Why do I have to give so much information about myself when I open a new bank account?
Federal law requires banks and other financial institutions to put Customer Identification Programs in place to identify and verify the identity of their customers to prevent money laundering and the funding of terrorism.
Read MoreWhy is it important to protect my Social Security number?
A Social Security number can be used to steal your identity (commonly called identity theft) to commit fraud, open new credit and bank accounts, get medical care/other benefits and obtain employment.
Read MoreCan I refuse to give my Social Security number to a business or doctor?
Yes, you can refuse unless you’re Read More
When am I required to provide my Social Security number to a business?
There are a few situations in which you must provide your Social Security (SSN) number to a business, including
Read MoreDon’t Let Medical Debt Kill Your Credit
Medical debt often results from unpredictable events, but you shouldn’t let them ruin your credit for years to come. Many Americans are impacted by medical debt—it makes up a large portion of reported debt on credit reports.
Read MoreCredit Monitoring Services: The Breakdown
Hardly a day goes by where data breaches and identity fraud don't make the headlines. In such a world, you may find yourself researching credit monitoring services.
Read MoreSkimmers: The Breakdown
Often nearly impossible to see, a skimmer is a small device placed in or over a card reader (ATM, gas pump, checkout) to record information from your credit or debit card's magnetic stripe. That information can then be used to make fraudulent purchases and sometimes even a clone of your card.
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