Javelin Strategy & Research recommends that consumers work in partnership with institutions to help minimize their risk and impact of identity fraud. The following are seven recommendations for consumers to follow: Be smart on social media – Social media can help you keep up-to-date on your friends lives, but can also help fraudsters stay up-to-date too. Reviewing your social media security settings to make sure that your [...]
This, the last of a four part series published to coincide with the National Consumer Protection Week, March 1-7 (NCPW), focuses on the CT Department of Consumer Protection (CTDCP). Since so many of our members reside in Connecticut, it just seemed appropriate. The three previous articles: NCPW Introduction Identity Theft – Yes, It Can Happen To You Malware Can Hurt – Protect Yourself CTDCP: Mission Statement: To [...]
Malware is short for “malicious software.” It includes viruses and spyware that get installed on your computer, phone, or mobile device without your consent. These programs can cause your device to crash and can be used to monitor and control your online activity. Criminals use malware to steal personal information, send spam, and commit fraud. Today’s article focuses on Malware and how to protect yourself. This [...]
Every year, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) encourages people and businesses to learn more about avoiding scams and understanding consumer rights. This year, NCPW takes place March 1-7, 2015. NCPW highlights free resources from government agencies and consumer organizations to help people make smarter buying decisions and spot rip-offs. Visit www.ncpw.gov to find out about consumer education materials available from NCPW partners, and order free FTC [...]
We received a newsletter last week from the FTC. Among the items highlighted was a notice about the National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), which begins March 1. Since Tri-Town Apple's purpose is to provide useful and beneficial information to the Tri-Town Teachers Credit Union membership, it seemed appropriate to look into this. We had never heard of the NCPW. Here's what we found: Every year, National Consumer [...]
Millions of Americans are managing money or property for a loved one who is unable to pay bills or make financial decisions. This can be very overwhelming. But, it’s also a great opportunity to help someone you care about, and protect them from scams and fraud. Naomi Karp – CFPB Indeed, many of us at sometime must manage the financial affairs of a parent, another relative [...]
Senior citizens are the number one target of investment con artists. The files of state securities agencies are filled with tragic examples of senior citizens who have been cheated out of life savings, windfall insurance payments, and even the equity in their own homes. Illegal telemarketing is a crime, and fraudulent telemarketers are criminals. There are an estimated 14,000 illegal telemarketing operations bilking thousands of victims [...]
Why It’s Important Good credit is necessary if you plan to use credit to make a major purchase, such as a car or a home, or want to be able to take advantage of the convenience credit can provide. The importance of good credit also extends beyond purchases, in that it may be used by potential employers and landlords as part of the selection process. Experian (one [...]
Why It’s Important Good credit is necessary if you plan to use credit to make a major purchase, such as a car or a home, or want to be able to take advantage of the convenience credit can provide. The importance of good credit also extends beyond purchases, in that it may be used by potential employers and landlords as part of the selection process. Experian (one [...]
We all know the storms that clobbered the Northeast the last couple of years caused widespread damage, much of it by flooding. But it doesn’t take a hurricane like Sandy to cause flood damage to homes and businesses. Here are a few facts from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): In the past 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or [...]