $13,000.00 credit to pay off the loan. I have heard that if my credit report shows too many credit card company requests within one year that I will be turned down for new credit cards...
IRS Warns of Scheme to Steal Identity and Financial Data
by Internal Revenue Service
The Internal Revenue Service warned today of a fraudulent scheme currently circulating that uses fictitious bank correspondence and IRS forms in an attempt to trick taxpayers into disclosing their personal and banking data. The information fraudulently obtained is then used to steal the taxpayer's identity and bank account deposits. The IRS has received reports of the scam surfacing from...
How to File a Consumer Complaint About a Bank
by Federal Reserve
As a federal regulatory agency, the Federal Reserve System investigates consumer complaints received against state chartered banks that are members of the System. If you think a bank has been unfair or deceptive in its dealings with you, or has violated a law or regulation, as a consumer you have the right to file a complaint. The major consumer protection laws covering...
Plastic Payments: Trends in Credit Card Fraud
by Keith Slotter, FBI
Law enforcement authorities continually confront new and complex schemes involving credit card frauds committed against financial institutions and bank card companies. Perpetrators run the gamut from individuals with easy access to credit card information-such as credit agency officials, airline baggage handlers, and mail carriers, both public and private-to organized groups, usually from similar ethnic backgrounds, involved in large-scale card theft, manipulation, and counterfeiting activities. Although current bank card fraud operations are numerous...
Lemon Car Making Your Life Sour?
by Craig Kimmel
One month old car is in the shop for more than 30 days does it qualify as a lemon? If you have a car that's less than one year old and it has been in the shop for more than 30 days, chances are you have a lemon. Also, if a car has...
Providian Raised My APR to 29.99%
by Scott Bilker
I was shocked to learn my Providian credit card raised my APR from 23.99 to 29.99. I've never missed a payment or been late. I called to find out why and the rep told me they mailed out a notice of change in terms. I said I never received the notice. I calmly explained the situation, reminding them I've never missed a payment or been late, not even once. They said there was nothing they could do...
10 Reasons to Love Your Credit Card Bank
by Scott Bilker
Boy, the banks are going to love me for this; too bad they won't be sending me a check! Love 'em, hate 'em, it's the same old story. Credit cards themselves are not bad. There are advantages and disadvantages so this time I want to take a look at some of those advantages...
Phony Tax Forms Result in Identity Theft
by Cindy Hockenberry
A rash of fake IRS forms, along with an official-looking letter from a bank have recently fooled many taxpayers into providing personal information under false pretenses. The IRS has received several reports of this latest scam surfacing nationwide. Dozens of U.S. and foreign taxpayers have been identified so far. In this scam, a letter claiming...
Getting Your Overpayment Refund
by Scott Bilker
I took out a debt consolidation loan to pay off five creditors. The loan company wrote checks directly to the creditors. The process took three months and by the time the checks arrived at the creditors my balances were less than the checks. Now a few creditors owe me because my payment was more than the balance! All but one has paid. They owe me $179.00, too much money to walk away from. How do I get the money back?
10 Reasons to Hate Your Credit Card Bank
by Scott Bilker
Buying a house forces you into debt, buying a car forces you into debt, if you don't have a credit card then you don't exist because you don't have a credit history. We just can't win. And when you finally get some debt, the credit card banks are right there to take advantage of us! I've had enough! I'm sure you have too...
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