prevention

How to Get a Free Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report

Dr Penny Pincher — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 09:31:08 +0000

Placing a fraud alert on your credit report makes it harder for someone to steal your identity and open credit accounts in your name. If you have a fraud alert in place, businesses must confirm with you before issuing any new credit, typically by calling you at a provided phone number.

Unlike credit monitoring or simply watching your statements for suspicious activity, placing a fraud alert on your credit report is a preventive measure. It cuts fraudulent activity off at the pass, before it can impact your credit. Fraud alerts provide less protection than a credit freeze, which prevents anyone from seeing your credit report without your permission, but are typically more convenient; fraud alerts are free and don't have to be lifted every time you apply for new credit. (See also: How to Freeze Your Credit)

The credit reporting companies provide three types of fraud alerts, each with different requirements to qualify and that stay on your credit report for different durations. Here are the types of fraud alerts you can request:

Initial fraud alert (90 days).
Extended fraud alert (seven years).
Active duty military alert (one year).

If you get a fraud alert from one credit reporting company, this company will share the fraud alert with the other credit reporting companies. Contact one of the three credit reporting companies listed below and provide the requested information to open a fraud alert:

How to get an initial fraud alert (90 days)

If you are concerned that your personal information may have been stolen, but it has not yet been used to open a fraudulent account, you can place an initial fraud alert on your credit report. Here are some circumstances where you might want to get an initial fraud alert:

You have been notified that your personal information was involved in a data breach.
Your purse, wallet, or financial documents have been lost or stolen.

An initial fraud alert is the easiest type of fraud alert to get. You will be asked to provide proof of your identity, such as a copy of your driver’s license, and a copy of a utility bill or bank account statement.

An initial fraud alert stays on your credit report for 90 days and can be renewed for 90 days at a time. When you get an initial fraud alert, you are allowed to order one free credit report from all three credit reporting companies. (See also: Here's What to Do Immediately After a Credit Card Breach)

How to get an extended fraud alert (seven years)

If your personal information has been used to open a fraudulent account, you may want to file an extended fraud alert. This means that your personal information is in the hands of criminals who are using it for identity theft. Here are some situations where you may want to request an extended fraud alert:

Your credit report shows a new account that you didn’t open.
You get a statement in the mail for a credit account you don’t recognize.
You get a tax refund or tax statement that is not consistent with your tax filings.

You will again be asked to provide proof of identity and a copy of a utility bill or bank statement, plus a police report or other identity theft report that provides specific details about how your identity was misused. Having your personal information exposed in a data breach is not sufficient to get an extended fraud alert. You need to show that someone has used your personal information for fraudulent purposes.

An extended fraud alert stays on your credit report for seven years and you are allowed to order two free credit reports from all three credit reporting companies in the first year. In addition, your name is removed from prescreened credit card offers for five years. (See also: 9 Signs Your Identity Was Stolen)

How to get an active duty military alert (one year)

If you are serving in the military and will be deployed, you can request an active duty military alert on your credit report. This alert makes it harder for identity thieves to open fraudulent accounts during a deployment when identity theft may go unnoticed for a long time. You will be asked to provide proof of your identity when requesting an active duty military alert.

Active duty military alerts stay on your credit report for one year, and can be renewed if the period of deployment is longer. An active duty military alert also takes your name off the list for prescreened credit card offers for two years to provide further protection against identity theft.

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This article is from Dr Penny Pincher of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Overcome These 5 Worst Homeownership Fears

Annie Mueller — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 08:30:06 +0000

Buying a home is a big step that, in many cases, will bring you years of happiness. But there's also a long list of things that can go wrong when you buy a house.

My husband and I bought our first home in the bliss of complete ignorance. We didn't even know enough to be afraid, but we should have. A little healthy fear of potential problems can help you prepare so you can avoid them. Here are ways to overcome five legitimate homeownership fears by employing some preventive action.

1. Pests

In my home-living experience, I have dealt with fleas, mice, ants, spiders, ladybugs, and moles. Oh, also termites. Those are the ones I know about, anyway.

