Consumer Information

Consumer Information: Avoiding Credit Card Hazards

The Credit Card Companies are flooding us with card solicitations, deceiving us with misleading offer terms, and gouging us with higher than ever fees. As a result, consumers are sinking further and further into debt. What should you be on the lookout for? How can you avoid being ripped off?

Help is Here!

For tips and assistance in this matter point your browser to https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice. This site provides information on credit card traps, reporting fraud and terms you should know when dealing with credit agencies. It is brought to you by the Federal Trade Commission.

Cancel your credit cards immediately.

Have toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know who to call. If your cards were stolen, file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent. Most importantly call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#. This alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

Take These Precautions

Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of each license, credit card,etc.., so you will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call to cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.

Call These Numbers

Equifax: 800-535-6285
Experian (formally TRW): 888-397-3742
Trans Union: 800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 800-269-0271

Updated: 07/09/2019 02:12PM