| 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.
Free steps towards protecting your ID
Thanks to a new law in Maryland, you can now request the three major credit reporting agencies not give out your credit report. It is just the newest way to protect you from identity theft. It will cost you $15, a five dollar fee from each credit reporting agencies. But there are two other steps you can take to guard your good name and they are both free.You see ads all the time promising you a free credit report. Those ads are all too familiar to Angie Barnett, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland. “It is all over the internet, we find them everywhere, I'm listening to the radio, you hear it constantly." But Barnett warns buyers beware. She says, “that you can get these free credit reports but what they are going to do is give you something you can already get for free then secondly they are going to try to sell you a bundle or package of services that are directly related to protecting you from identity theft." She goes on to say that those services are steps you can take on your own without paying.The federal government requires all three of the major credit reporting agencies, Transunion, Experian and Equifax, to give you a free copy of your report once a year. There is only one place on the internet where you can do that and it is http://www.annualcreditreport.com“We encourage people to be sure you stagger it," says Barnett.
Selebi to be charged within the week
A meeting of the NPA's top brass today will confirm the date, which will then be communicated to Selebi's legal team.
The extent of the case against the commissioner was revealed in court documents on Friday during his failed last-ditch attempt to try and prevent being prosecuted.
It's alleged Selebi's long-time friend, Glenn Agliotti, gave him money in exchange for favours.
Selebi took extended leave from his job as head of police in South Africa and has also stepped down as president of Interpol this weekend.
We won't be seeing handcuffs slapped on the commissioner�s wrists, instead he will present himself before a magistrate sometime this week to be officially charged.
Today�s NPA meeting will likely deal with tactical issues about how to manage the fallout around the prosecution.
Celebrities Donate to Many Candidates
The show's star and creator, Larry David, donated to both Obama and Edwards, but is supporting Obama, said Laura Streicher, David's assistant and an associate producer on the show. Cast members Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin and Paul Dooley all contributed to Obama. Another actress supporting Clinton is Fran Drescher, former star of the TV show "The Nanny," who contributed $2,300 to the campaign. In an e-mail, Drescher told the AP that she considers Clinton "the best man for the job!" "I also think that having Bill Clinton is a plus," she said. "He is one of the greatest statesmen of our time, and I believe that he _ as first man _ will be a most effective diplomat. Now let's get a little estrogen in the White House _ couldn't hurt!" Hollywood had a long romance with Bill Clinton when he was in the White House, but Obama has also benefited from the star treatment, most noticeably from a high-profile endorsement from Oprah Winfrey, who has donated $2,300 to his campaign.
Homemaker was Calvary Baptist Church member
Kranak died March 17, 2007. They were married for 60 years. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Burgettstown. Mrs. Kranak was a wonderful and caring lady and dedicated volunteer for many years, making crafts in Sheltered Workshop in Weirton, W.Va., and Weirton Geriatric Center. She enjoyed going to flea markets and collecting bells. Mrs. Kranak was a wonderful and kind wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. She will be greatly missed by all who survive her. Surviving are three sons, John F. Kranak, husband of Kathy of Aliquippa, James B. Kranak, husband of Carol of Dothan, Ala., and Joseph Kranak of Washington; four grandchildren, Johnna DeSalle, Erica Delgado, wife of Junior, Aimee Plake, wife of Branden and Melanie Kranak; five great-grandchildren, Sydney Miller, Logan and Braden Plake and Adrianna and Marah Delgado; three sisters, Dora Schwartz of Baden, Theresa (Vincent) Salvati of Bridgeport, Conn., and Gilda Popik of Stratford, Conn.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
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