Consumers are used to Equifax scrutinizing their credit activity and using the information to generate credit reports and credit scores that impact so much of their lives—from the interest rates credit card companies charge to the ability to get a job. And studies by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) found that, unfortunately, many consumers […]
Author Archives: Inter_admin
For all of the hoopla there has been about how ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications can increase efficiencies and create terrific new content, there’s another darker side to AI. It can also help fraudsters and identity thieves be more effective, too. Let’s review four ways that AI scams can impact your credit score. […]
At the height of the Covid pandemic, the Department of Education gave all those who held federal student loans an automatic forbearance. Debtors were not charged interest on their loans and were not required to repay them during the pandemic. However, interest on student loans will begin to accumulate again, starting September 1, 2023, and […]
While many parents will get a Social Security Number for their child, it may be many years before the child uses their identification for financial purposes (e.g., opening a bank account). In the intervening time, the dormancy of children’s information makes kids an ideal target for identity thieves. The children’s underlying data is real, but […]
The traditions and symbolism behind Vietnamese names are profoundly meaningful, while individuals’ personal names are often beautiful and inspiring. But having a Vietnamese name in the United States can pose a unique challenge when it comes to someone’s financial security. Let’s explore why this is an issue and what you can do to protect yourself. […]
While those with Arabic names may be used to having people make mistakes in addressing them (e.g., thinking that “bin” or “ben” is someone’s first or middle name), these errors can be more than a mild annoyance if they are on someone’s credit report. When that happens, it can have real consequences on their financial […]
Mexican-Americans are proud of their outstanding heritage and vibrant culture. They are also proud of their lineage and often have two surnames that reflect their ancestry. Many use their father’s and mother’s family names as their surnames. For example, a man may go by Gilberto Lopez Garcia, or a woman may be called Maria Gonzalez […]
William Shakespeare famously wrote, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But, for many of us, names are important since they give us our identity. Especially our last names. Surnames are a source of pride since they link us to our families and ethnic […]
What’s the most common last name in the United States? If you guessed Smith, you are correct. Nearly three million people in the country have that surname. The name of Smith originated in England, where over 600,000 people bear that moniker today. Other common English last names include Jones, Taylor, Brown, Williams, Wilson, Johnson, Davies, […]
The nation of France is known for its contributions to art and culture, from the architectural marvels of the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles to the fashion runways of Paris to the masterpieces in the Louvre Museum. And don’t forget the food and wine! The people of France have a lot to be […]