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Be A
Smart Consumer
It pays to shop wisely,
be alert for scams, and manage your money wisely. If you’d
like to be a more informed consumer, visit these sites.
Tips
For Safer Surfing
Internet thieves are becoming more sophisticated. Learn
how to protect yourself at OnGuard
Online‡, a federal government web site with:
- Information about avoiding
internet scams
- Tips for protecting personal
information
- Online tutorials for activating
built-in firewalls and spam filters
- Links for reporting identity
theft, phishing, spyware, online shopping fraud and other
illegal activities
Understanding Your Credit
Score
Your
FICO score can determine your chances
of being approved for a loan, renting an apartment or even
being hired for a job. Learn exactly what a FICO score is,
how it’s determined, and how you can improve yours.
Better Business Bureau
Of The Southland
It
pays to be cautious. At the Better
Business Bureau’s‡ site, you can check out
a company before you do business with it, or file a complaint
if you think you’ve been treated unfairly.
Don't Get Caught In
A "Phishing"
Or "Pharming" Scheme
You
can be a victim of identity theft if a thief gets hold of
personal information such as your Social Security or credit
card numbers. The thief can open accounts in your name,
run up bills and ruin your credit record. Correcting the
problem could take years. Protect yourself with a few common
sense precautions.
Increase Fuel Efficiency
If
you can’t cut down your driving, you can at least
adjust your driving habits — which may be enough to
help you reduce your gas
costs.
Dealer Financing —
When You Score A Zero, You Lose
Sounds
good. Zero percent financing.
But is there a catch? Yes there is, and we’ll be glad
to explain it.
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