Dealing with pests is a big fear for potential homeowners, and I get it. Pests are gross and invasive and make you feel dirty. They can also make you sick. You don't want them around.

There are two great facts about pests, however. First, dealing with pests, even at an infestation level, is doable and not necessarily expensive. And second, a thorough inspection before buying a home will ensure that you're not moving into something already infested.

Mind you, your standard pre-closing house inspection won't necessarily alert you to pest issues. You'll need to hire a pest control specialist to do a thorough inspection before you close on a home.

Dealing with pests when you're already in a home is unpleasant, but not impossible. You can use any of the many available DIY pest solutions or call a professional exterminator. A regular pest control service (you can sign up for a monthly plan) will keep most pests at bay and alert you to potential issues.

2. Water damage

First things first: Water issues can be a big problem. You want to know if the house you're about to purchase has any now, has had any in the past, or potentially might have more in the future. Your inspector is your friend. If you notice any telltale signs of water damage, ask the listing agent outright for all the facts. And ask the home inspector to pay close attention to those areas.

Most water damage can be prevented with a few smart moves.

Avoiding burst pipes

Winterize all your outdoor faucets to avoid the pain of a burst pipe. Buy an insulated faucet cover (less than $10) on Amazon or at any hardware store. Put it on your outdoor spigot (takes five minutes, tops). Take it off when warm weather returns.

Avoiding clogged pipes

If you have small children, or even adults with long hair, a clogged pipe is likely to happen. Purchase a drain snake and you can deal with most clogged pipes yourself. If it's something a little more serious (we had tree root issues), it can cost between $100 and $200 to have a nice person with a long, rotary, motorized drain cleaner come out and fix the clog.

When you move into a home, find a nearby plumber. Ask the neighbors for a recommendation if you're new to the area. Ask the plumber the cost to do a thorough inspection of the plumbing in the house. A plumber can let you know where clogs are likely to occur and whether there is any old or worn-out plumbing that should be replaced.

Avoiding a flooded basement

Handling a flooded basement is, as with most house issues, not a lot of fun. But it's not the end of the world, either. The best news is that most flooding can be prevented by having well-maintained gutters, a sump pump, and landscaping that directs the flow of water away from your house.

3. Mold

Mold is a scary thing when you're buying a home. Mold often grows where you don't see it, and it can make you very sick. But although mold is gross, it is easy to detect and simple to eliminate.

Most states require any known mold issues, past or present, to be included on the seller's disclosure. Mold is a potential issue for a house that is in a humid environment or that has had water issues in the past. If your potential home fits that description, and there's no mention of mold on the seller's disclosure, consider a specialized inspection. A mold inspection typically costs under $1,000 and can give you great peace of mind.

If the inspection turns up evidence of mold, get an estimate on mold remediation and negotiate with the sellers.

4. Fires

The thought of a fire is terrifying for many homeowners. The good news is you can lessen the probability of a fire by staying on top of a few important things.

Review the house inspection for any issues with wiring or electrical fixtures. Negotiate to have these issues fixed or to have the cost of the repairs taken off the price. Keep smoke detectors installed and test them monthly. (You'll want to have carbon monoxide detectors installed, as well.) Other common-sense fire safety tips include being smart about how you use space heaters, electrical cords, and heat lamps, as well as regularly having your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, your dryer vents, and your chimneys cleaned.

5. Floods

If you live near a large body of water, you may be in a flood zone. Find out when floods have happened in your area and how big they have gotten. This will tell you how often flooding is a problem and how likely a flood is to reach your home. (Start your search online, and, for more detailed information, follow up with your local City Works department.) You can prevent many flooding issues with the same practices that keep your plumbing in shape: a good inspection, a good plumber, good maintenance, and good landscaping.

Homeownership can be intimidating, but many disasters are preventable to a certain degree. Preparation and awareness are key in handling anything that comes your way.

