Credit: Credit Billing Disputes

Credit- Credit Billing Disputes
If you find an error on a credit card or charge account bill, you have the right to dispute the problem under the Fair Credit Billing Act. The law defines billing errors as: incorrect credits for payments, charges that you didn't make, and charges for goods or services that you did not receive or that were not as promised.
Write to the creditor within 60 days of the postmark of the first bill with the disputed charge. If more than 60 days have passed but you just recently found the problem, you may still be able to dispute the charge.
***Send a letter to the address provided on the bill. Do not send the letter with your payment.
***Be specific. In your letter, give your name and account number, the date and amount of the charge disputed, and a complete explanation of why you are disputing the charge.
***Send your letter by certified mail, with a return receipt requested, if you want to make sure it is received.
If you follow these requirements, the creditor or card issuer must acknowledge your letter in writing within 30 days of receiving it and conduct an investigation within 90 days.
While the bill is being investigated, you do not have to pay the amount in dispute. The creditor cannot try to collect this disputed amount, nor can the creditor report the amount as late or close or restrict your account.
***If there was an error, the creditor must credit your account and remove any related finance charges or late fees. For any amount still owed, you have the right to an explanation and copies of documents proving you owe the money.
***If the bill is correct, you must be told in writing what you owe and why. You will owe the amount disputed plus any finance charges.
What if you don't agree with the creditor's decision? You can file an appeal with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency at
www.occ.treas.gov/customer.htm.
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Internet: Safer Computing and Social Networks

Internet - Safer Computing and Social Networks
Thanks to the Internet, you can order books, clothes, or appliances online; reserve a hotel room across the ocean; download music and games; check your bank balance 24 hours a day; or access your workplace from thousands of miles away. The flip-side, however, is that the Internet, and the anonymity it affords, can give online scammers, hackers, and identity thieves access to your computer, personal information, finances, and more. But with awareness as your safety net, you can minimize the chance of an Internet mishap.
To be safer and more secure online, adopt these seven practices:
***Protect your personal information. It's valuable.
***Know whom you're dealing with.
***Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.
***Make sure your operating system and web browser are set up properly and update them regularly.
***Protect your passwords.
***Back up important files.
***Learn who to contact if something goes wrong online.
The FTC offers a publication online called Stop, Think, Click with specifics on safer computing; to order, visit http://www.onguardonline.gov/.
To keep up to date with information about the latest computer threats, sign up for alerts from the Department of Homeland Security at http://www.us-cert.gov/.
***OnGuardOnline.gov, managed by the FTC, OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
Here are some other sources on protecting yourself and your family while using the Internet.
***GetNetWise (http://www.getnetwise.or/) is a public service sponsored by Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations to help ensure that Internet users have safe, constructive, and educational or entertaining online experiences.
***Internet Keep Safe Coalition (http://www.ikeepsafe.org/), the home of Faux Paw the Techno Cat, a coalition of 49 governors/first spouses, law enforcement, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other associations dedicated to helping parents, educators, and caregivers by providing tools and guidelines to teach children the safe and healthy use of technology.
***National Cyber Security Alliance (http://www.staysafeonline.org/) is a nonprofit organization that provides tools and resources to empower home users, small businesses, and schools, colleges, and universities to stay safe online.
***staysafe (http://www.staysafe.org/) is an educational site intended to help consumers understand the positive aspects of the Internet as well as how to manage a variety of safety and security issues that exist online.
***Wired Safety (http://www.wiredsafety.org/) is an Internet safety and help group comprised of unpaid volunteers around the world that provides education, assistance, and awareness on all aspects of cyber crime and abuse, privacy, security, and responsible technology use. Wired Safety is the parent group of Teenangels.org, FBI-trained teens and preteens who promote Internet safety. Social Networking Online
Social networking sites such as Xanga and MySpace are the hippest new "meet markets," especially among tween, teens and 20-somethings. While these sites can increase a person's circle of friends, they also increase exposure to people with less-than-friendly intentions, including sexual predators. Visit onguardonline.gov to learn how to help your kids socialize safely online.
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Internet: Online File Sharing

