As the family gathered for Christmas, I finally had The Talk with my Favorite Nephew who was home from college.This talk was about being smart and taking steps to protect himself. We sat down with his laptop and I started by asking if he’d ever checked his credit report.First, I sent him to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) website and showed him how to get his free … [Read more...] about Home for the holidays, time to have The Talk: get the new year off to a good start
Identity Theft
Taxpayer Identity Theft – Protect Yourself
For the second time this week, someone I know has become the victim of identity theft. Again the person's Social Security number was used fraudulently to file something with the IRS. As I write each year, taxpayer identity theft is an ever growing problem. The best preventive option is to file your tax returns as early as possible. The IRS will take the first return filed. … [Read more...] about Taxpayer Identity Theft – Protect Yourself
Preventing Financial Exploitation in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
The good folks at the Consumer Financial Protection Board are at it again. This time they are warning about financial exploitation of residents in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.The CFPR has published a manual for operators and staff of nursing homes or assisted living facilities to protect vulnerable residents, those older and/or disabled.The 44-page guide … [Read more...] about Preventing Financial Exploitation in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
Be Aware and Fight Tax Identity Theft
With the approaching tax season comes reminders to protect yourself against identity theft and tax return fraud. This week is Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week.The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken a leading role in fighting identity theft and making resources available to consumers such as how to protect your identity, your child’s identity, your medical identity, and … [Read more...] about Be Aware and Fight Tax Identity Theft