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This article is from Annie Mueller of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Defensive Dentistry: How to Avoid Expensive Dental Problems

Kentin Waits — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:24:42 +0000

It seems like the first thing to go in a tight economy is dental and vision benefits. Either employers cut back or employees want to reduce all but the most essential paycheck deductions. Add root canal horror stories and the near-universal anxiety that comes with visit to the dentist, and it’s clear to see that we could all use some tips on defensive dentistry. (See also: Open Wide: 5 Ways to Score Discount Dental Care)

If you’d like stay out of dentist’s chair (except for regular check-ups, of course), here are a few dental hygiene habits to brush up on.

Brush

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that we brush our teeth at least twice a day and that one of those times should before bed. Thorough brushing removes plaque and that helps avoid two things everyone can do without — cavities and gum disease. Though it’s usually a good idea to brush after every meal, avoid it if you’ve been eating or drinking anything acidic. Acid weakens the tooth enamel and brushing within 30 minutes of consuming an acidic food or beverage risks damage to the tooth’s enamel. For a quick refresher on good brushing technique, check out the ADA's brushing guidelines (PDF).

Oh, and while we’re on the subject, don’t forget to make brushing your tongue as part of your routine too. Brushing the tongue, especially before bed, helps cut down on the amount of bacteria that’s at work in your mouth during those long hours of sleep.

Floss

In the world of dentistry, there’s a difference of opinion about rinsing with a good oral mouth rinse and flossing. Some studies show that rinsing is as equally effective as flossing; other studies refute it. But when it comes to dental health, it’s always good to err on the side of caution. Floss at least once each day to remove the finer food particles that can lodge between teeth and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash reduces the bacteria that may irritate gums during brushing and flossing. And adding a fluoride rinse as the final step in your routine helps strengthen and protect the teeth. The ADA has a quick flossing guide (PDF) too.

Rinse

An antibacterial mouthwash is an essential part of a proactive dental routine. Whether you decide to use a pre-rinse, a post-rinse, or both, mouthwash helps keep your breath fresh, your teeth plaque-free, and your gums healthy.

Reduce Stress

Stress can really do a number on oral health. Besides generally weakening our immune systems, stress usually goes hand-in-hand with bad eating habits and inconsistent dental routines. Unaddressed stress and anxiety can also cause teeth clenching or nighttime teeth grinding, which may eventually weaken enamel or produce tooth fractures. Explore ways to reduce and manage stress through exercise, meditation, or broader lifestyle changes.

Eat Right

As with any health issue, diet plays a major role in maintaining good dental health. A well-balanced diet that’s low in sugar can help prevent the bacterial buildup that’s responsible for plaque and tooth decay. Also, to protect tooth enamel, limit or avoid acidic foods and beverages like citrus fruits, soda, and canned sweet teas.

Be More Aware

Knowing the early warning signs of dental problems can help minimize long-term damage, prevent the need for drastic corrective procedures, and keep your dental costs down. Watch for red flags like receding, inflamed, or bleeding gums (a sign of potential gum disease), tooth pain, or pain while chewing (a sign of potential cavities or an abscessed tooth). Signs of chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, oral cancer, and HIV can also first manifest in our mouths. If you have any oral or dental condition that’s unusual, unexplained, or lasting, see your doctor.

Defensive dentistry isn’t about trying to avoid the dentist at all costs. Nothing can or should replace regular check-ups and cleanings. Instead, a bit of dental defense now can help keep your appointments routine and prevent the surprises that stress our budgets and tax our nerves later. That’s a pretty good payoff for a few small investments of toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and time.

What does defensive dentistry mean to you? How has establishing a healthier routine helped you stay out of the dentist’s chair?

This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Free Prostate Cancer prevention readily available

Paul Michael — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:20:36 +0000

98% of men say they do it; the other 2% are lying. But far from it being something to be embarrassed about, researchers have strong indications that this very common activity could have uncommon effects in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. I’m talking about, dare I say it, masturbation folks.

I took a lot of flak recently for suggesting that good hydration can reduce the risk of getting certain cancers. So, I decided to do a little digging around on natural, cheap and effective ways to reduce the risk of cancer. BBC news, a place I rely upon for much of my world news, came to my rescue. And while I know the topic will probably cause even more controversy, I think it’s worth the discussion. We’re all adults here folks.

