Consumer Credit Reports

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Experian Consumer Direct(SM), the leading provider of online direct-to-consumer credit reports, scores and monitoring products including FamilySecure.com, today announced its support of The Joyful Feast, a fundraising event designed to celebrate The Joyful Child Foundation's accomplishments and raise funds to expand its efforts to prevent predatory crimes against children. The event takes place Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at The Grove of Anaheim, Calif. and features a live, half-hour acoustic performance by Grammy-winning artist Cyndi Lauper.

The Joyful Child Foundation is a nonprofit, for public benefit organization dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse and abduction through programs that unite and uplift communities. The foundation was inspired by the life of Samantha Runnion, whose life was cut short after being abducted in front of her Orange County, Calif.

HSBC Survey: Consumers Slow to Seek Free Credit Reports, Despite ...

(CSRwire) PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill. - A new survey by HSBC - North America finds that while 82 percent of consumers fear identity theft, only four in 10 have taken advantage of the recent law - the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) - that gives consumers free access annually to their credit reports to check for errors. Checking credit reports regularly can help consumers detect identity theft, which, according to the Federal Trade Commission, has struck 27.3 million Americans in the past five years. It's also an opportunity for consumers to understand their credit status, see how their financial decisions impact their credit standing and assess their progress toward achieving financial goals. "Knowing your credit history represents the first step toward understanding and managing your financial well-being," says Loretta Abrams, vice president of community development and consumer advocacy at HSBC - North America.

Cut back on your credit cards

Do you ever feel like the statements and credit-card offers just keep coming? Consumer Reports' Money Adviser says cutting down on your credit cards is one of the simplest ways to streamline your financial life.

Most people only need one or two credit cards. If you carry an American Express or Discover card, you might want to consider adding a MasterCard or a Visa because they're more widely accepted. .