Useful Information

Internet Auction Fraud Preventive Measures

• Understand as much as possible about how the auction works, what your obligations are as a buyer, and what the sellers obligations are before you bid.
• Find out what actions the web site/company takes if a problem occurs and consider insuring the transaction and shipment.
• Learn as much as possible about the seller, especially if the only information you have is an e-mail address. If it is a business, check the Better Business Bureau where the seller/business is located.
• Examine the feedback on the seller.
• Determine what method of payment the seller is asking from the buyer and where he/she is asking to send payment.
• If a problem occurs with the auction transaction, it could be much more difficult if the seller is located outside the US because of the difference in laws.
• Ask the seller about when delivery can be expected and if there is a problem with the merchandise is it covered by a warranty or can you exchange it.
• Find out if shipping and delivery are included in the auction price or are additional costs so there are no unexpected costs.
• There should be no reason to give out your social security number or drivers license number to the seller.

The information on internet auction fraud preventive measures was obtained from the IFCC website.  To find more information on different types of fraud, please visit  and click on the link for fraud tips

Credit Report Tips

Q:  Should I really pull a copy of my credit report each year?

A:  Yes.  You should monitor your credit report regularly.  It is good practice to pull a copy of your credit report each year.  You should review your credit report for inaccuracies and for identity theft.  It's good to know what is on your report so you will know what you are up against the next time you apply for a loan.  Building good credit does not happened overnight, it takes time.  If you have negative factors on your credit report, you will have time to start fixing them before you are ready to apply for a loan.  If you only pull your report when you get a loan, you may have a negative factor on your report causing you to be denied for the loan.  It's always good to know what is on your credit report.  To learn more about credit reports visit equifax at .

Q:  What should I do about my credit before I get married?

A:  Both partners should review copies of the current credit reports together to check them for inaccuracies and correct them.  While reviewing the reports, determine if there is a way to eliminate any debt or close accounts that you no longer need. 

Q:  Will my spouse's poor credit affect mine?

A:  Most of the time, the answer is no.  The signer is responsible for the debt, and if your spouse signed for the debt before you got married, it will not be carried over to your credit report.  However, if he/she has poor credit, your interest rate will most likely be affected when apply for a joint loan.  Worst case scenario, you could be turned down for a joint loan because of your spouse's poor credit history.