A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) survey shows that debt collectors have contacted a whopping 53% of us about a debt we didn’t owe, making it the most common complaint about debt collectors.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to resolve the problem. And the first one is the most crucial: Make sure you’re not being conned.
Sniff out a scam easily
“Don’t volunteer any personal information until you can verify the legitimacy of the debt collector and the debt in question,” urges Bruce McClary, a Certified Credit Counselor with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC.org). “There are far too many examples of debt collection scams where people don’t take the extra step of verifying the agency and the account details, then end up being victims of a crime as a result,” he notes.
This story is from the September 09, 2024 edition of Woman's World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 09, 2024 edition of Woman's World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Find autumn magic in Holland!
Picturesque landscapes, cozy eateries, stunning nature views and friendly locals ensure this Michigan gem has all the makings of a perfect seasonal getaway!
"I've earned a lot of credit card rewards over the year. I'd like them to help cover holiday costs, but I'm not sure if I should use them for gifts or travel. What are my best options?"
With the holidays fast approaching, it's a smart strategy to use cash back, points and miles to help pay for gifts and travel expenses. But it can be hard knowing how to spend them. One reason is that each type has a different monetary value. For example, cash back is worth the dollar amount you earn with each purchase, while points and miles vary in value depending on how you redeem them. Here, Emily Thompson, a credit card rewards expert for ThePointsGuy.com, shares simple tips to help you pinpoint your best options.
Small-space secrets to a big Thanksgiving!
Make more room for your holiday feast with these simple tricks!
"The best has just begun!"
Patti LaBelle's distinctive voice and dynamic presence have captivated audiences for more than six decades. But beyond her music, a passion for cooking and love of family have defined her journey. And at 80 years young, the 'Godmother of Soul' is nowhere near slowing down. Here, Patti shares what's next-and her favorite holiday hacks!
"Help! The holidays are so stressful!”
A staggering 89% of Americans feel overwhelmed over the holidays. Here, experts share a few simple ways to trade argh for ahh this season
"Laughter helped heal my grieving heart!"
After losing her mother to breast cancer, then receiving the same devastating diagnosis, Suzette Simon was heartbroken but refused to lose her sense of humor. Soon, she made it her mission to use joy and laughter to help other women find true healing
Easiest-ever stress busters
Find yourself feeling a little on edge or stressed out during the hectic holiday season? Research reveals these simple tricks help calm anxiety, worry and overwhelm without the need to overhaul your already-busy life.
How to ease a painful gout flare-up
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in the joints, says rheumatologist Brittany Panico, D.O. It causes pain in the big toe, knees, wrists and fingers. \"As we age, kidney function may decline, making it harder for the body to filter out uric acid,\" Dr. Panico says. When a gout flare-up occurs, these tips help
Make your bath the ultimate health booster
Turns out a nightly soak can improve your health. How? It lowers your blood pressure, tames stress hormones and improves your sleep. And these simple tweaks supercharge your bath's health-boosting effects
Secret to healthy aging
We all want to live longer, but we also want to stay active and independent as time goes by. The key to both: giving cellular structures called telomeres a little TLC. Located on the tips of DNA strands, telomeres defend cells against aging and help tissues regenerate and repair. And Danish research reveals keeping telomeres in shape optimizes energy, muscle strength and mobility. While telomeres shorten over time, here's how to keep them long and healthy