The masturbation study was conducted by the Cancer Council Victoria, in Melbourne Australia. It was actually a study in response to research that suggested high levels of sexual activity with numerous partners increased a man’s risk of prostate cancer by up to 40%.

However, the study didn’t take into account the fact that ejaculation may in fact be a way to help flush out carcinogens from the prostate. While safety concerns are raised when having a lot of sex, there is nothing at all unsafe about masturbation (well, I guess that depends on how you do it. The Michael Hutchence case springs to mind).

There are various prostate health drugs and vitamins on the market, including Saw Palmetto, which cost varying amounts. Some Protate Health combinations can cost $30-$40 a month. And yet, science is saying the simplest way to prevent prostate cancer, gents, is to take matters into your own hands…literally. And not only does it feel a lot better than taking a vitamin, it’s also free.

So, how many times should you "do it?"

The magic number seems to be almost daily. From the article…

Men who ejaculated more than five times a week were a third less likely to develop prostate cancer later in life. Australian researchers questioned over 1,000 men who had developed prostate cancer and 1,250 who had not about their sexual habits.

They found those who had ejaculated the most between the ages of 20 and 50 were the least likely to develop the cancer. The protective effect was greatest while the men were in their 20s.

Researchers also have a theory that regular ejaculation helps the prostate gland mature, which makes it less susceptible to carcinogens.

Dr Chris Hiley, head of policy and research at the UK's Prostate Cancer Charity, told BBC News Online: "This is a plausible theory." She added: "In the same way the human papillomavirus has been linked to cervical cancer, there is a suggestion that bits of prostate cancer may be related to a sexually transmitted infection earlier in life."

So forget the ridiculous tales of hairy palms and blindness. Not only is there nothing wrong with masturbation, it’s considered to be a healthy and cancer-preventing part of your daily routine. Go for it.

For more information of the findings, read the BBC article here.

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Pessimism Pays - Why Expecting the Worst Can Save You Money

Lana Goodrich — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 20:33:33 +0000

What’s the first thing people tell you when you start feeling down in the dumps? “Don’t worry – things will get better!” But sometimes, being too positive is just a one-way street to being unprepared. Here are four common worries and why dwelling on them can help you save cash.

“What if I lose my job?”
You’re right to worry. The economy is on shaky ground, and you could be fired or laid off due to any number of circumstances. Take it for granted that you’re going to leave your job eventually. This is a good time to set aside money for an emergency fund and put aside at least three month’s living expenses. Update your resume, C.V. or portfolio so that they’re current and they highlight your best work. Network with acquaintances and put your feelers out for similar jobs – even if you have no intention of leaving quite yet. Being ready is the best way to bounce back.

“What if I get into a horrible car accident?”
No one wants to think about what would happen if they were hurt or killed in an accident – but you should. Make sure you have life and disability insurance. Write your will or establish a trust for your family and detail where all your assets should go. Establish who you’d like as your power of attorney if you ever end up in the hospital and unable to make your own decisions. Bad things happen to people of all ages. Being young is no excuse for not being prepared for an emergency.

“What if my future spouse leaves me?”
How about a prenuptial agreement? Oh, I know what you’re thinking. But really, wouldn’t you rather protect your best interests – and your future spouse’s – while you’re in a loving state of mind? Should you end up divorced, you don’t want to spend so much time fighting over a couch that the cost of legal fees could’ve easily bought you another one. Best case scenario, you never use the prenuptial agreement. Worst case scenario, it’s a lot less to worry about if your marriage goes down the drain.

“What if my house burns down?”
If you bought your house with a mortgage, you were required to purchase homeowners insurance, which covers things like damage from fire, lightening, hail and storms. But if you’re a renter, there’s a good chance you may not have insurance. When you rent, the building is insured by your landlord or property management company. If there’s a fire, your landlord is only responsible for the building, not any personal property you lose. A basic renter’s insurance plan replaces personal property and can cost you as little as $10 a month through any insurance agent, such as AAA or Geico.

So tell me, what are your financial worries and how do you prepare for them?

This article is from Lana Goodrich of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Malaria-Resistant Mosquito: Frugal Research or Future Pox?