Internet - Online File Sharing
Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing allows users to share files online through an informal network of computers running the same software. Every day, millions of computer users share files online.
Whether it is music, games, or software, file sharing can give people access to a wealth of information. Users download special software that connects their computers to an informal network of other computers running the same software. Millions of users could be connected to each other through this software at one time. The software is often free and easy to access.
However, file sharing can have a number of risks. For example, when you are connected to file-sharing programs, you could unknowingly allow others to copy private files you never intended to share. You could download material that is protected by copyright laws and find yourself mired in legal issues. You could download a virus or facilitate a security breach. Or you could unwittingly download pornography labeled as something else.
To secure the personal information stored on your computer, the FTC suggests that you:
***Set up the file-sharing software very carefully.
***Be aware of spyware.
***Close your connection when you're not using it.
***Use an effective anti-virus program and update it regularly.
***Talk with your family about file sharing.
For more complete information on P2P, visit http://www.onguardonline.gov/.
Online Copyright Issues
Quite simply, to make or download unauthorized copies of software is to break the law, no matter how many copies are involved. Whether you are casually making a few copies for friends, loaning disks, distributing and/or downloading pirated software via the Internet, or buying a single software program and then installing it on 100 computers, you are committing a copyright infringement. It doesn't matter if you make money or not. If you or your company is caught copying software, you may be held liable under both civil and criminal law.
If the copyright owner brings a civil action against you, the owner can stop you from using its software immediately and can also request monetary damages. The copyright owner can sue for as much as $150,000 for each program copied. In addition, the government can criminally prosecute you for copyright infringement. If convicted, you can be fined up to $250,000, be sentenced to jail for up to five years, or both.
For more information visit http://www.cybercrime.gov/, a site sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice or http://www.bsa.org/, a site on online piracy issues managed by the Business Software Alliance.
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Internet: Online Auctions and Sellers

Internet-Online Auctions and Sellers
Many private sellers sell items on the Internet through auctions, classified ads, newsgroups, and chat rooms. Unfortunately, these types of sales are a very common type of Internet fraud.
Resolving disputes can be difficult when the seller is in a different part of the country.
Be aware that government agencies may not be able to help you since many laws don't apply to sales between individuals. Follow this advice as well as the general tips on shopping from home.
Know your seller. If you don't, do some research.
***Check with state and/or local consumer offices.
***Company websites often provide information in a section called "About Us." Some online sellers participate in programs such as BBBOnLine that help resolve problems. Look for a logo or endorsement seal on the company website. This is an indication, but not a guarantee, of the seller's reliability.
***Another way to check online sellers is to look for other consumers' comments. Visit http://www.bizrate.com/ where consumers rate online stores. Some Internet auction sites post ratings of sellers based on comments by buyers. This information may give you some idea of how you'll be treated, but beware of too many glowing stories that might have been placed by sellers themselves.
Protect your personal information. Use a secure website to help protect your credit card from misuse.
***Never send your credit card number by e-mail because e-mails are not secure. If you are not comfortable providing your credit card number online, ask whether you can call or fax it.
***Check how the auction works. Can you cancel a bid? Don't assume that the rules used by one auction site apply to another. Some sites offer step-by-step instructions that will take you through the bidding process.
***Find out what protections you have. Does the site provide free insurance or guarantees for items that are not delivered or not as described?
***Follow the strategies used in any auction. Learn the value of the item you are bidding on. Establish your top price and stick to it.
***Don't bid on an item you don't intend to buy. If you're the highest bidder, you have bought it. Auction companies often bar those who back out of a deal from future bidding.
***If the seller can't accept payment by credit card, use an escrow service. Your money is held by a third-party until you get your purchase and approve release of your payment to the seller. There is a small fee, but the peace of mind is worth it. Auction company eBay recommends Escrow.com, which is backed by Fidelity National Financial Corporation.
***Be wary of sellers who insist you use a specific escrow service, especially if you have never heard of that particular service before. Check out the escrow service just like you check out sellers of other services. If a company's website has grammar and other simple mistakes, be wary. You might not be dealing with a legitimate company.
For more information about shopping online, visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/online/payments.htm and http://www.safeshopping.org/.
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Buying Tips: Quick Consumer Tips

