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Throughout the country, a new breed of tech savvy identity thieves are popping up. After stealing credit card numbers, computer hackers can take inexpensive equipment to re-magnetize their personal cards with the victim’s information. They can then rack up large bills before consumers even know what happened.

This can spell big trouble for the major retailers, but even bigger trouble for consumers. The editor of PictureCredit.com, a leading Free Credit Report website that offers information on credit and identity theft, has outlined 8 ways for consumers to protect themselves from this, and other, identity theft scams.

What steps can consumers take to protect themselves from these types of things? Below are several steps to protect consumers’ identities, with more located on their website.

Monitor Your Credit Card Statements
In the event that your information has been stolen without your knowledge, one of the best ways to protect yourself in to constantly monitor your credit card statements. Many credit card companies offer online access to your account, where the charges are updated instantly; this is a quick and easy way to stay on top of fraud

Shred Sensitive Documents
Although not immensely prevalent in this day and age, it’s still a good practice to destroy all documents containing sensitive information that thieves may be able to use to steal your identity. You don’t need papers with your credit card information floating around. Also, most credit card companies offer paperless updates and statements, so there’s no paper copy of your transactions everything is emailed instead.

Stay Alert
Just reading articles like this and informing yourself on current credit scams is one of the best ways to protect yourself. In this case, knowledge really is power. Spend an hour or so each week keeping up on credit news and you’ll be far ahead of the game.

For more information, visit picturecredit.com.

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Choosing the right credit card can be a daunting task. Often the bank’s own website buries important details deep in pages of fine print. This makes it very difficult for consumers to accurately compare credit cards from a single bank, let alone hundreds of products offered by banks, building societies and credit unions. Now there is a new website that allows Australian consumers to compare credit cards in one location. CreditCards.com.au is a highly respected Australian website designed to help ordinary people choose the best credit card for their needs.

The high-ranking web portal provides the vital information on a wide range of credit cards, as well as links to hundreds of applications for credit cards from Australian financial institutions. Frequent articles and industry news provides information on the top 10 credit cards in Australia. Customers are also given excellent opportunities to find great deals for themselves with practical comparison charts and even a credit card savings calculator.

The extensive range of credit card comparison tools on offer is part of the site’s appeal.

For more information, visit creditcards.com.au.

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Affinion Group, Inc., a global leader in customer engagement solutions that enhance and extend the relationship and loyalty of millions of consumers, today announced it has expanded its world-class suite of consumer protection products by acquiring a portfolio of credit card registry subscribers and the associated fee revenue stream from one of the country’s largest national financial institutions.
This credit card registration program is designed to protect, assist and reimburse customers whenever a registered card is lost or stolen. Customers enjoy the benefits of placing just one call to cancel and replace all lost or stolen cards, access emergency cash, activate credit monitoring, identity theft assistance and expense reimbursement.

For more information, visit affinion.com.

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With news of the horrific elder abuse case in Nampa, it’s important for people to know the warning signs and resources available if they suspect abuse or have concerns. Elder abuse is a horrific, yet largely unreported crime. For every one case that’s reported, five are not. In Idaho, roughly 9% of the state’s elderly population is estimated to be victims of abuse. In 18% of abuse cases, family members are most often cited as the source.

AARP is providing the following to help inform the public of elder abuse warning signs and resources in Idaho:

Warning signs of elder abuse:
• Unexplained bruises or other injuries.
• Sudden change in behavior.
• Caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors.
• Elder is extremely upset, withdrawn, unresponsive; other unusual behavior.
• Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, weight loss.
• Unattended health problems or lack of necessary aids, such as eyeglasses or dentures.
• Unsanitary living conditions (lice, soiled bedding).
• Inadequate clothing; no heat or running water.
• Unexplained bank withdrawals, unauthorized use of a credit or ATM card, stolen or “misplaced” cards or checkbook.
• Checks written as a “loan” or “gift.”
• Abrupt changes in a will or other documents.

What to do if you suspect or are experiencing abuse:
• In an emergency, always call 911 or the local police.
• If you haven’t seen an elderly neighbor or relative, check on them.
• If you suspect in-home abuse call Adult Protective Services toll-free (877) 471-2777.
• If you suspect abuse in a nursing home or another type of institutional care, call the Ombudsman for the Elderly at (208) 334-3833.

For more information, visit eldercare.gov.

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