 |
«A website where you can find the lowest interest rates on home loans with absolutely free quotes from multiple lenders» |
| • Home Equity Loan • Home Refinance Loan • Home Purchase Loan • Second Mortgage Loan • Debt Consolidation Loan | ||
|
 | |
| |
| Home Equity Loan Store :: Debt Consolidation | |
|
|
|
Debt Consolidation - How to Protect Your Credit Accounts from Theft
Last week, a security exploit at CardSystems Solutions, Inc, a credit card processor, may have allowed thieves to obtain as many as 40 million credit card numbers from unsuspecting victims. The theft was brought about though a virus introduced into the CardSystems that allowed external hackers to obtain access to the account information. Adding to the problem was the fact that CardSystems wasn't supposed to have the account information at all. It appears that CardSystems "inappropriately" held onto the information after clearing the credit card transactions. At that point, the account information should have been deleted. CardSystems held onto the account information for supposed "research purposes." Fortunately for those involved, the compromised information only included account numbers and not Social Security numbers, which would have assisted the thieves in identity theft scams. This latest security breach at a credit card processor outlines how anyone can be vulnerable to account or even identity theft. Is there anything that can be done about it? The credit card companies largely dictate the relationships between the credit card companies and the credit card processors. They are supposed to keep tabs on the processors and make sure that the processors use secure measures to protect the data of customers. These issues are not governed by law, but the processors can be fined by the credit card companies for violations. So what can the average credit card customer do to make sure that their account information isn't compromised? Not much, it would appear. The paper transaction has long since been replaced almost universally by the electronic one, and anytime a customer uses a credit card, their account information is moved from one computer to another. Hackers continue to develop more sophisticated methods of stealing information, and their techniques are often ahead of the processing companies' ability to develop comparable security measures. For the foreseeable future, credit card customers must consider that their accounts are vulnerable. In time, the credit card companies and their associated processors will establish security guidelines that are more effective than the ones that are currently in place. In the meantime, the best thing cardholders can do is to simply minimize their exposure. The best way to do this is to have as few credit card accounts as possible and to use them sparingly. Granted, it is often difficult to avoid using credit cards, but there are times when people simply pull them out of the wallet out of habit when using a check or cash would suffice. This may sound inconvenient, but at the moment, the only way to make certain that your account numbers are safe is to avoid using them when possible. ©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a site devoted to debt consolidation and credit counseling, and HomeEquityHelp.com, a site devoted to information regarding home equity loans.
MORE RESOURCES:
Debt-Consolidation - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Use Caution When Entering Into Debt-Consolidation Loan To the person drowning in debt, a debt-consolidation loan looks a lot like a lifesaver. But agreeing to such a loan without understanding it completely could be a serious mistake. Does Working With a Credit Counseling Organization Hurt Your Credit Score? Credit counseling organizations do not lower your credit score when you approach them for assistance in creating a budget that you can work with. Credit counseling is designed by nature to assist each individual in a way that is unique to a person's particular situation. How to Choose a Debt Consolidation Loan? If you have decided that a debt consolidation loan is necessary, then you have made a big decision. In order to choose the right debt consolidation loan for you, you need to take the time to research what is available versus your needs. Debt Consolidation Refinance Loans - A Great Way To Lower Your Bills For millions of homeowners, refinancing is the perfect way to consolidate debts. You can consolidate your debts, eliminate outrageous interest rates and fees, and make one low monthly payment. Is There Something Called a Bad Credit Credit Card? Is there something out there called a bad credit credit card? Well, when a bank or Credit company such as Bank of America, Washington Mutual or Chase receive an application from you, they use a statistical system to determine whether or not to grant credit to you by assigning numerical scores to various characteristics related to creditworthiness. This means the creditor's measure of your past and future ability and willingness to repay your debts. Best Debt Reduction Service There was a time when incurring debts was looked down as one of the worst crimes ever. People were punished for not repaying within the stipulated time. Debt Consolidation Sometimes life can get on top of you and out of control. When this happens many of us indulge in a little retail therapy but when a little becomes a lot then you can hit problems. Considering Debt Settlement? What You Should Know Your credit card bills are stacking up and for whatever reason you don't have the means to pay the debt. You definitely have choices when you are in this predicament. Finding a Low Interest Debt Consolidation Loan If you are in the market for a low interest debt consolidation loan, then you might think that you're out of luck. After all, aren't loans that consolidate your debt into a single monthly payment designed for people who have poor or bad credit?What are the chances of someone like that getting a low interest debt consolidation loan? Depending on where you look for your loan and what collateral you offer, the chances might actually be quite good. How Do I Know a Good Credit Card Debt Reduction Strategy When I See It? Credit card debt reduction is an important part of the debt reduction process. The way credit card debt reduction works is if you have five credit cards, you need to keep track of and pay 5 bills every month. Debt Consolidation - Options for Reducing Your Debt Studies show that Americans are now saving less than ever before. Along with that, Americans are carrying a heavier debt load than ever. Debt Elimination 4 Planning For Debt Elimination Without Surplus CashPreviously we looked at using surplus cash each month to chip away at those outstanding loans, on our long road to debt elimination. But what can you do if there is no surplus cash every month?So, you have examined your monthly outgoings, and there is nothing to cut out in the way of expenditure. Debt Consolidation when You Find Yourself Overwhelmed with Bills, Bills, and More Bills Many of us find ourselves overwhelmed with bills, bills, bills. Going to the mailbox only to find yet another late payment notice may have become a daily trauma. 10 Pointers on College Loan Consolidation Should I consolidate my college loans or not?1. Still in school, yes! Rates are low, but they're scheduled to go up. Debt Consolidation - Can You Negotiate with Your Credit Card Company? The average American household has nearly $10,000 in credit card debt, and many people are only able to make the minimum payment of 2% of the balance. Even 2% is $200, and by paying the minimum payment, you could be paying on the balance for decades before you finally pay it off. Avoid Bankruptcy The first but definitely not the easiest thought that comes to most people when they are neck-deep in debt is to file bankruptcy. Filing bankruptcy seems to be the last straw left in the deluge of unpaid bills and abusive creditor calls. Cutting Your Monthly Outgoing With Debt Consolidation With consumer debt on the rise, many people have found themselves burdened with crippling monthly repayments on a variety of loans. This can make life very difficult, and can often means seriously compromising on your quality of life. Debt Consolidation for Homeowners: Saving Grace for Inept Borrowers You cannot understand the importance of being a homeowner until you enter the loan market for debt consolidation. Debt consolidation for homeowners is a responsible way of getting out of debt. Debt Consolidation: Friend or Foe? Debt consolidation has become big business in this country over the last several years. Consumers with the good conscience to avoid filing for bankruptcy are turning to debt consolidation in hopes of saving their credit and getting out of debt sooner. Finding a Reputable Debt Consolidation Company If you are looking for a company that will help you consolidate your debt, you need to be cautious. Consolidating your loans into a single low interest loan can be a very good step financially, however there is a wide range of quality in the help you can receive.
|