Buying Tips - Quick Consumer Tips

Quick Consumer Tips
As a savvy consumer, you should always be on the alert for shady deals and scams. To protect your money and avoid being a victim of fraud, keep these things in mind:

***A deal that sounds too good to be true usually is! Offers that often fall into this category are promises to fix your credit problems, low-interest credit cards, deals that let you skip credit card payments, business/job opportunities, risk-free investments, and free travel.

***Extended warranties and service contracts are rarely worth what you pay for them.

***Say no to credit insurance offers. Often offered with credit cards, car loans and home mortgages, it is almost always better to purchase regular property, life or disability insurance.

***There is no universal three-day cooling-off period. Don't be misled into thinking that you have an automatic three days to cancel a purchase. Only a few types of contracts give you a right to cancel.

***Think twice before sharing personal information.

***Beware of payday and tax refund loans. Interest rates on these loans are usually excessive. Even a high-interest cash advance on a credit card could be a better option.

***Not all plastic cards offer the same protections. Your liability for the unauthorized use of a gift card and debit/ATM card may be much higher than the $50 maximum on your credit card.

***Real estate agents represent the seller – not the buyer. When buying, consider hiring an agent or lawyer who represents you.

***Home improvement and auto repairs are the subject of frequent complaints Second opinions are especially important when you are dealing with a repair service you do not know.

***Think twice before you rent-to-own. Interest rates on rent-to-own purchases can be very high. If you miss a payment, you could end up with nothing. Consider other options such as buying second-hand at a thrift shop or through ads in your local newspaper.

***Don't buy under stress. Research suggests senior citizens, people in crisis (e.g., coping with a death or debt), college students, small business owners, minorities, and immigrants are especially at risk of being victimized. Avoid making big-ticket purchases during times of duress. ***Be cautious of Buy Here, Pay Here lots. If you decide to buy a car from a used car lot, be sure to read all of the papers before you sign. Don't sign contracts that allow the dealership to change the finance rate AFTER you leave the lot.

***Work-at-home ads usually don't pay off. Be especially wary of ads that promise huge annual salaries; they often require expensive upfront fees with no guarantee. You risk losing your money and wasting a lot of time and energy.

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Travel: Travel Safety

Travel -Travel Safety
Several federal agencies offer advice and information on the Internet that can help insure you have a safe trip.
***The U.S. Department of Transportation at http://www.dot.gov/ offers airline, highway and rail safety information. For example, you can look up crash-safety reports on cars or find out how weather is affecting air travel and road conditions.
***The Transportation Security Administration at http://www.tsa.gov/ has advice on safe travel by air, land and sea. For example, they post tips on dealing with airline security checks, traveling with kids, and warnings on prohibited items. Click on Travelers and Consumers.
***The U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov/travel provides information on what to do before, during, and when you return from a trip overseas. You can also get warnings on locations to avoid and what to do in an overseas emergency.
***The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/travel offers health-related travel information. You can research vaccination requirements, find information on how to avoid illnesses caused by food and water, and review inspection scores on specific cruise ships.
Pack Smart For A Safe Flight
As you're getting ready and packing for your airline trip, it's important to pack smart. Many common items that we use every day at home can become very dangerous when transported by air. In flight, variations in temperatures and pressures can cause items to leak, emit toxic fumes, or start a fire. If in doubt, don't pack it. To find a list of prohibited items, go to http://www.tsa.gov/ or call 1-866-289-9673.
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