If you are a college-bound student or the parent of one, you know computers and mobile devices are must-have tools for academic and social activities. But do you know the best ways to stay safe surfing, shopping, banking and socializing online?
Study these tips to keep your personal information personal and protect your stuff while you’re away from home.
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
With so many data breaches occurring, it might be a good idea to freeze your credit reports to help fend off identity thieves. A credit freeze locks access to your credit, so even if crooks get ahold of your Social Security number, they won’t be able to open any fraudulent accounts because the credit freeze prevents it.
Tax scams don’t all look the same, but they are all intended to steal your money. Most fall into one of several categories of illicit acts, including phone scams, phishing and tax provider scams. Help yourself avoid these scams by knowing what kinds are out there and taking steps to keep your money safe.
There’s nothing like holiday travel season for spending time with friends and family. But while you’re on the road, make sure your home and hearth is kept safe and secure so you don’t encounter any unpleasant surprises upon your return.
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
To get a handle on your finances, you must be able to distinguish between your needs and your wants. You need food, shelter and clothing. But you might want a juicy lobster and seafood dinner, a large upscale home and brand-name attire.
Fraudsters are always looking for ways to separate you from your hard-earned money. One place where you may be most vulnerable is at the gas station, especially during the upcoming travel season. That’s because thieves install skimming devices on gas pumps that steal your credit or debit card information. They then sell the data, make fraudulent cards to withdraw cash from ATMs, or buy merchandise that they can sell.
Mobile banking and shopping are on the rise, and now there are plenty of resources to help you become more mindful of your spending and saving habits, which can really help when you’re trying to create financial security.
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
I grew up in a household of five girls in Los Angeles, where each of us had nicknames and reputations within the family and among our friends. The five of us were all one or two years apart: Cheryl was the oldest; then Deborah; next was Denise; then came me; and my youngest sister, Hope, was the baby of the family. My older sister, Debby, was known as the Goody Two Shoes of the family.
It’s great to have the convenience of person-to-person (P2P) payment services, but any time there’s money involved, you can be sure fraudsters are not far behind. That’s why it’s important to know how to use them wisely.
If you use a cellphone or have an email account, you’ve almost certainly been exposed to an attempt at mass marketing fraud. 