Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Consumer Fraud uses deceptive practices goods or services to bilk someone out of money.

Identity is using a person’s personal information to misrepresent and impersonate to get some type of financial gain.

There are several ways to protect access to accounts:

• Put PINs or passwords or swipe patterns on your electronic device.
• Shred documents that have your ID numbers and check for bogus or suspicious charges on your bank statements.
• Beware anytime someone asks for personal information especially if unsolicited and especially if urgent or tantalizing.
• Don’t connect to unsecured public networks or computer.
• Be vigilant to scams and consider contacting a person via phone or speaking in person for especially sensitive information.
• Don’t send cash to someone especially one you don’t know.
• Check your financials and credit report periodically.

Know how to report fraud and false advertising and deceptive and unfair business practices.

• You do have a right to view your financial records and report and dispute incorrect information.
• You have a right to all important terms and conditions in lending.
• You have right to a certain standard of protection for financial products and services.

Don’t forget to periodically check your credit history and finances.

• Fraud alerts make it so that a business has to verify you before opening up further credit in your name.
• Credit freezes prevents certain accesses to your credit file.
  
  These services are free for at least a year and then may have additional charges after.