There are a few warning signs that could signal a debt collection scam. Legitimate debt collectors should not claim that they’ll have you arrested. They should provide you with a mailing address of phone number. They should not ask you for personal financial information. If the caller refuses or is unable to provide you with  … Read More

If you are sued by a debt collector, you should respond to the lawsuit by the date specified in the court papers. When you respond to the lawsuit, the debt collector will have to prove to the court that the debt is valid and that you owe the debt. If you don’t respond, the court  … Read More

A debt collector generally is a person or a company that regularly collects debts owed to others, usually when those debts are past due. These include collection agencies or lawyers who collect debts as part of their business. There are also companies that buy past-due debts from creditors and try to collect them.

Equifax gave out millions of wrong credit scores. From mid-March of 2022 through early April, people applying for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards at major and smaller banks got scores that were off by as much as 20 points in either direction. Often it was enough points to affect interest rates for the loans they  … Read More

Don’t be pressured at the checkout line to sign up for a store-branded credit card without knowing exactly what you are getting into. Take your time-do not sign up for a card on the spot. Read the fine print and understand the rates, fees and deadlines with the cards. While retail credit cards typically don’t  … Read More

REAL ID will go into effect on May 3, 2023. It will be required at the time to board domestic commercial flights, enter a military base or enter a federal facility that requires ID at the door. Valid US Passports are considered REAL ID. For more information about obtaining REAL ID in Pennsylvania, visit dmv.pa.gov/REALID

One in 10 Pennsylvania residents has money being held by the PA Treasury. It could be something like an old savings account, forgotten paycheck or refund, a stock dividend or an insurance claim. You can check for your name by visiting www.PaTreasury.gov

The deadline to file has been extended to December 31, 2022. To qualify, applicants must earn less than $35,000 per year for homeowners or $15,000 per year for renters. Only HALF of Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits count toward eligibility.

Your credit report can have an impact on employment and your ability to buy a home, car or even insurance. Thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can receive a free credit report from each of the three national credit reporting agencies. These reports will NOT include your credit score. You may request your  … Read More

A state government may be holding onto funds that belong to you from uncashed checks, inactive bank accounts, insurance policies, safe deposit boxes, rental and utility deposits, rebates or other sources. You can search for yourself or for a family member. Reminder: search under every state you’ve lived in. For Pennsylvania go to patreasury.gov.