SavvySugar

Do You Own One of America's Most Stolen Cars?

SavvySugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:30:06 -0700

The phrase hot wheels takes on a negative connotation when you're talking about stolen rides. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has determined which vehicles were most reported stolen last year, down to the make, model, and year.

The NICB advises car owners to protect their wheels by using common sense and locking their cars; having a visible or audio warning device; getting an immobilizing device like smart keys; and hooking up a tracking device that can monitor the car's whereabouts via computer if the car is stolen. Do you own one of the most stolen cars of 2008? Find out when you read more.

1994 Honda Accord
1995 Honda Civic
1989 Toyota Camry
1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
2000 Dodge Caravan
1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
1994 Acura Integra
1999 Ford Taurus
2002 Ford Explorer

6 Ways to Protect Your Stuff at the Beach

SavvySugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:30:33 -0700

There are plenty of options for hiding your valuables at home, but the beach is a bigger challenge. The upcoming Labor Day weekend will rally crowds eager to soak up the final days of Summer, so keep your belongings safe by only bringing the items you truly need and creatively keeping them out of sight.

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9 Stealth Ways to Stash Your Cash at Home

SavvySugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:30:19 -0700

Your grandparents might have stashed emergency cash in boxes of cereal and under the mattress, but there are more clever options these days for those who keep some reserves on hand. You can spend as little as $5 on diversion safes. See nine clever contraptions under $30 to buy you peace of mind.

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The Safest Destinations For Travel

SavvySugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:30:42 -0700

Let's face it, criminal activity can seriously disrupt a vacation. Excited travelers shouldn't forget to consider the safety of their desired destinations. If it's a low-risk vacation you're after, Forbes provides 10 suggestions in its list of the safest destinations around the world. Forbes used "piles of data" to compile its cautious list, including but not limited to natural disasters and social or political unrest. After all the number-crunching, here are the ten places that shine in the safety department.

Singapore
Iceland
Switzerland
Bhutan
Mauritius
New Zealand
Cyprus
Ireland
Dubai
Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao

Hold On to Your Money: Don't Fall For This Scam!

SavvySugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00:12 -0700

If you've gotten a threatening call from any of these alleged parties lately, it's likely you're a scam target: U.S. National Bank, Federal Investigation Bureau and United Legal Processing, Denzel Washington, and Steve Martin, have all been used by a group of scammers pretending to be debt collectors. They use classic intimidation tactics like impending arrest if victims don't pay their (non-existent) debts and calling people at any available number.

It probably doesn't help the scammers' cause that when using names like Denzel and Steve, they speak in what prosecutors call heavy foreign accents. However, officials with the West Virginia Attorney General's Office say the harassment has been financially lucrative to the disguised debt collectors who have managed to get thousands from victims. Officials have a difficult investigation on their hands, as so far they've been unsuccessful in tracking down any of the scammers.

Source

What Forever 21 Has to Do With Your Credit Report

SavvySugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:00:54 -0700

Last week, in the biggest case of identity theft ever, 11 men in five countries were charged with stealing more than 40 million credit card numbers from US retailers. Unfortunately, 73 percent of you aren't strangers to having your credit card information compromised, but it seems that some of us might be in the dark about our card's safety.

According to The Wall Street Journal, most states require full disclosure to customers when credit-card data is stolen from a company's stores. Of the stores involved in the security breach affecting millions of people, TJX Cos., BJ's Wholesale Club Inc., DSW Inc., Dave and Buster's Inc. didn't let much time pass before they told their customers about the instance. Find out how Forever 21 fits into the equation when you read more.

OfficeMax Inc., Barnes and Noble Inc., and Sports Authority Inc. would not disclose whether or not they'd shared this information with their customers, while Boston Market Corp. and Forever 21 Inc. confirmed they did not disclose the breach to customers.

They've kept tight lips because they never verified that any numbers were stolen from their databases, but the Fed's indictments are clear about which retailers were targeted. Because companies aren't always up-front when their data has been stolen, make sure you protect yourself by checking your credit report a few times annually to ensure nobody has been using your information to open accounts.

Brilliant or Baffling: Stash Flip-Flops

SavvySugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 06:30:39 -0700

Reef Stash Sandals ($46) are named after what they're made for: stashing stuff. Hidden in the heel is a pull-out storage area where you can slide your essentials inside, like your cash, house or hotel key, and ID while be-bopping at the beach. Appearance of the flip-flops aside, what do you think of the idea; is it brilliant or baffling?

Has Your Card Information Ever Been Compromised?

SavvySugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 06:30:54 -0700

Yesterday, my fiancé tried to use his debit card at the gas station and was told by the machine that it couldn't authorize his card. He discovered a strange purchase on his online account, and when he called the bank, a customer service representative told him a freeze had been placed on the account because of the mystery transaction. Seems someone in another country somehow got ahold of his details, so thank goodness they immediately caught it.

He certainly is not alone - just this week, 11 men in five countries were charged with stealing more than 40 million credit card numbers from US retailers. Has someone ever stolen, or tried to steal, your card information?

Source

Money Tip: Stick to Bank ATMs For Safety

SavvySugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:05:44 -0700

ATMs will give you cash in a flash, but not all of them are created equal. If you're grabbing a cheap cup of coffee at a convenience store and notice the shady looking ATM in the corner, think twice before inserting your debit card. Sometimes we're really in a crunch and aren't able to cruise down the street and use a bank's machine, but don't get in to the habit of getting convenience cash.

Experts say that it's easier for hackers to tamper with these machines and steal your PIN. The videotaping and security measures at banks make them less susceptible to thieves, while convenience ATMs are maintained by a third party.

Source

The Most Basic Way to Protect Against Identity Theft

SavvySugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:30:21 -0700

Everyday folks aren't armed with the high-tech equipment to battle elaborate identity theft schemers, but we do have one thing going for us - our common sense. Setting up various, unpredictable passwords for your online accounts is one way to guard yourself, and we can thank Mrs. Federal Reserve Chairman for demonstrating another basic lesson.

Ben Bernanke's checking account was one of hundreds that was wrapped up in an identity theft ring after his wife Anna's purse was stolen at a Starbucks. The thief hit the jackpot with that steal; not only did she keep her checkbook and IDs in her purse, it also contained her social security card. Access to someone's social security number makes stealing identities a breeze for scammers.

Protect yourself by leaving your social security card locked in a safe place at home; there's no reason for you to carry it around in your wallet.