In this area, we will provide you with information on how to prevent becoming a victim of fraud.
ALERT!
Nearly 10 million Americans fell prey to identy theft last year,
costing businesses and individuals billions of dollars. Here's how you
can protect yourself.
1. UNDERSTAND DEBIT CARD DANGERS. When it comes to fraud, debit cards
carry much greater personal liability than credit cards, depending on
how quickly you report the loss of the card.
If you fail to report unauthorized activity within sixty days of
receiving your bank statements, you could lose all the money in your
account and be held responsible for any amount of money that has been
tapped from a line of credit.
2. RETHINK CHECK WRITING. That little slip of paper has way too much informatiion.
Some experts even advise against writing checks as they give a lot of
personal information (address, bank account number, signature and
driver's license) to total strangers.
Additionally, there's no federal legislation to limit your liability
for forged checks (each state has its own set of rules). Experts advise
consumers to look into automating bill paying.
3. SECURE YOUR MAIL. Your mailbox is a goldmine of information.
Between bank statements, bills, and all those pre-approved credit card
offers, your mailbox is loaded with personal data. Identity thieves can
easily apply for credit cards in your name. And, unless you diligently
check your credit report, you may never even know about it.
One way to guard your mail is to literally lock it by purchasing a
mailbox with a lock. And, to foil dumpster-diving thieves, purchase a
cross-cut paper shredder and use it.
4. GO VIRTUAL. Extra protection when shopping online.
Introducting virtual card numbers: disposable, randomly generated
credit card numbers that online shoppers use once and discard. It's
linked directly to your actual credit card account so purchases show up
on your monthly bill.
The service is easy to use--and it's free. All you need to do is
register. Among the companies offering the virutal card are MBNA,
Discover and Citigroup.
5.CREATE AN EMERGENCY IDENTITY KIT. Would you know how to contact your credit card company in an emergency?
Create an emergency identity kit. Write down the account number,
expiration date, issuing comapny name and emergency contact for each
card you own.
While you are at it, make copies of your driver's license, social
security card, birth certificate and passport and store them in a
locked file cabinet or safe deposit box.
ALERT!
The Contractor's State License Board (CSLB) has advised us that
unscrupulous and unlicenced contractors continue to target mobilehome
parks throughout California. Many mobilehome park residents have
launched complaints against dishonest contractors who have taken
advantage of them. Such scams involve home re-piping, heating, air
conditioning, jack repairs, pad changes, and re-leveling.
"Travelers," or clans of illegal contractors move from town to town
soliciting elderly mobilehome owners to sign contracts for work. Many
times these unsuspecting residents are talked into repairs that are
unnecessary and when the work is performed, it is generally substandard
or incomplete. The elderly are targeted because they tend to be more
trusting or can be intimidated and feel they must agree to the pitch.
Also, because of a lifetime of saving, seniors generally have more cash
available or equity in their homes. Unfortunately, when they become the
victims of scams, many elderly are reluctant to file a complaint as
they feel it might reflect upon their ability to handle life situations.
In order to combat these scams, the CSLB created a Statewide
Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) which has been successful in various
undercover sting operations throughout the state. Bands of unscrupulous
and illegal contractors have been cited and misdemeanor notices have
been issued for court appearances.
If anyone offers you a "free" inspection, please take heed! Check their
contractor's license number with the CSLB and verify that the license
number, business name and business address match with information given
by the contractor.
Anyone performing contracting work in excess of $500.00 MUST be
licensed by the CSLB. In order to become licensed, contractors must
have worked at least four years in their selected field, pass a
two-part examination, post a license bond, and provide worker's
compenation insurance for their employees.
The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the
California Department of Consumer Affairs. The CSLB licenses and
regulates California's 278,000 contractors. It is interesting to note
that the CSLB investigates 25,000 complaints against contractors
annually. If you wish to launch a complaint against a contractor, or
suspect contractor fraud, please call 1 (800) 321-2752 or go to
www.cslb.ca.gov.
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