Andrea Karim — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 02:33:41 +0000

File this one under "Wow, that's a great idea... or is it?"

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have developed a mosquito containing a gene that makes it resistant to the malaria virus. The idea is not so much concern for mosquitos' health, but hope that a malaria-free mosquito population might fare better than malaria-prone mosquitos, thus halting the spread of this dangerous and deadly disease.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 700,000 to 2.7 million people die of malaria each year, 75 percent of them African children.

I'm am all about disease prevention (who isn't?), and I don't generally freak out about genetic research, from stem cells to genetically modified food. That said, releasing genetically-modified animals into the world in hopes of overtaking a current (and more or less naturally occuring) species worries me slightly.

Perhaps I'm being unnecessarily cautious. So far, the insects are not being released, and testing is still underway. But although this is unprecedented, it seems like humanity's general attempt to eliminate certain animal populations have been disastrous. For instance, in the 1950s, Mao Zedong encouraged a the widespread killing of swallows, with the mistaken belief that the birds were a nuisance. Millions of birds were killed by locals, and the resulting locust infestations brought devastating famine to the Chinese countryside.

Current attempts at eliminating malaria include a variety of vaccines that are being developed by large pharmaceutical companies in conjunction with government funding and NGO help. Hundreds of millions of dollars are poured into this every year.

You can read a bit about the malaria vaccine initiative at the Gates Foundation web site.

This article is from Andrea Karim of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Cheap Condoms: Spread the Love, and Only the Love

Andrea Karim — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 00:22:56 +0000

Will's post about Valentine's Day facts not only made me snork my coffee when I read it this morning, but also surprised me with a number of its factoids. For instance, who knew that Germans had a word for love?

I'll just go ahead and admit that I hadn't thought much about increased condom purchases due to the impending arrival of the Holiday of Love (from Will's post):

According to the condom company Durex, condom sales are highest around Valentine's Day, which are 20–30% higher than usual. More at-home pregnancy tests are sold in March than in any other month. Penicillin, a popular treatment for venereal diseases such as syphilis, was introduced to the world on February 14, 1929.

That got me thinking about the importance of protection, especially on a holiday that is all about spreading the love, but hopefully nothing else. And I'm not just thinking about ANY protection! We're talking cheap protection.

Anyone who has ever done a search for "free condoms" online has doubtlessly been disappointed. Unless you are incarcerated, or a student in a university with caring hall reps, your chances of snagging some free jimhats is pretty slim. There are, however, a few ways to get cheaper access to birth control.

Condoms and Dams

Planned Parenthood clinics are a good place to score free condoms. They'll usually give out condoms and dental dams without asking any questions, but it never hurts to sit down and have a chat with a clinician about safe sex. Hey, throw in a couple of STD tests while you're there, just to have the peace of mind — can you think of a better Valentine's Day gift to yourself than knowing all you need to know about your sexual health?

PP offers services on a sliding scale, and has a more liberal idea of what constitutes financial need than, say, the federal government.

Ordering in bulk? Try the discounts to be had at Discount Condom King.

Online coupons are available through the Lifestyles website and the Condom Depot currently offers free shipping with your order of $25 or more.

Get a free sample of Astroglide here.

Additional

Keep in mind that condoms are your best bet for protection from everything, from pregnancy to STDs.

You can't currently order things like birth control pills online, but you can find some discounts. As mentioned above, Planned Parenthood offers birth control fairly cheaply to those who need it. And while I never advocate taking advantage of a place like Planned Parenthood, if you are in a tight spot financially, I hear that they don't actually CHECK your financial background. You'll still get the goods.

United Networks offer the UNA Card, a discount card that will apparently get you up to 55% of selected drugs, including birth control (you still need a prescription to order birth control, but if you don't have insurance, this might not be a bad option). You just enter your info, submit it, and then print out the card. Participating pharmacies are listed there as well.

After the Fact

So your birth control failed you on February 14th? Well, Plan B has been available for a few months as an over-the-counter drug. Planned Parenthood, as always, can help you find emergency contraception in almost any location.

This article is from Andrea Karim of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: