Don't lose money to internet scams or your identity to hackers!PLUS...Be safe doing remodels and repairs!
Some tips to avoid internet scams that take your money and give nothing in return:
1. Ignore offers of easy money–if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Don't send money to get information.
3. Avoid "no risk" offers–in business, there's always a risk.
4. Regularly check public service sites that monitor internet scams and frauds.
Hackers can break into sites and grab your account information and identity. Here's how to minimize your online data vulnerability:
1. Make all online transactions with credit cards over secure web sites.
2. Get your name removed from pre-approved credit card and junk mail lists.
3. Set your browser's security tab to clear cache, cookies and history whenever you close it.
4. Clear your smart phone's browser history and empty the cache and all cookies.
5. Turn off your phone's GPS tracking and location settings.
6. Do not enter your credit card information on your phone.
7. Install antivirus software, plus anti-spyware and anti-adware to block tracking cookies.
8. Remove your birth date and other personal identity information from your social network profiles.
9. Use unique and difficult passwords to protect email accounts, personal posts, videos and pictures of minors–and don't give anyone your password–EVER.
10. Avoid free games and apps–companies pay for these by "data mining"–selling your data or using it themselves.
WITH HOME FIXES, SAFETY FIRST!
More and more people are doing their own home upgrades. Here's how to be safe:
1. Always wear safety glasses.
2. Wear earplugs if it's noisy.
3. When spraying paint or herbicides or installing insulation, cover up head to toe and wear a respirator.
4. The 4-to-1 rule with ladders–for every 4' of height, place ladder bottom 1' away–and don't stand above the third rung from the top.
5. Store power tools, other sharp tools and paints and dangerous materials on high shelves or in a locked cabinet, out of a child's reach.
6. Don't rush.
Be especially careful with power tools:
1. Read the User Manual and manufacturer's warnings.
2. Check power cord and casing for cracks, missing pieces, exposed wiring–if a tool needs repairs, use a qualified technician or replace it.
3. Remove necklaces and bracelets that can get caught in the tool.
4. Before you plug in the tool, make sure the switch is "off".
5. Use a saw with a blade guard and watch for blade kickback–if a blade starts to bind, stop immediately.
6. Don't leave a plugged-in power tool unattended–unplug before you leave.
7. Only use heavy duty extension cords.
8. Keep children and pets away from projects with power tools.
Follow this advice and you'll save money safely upgrading your home–and avoid losing money on internet scams. And for savings with home financing or refinancing, please feel free to call or email us with any questions. We're always glad to talk.... Have a great day!
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© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic no. 520-CL-49075. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender
