How Can You Spot Credit Card Scams?
You may see ads on TV, online, or in the newspaper claiming that your bad credit can be quickly and easily fixed. Don’t fall prey to these scam artists.
Steer clear from companies that tell you that only the credit-repair company can remove old or inaccurate information or truthful information can be changed or erased to improve your credit. These claims are false.
Be wary if you are asked for a large sum of money before the credit-repair company completes the job. You will not be protected from a disreputable company with just a money-back guarantee.
Avoid new credit identities
If you have filed for bankruptcy, you may be the target of a credit-repair scheme, often called “file segregation.” Here, by promising a new credit identity, you are promised a chance to hide unfavorable credit information.
But file segregation is illegal and this can be a problem. If you use it, you could face fines or imprisonment.
Other scams
Consumers looking for an easy fix often are targets of other credit-related scams.
Credit by phone. For credit card scams, pay-per-call or 900-number services have become a popular vehicle. Only a phone call away are “guaranteed” cash or credit loans as promised by advertisements. However, what the caller might only get aside from a phone charge or $50 or more is a list of banks that offer low-interest credit cards or a booklet on how to establish credit. Consumers rarely end up getting credit.
Facts about gold or platinum cards. You should be careful when it comes to promotions for gold or platinum cards that promise to get you credit and build your rating. There are cards that will only permit you to buy merchandise from special catalogs and will not help you obtain other credit although they may sound like all-purpose credit cards. You also might be asked to call a 900 or 976 exchange number for more information. These phone charges add up quickly.
What about the checking-account scam? This scam typically begins with a postcard advertising easy credit approval or low-interest credit card rates which tricks you into disclosing your checking-account number. When you call, your checking-account number is what you are asked to give as verification. Your number can then be magnetically encoded on a draft which is then forwarded to your unsuspecting bank for payment from your account.
Either you call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 or you file a consumer complaint with the Attorney General’s office online if you suspect a credit-repair scam.
Unless you know the company is reputable, then you should never give out your bank account or credit-card number. Avoid being a victim of these credit card repair scams.
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February 2, 2012 | Posted by Roger Gray
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