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Vigilance Against Consumer Fraud

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with dba Deb Beran Properties

Deb Beran Lakefront Realty is as concerned about the wellbeing of Smith Mountain Lake and other local residents as we are interested in matching customers with the best possible home or property. We like to pass along helpful information useful to anyone. One of the rising issues of our society is consumer fraud. Along with identity theft, consumer fraud primarily targets a victim’s finances. While the government is working to protect citizens from fraud, each person would be wise to stay vigilant when it comes to their own accounts. Here are a few tips on protecting against fraud: 

 

- Use Alerts: Be sure to have alerts set up on your checking accounts and credit cards that you are texted or email on transactions that seem suspicious

- Change Your Password: Change it often and keep the characters varied

- Check Your Credit Report: do this once a quarter. By using one of the three agencies each time, you’ll keep tabs on your credit score and significant variation throughout the year. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com free of charge.

  • Get Protection: Identity theft protection can prevent fraudulence by keeping tabs on your accounts for you. 

 

For more information on Virginia’s consumer fraud and identity theft laws, ratings and actions visit http://vaperforms.virginia.gov/indicators/govtCitizens/consumerProtection.php.  

Comments (1)

Kathy Stoltman
Balboa Real Estate - Ventura, CA
Ventura County Real Estate Consultant 805-746-1793

Deborah, this is a terrible crime and could affect all of us thanks for sharing some tips to protect us.

Apr 03, 2013 03:08 AM