Another scam????

I have received the following email, which looks "phishy" to me. Can anyone confirm this is a scam? Here is the email: Dear Verizon Internet Customer, At Verizon, we continue our efforts to enhance your online experience as well as ensure ongoing security for our Internet customers. As a result, Verizon Online has modified the way email is handled when sent or received through an email application other than MyVerizon. If you only use MyVerizon to access your email account, no action is required and you may disregard this email. If you do, however, use other applications to access your Verizon email, such as Outlook Express®, you will need to modify your email settings to take advantage of enhanced security we now offer. In order to make these modifications, please visit http://verizon.com/emailsettings for information about the email settings you need to update. Additional information may also be available by going to our online forum at http://forums.verizon.com/. Thanks for being a valued Verizon Online customer and we encourage you to act now to ensure your email account has the proper settings on a going-forward basis. Sincerely, Verizon Online Ensure Verizon emails reach your inbox by adding [email protected] to your "safe" email list. Your email or Internet provider can provide instructions on how it works. This email has been sent from an auto-notification system that cannot accept incoming email. Sign In Forgot Your Password? Customer Service © 2011 Verizon

Not a scam. Verizon is pushing to get everyone to implement their SSL settings. There are a ton of threads about this already, which you can find by using the Search feature in the upper-right0hand corner of the forums.
If a forum member gives an answer you like, give them the Kudos they deserve. If a member gives you the answer to your question, mark the answer as Accepted Solution so others can see the solution to the problem.
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Similar Messages

  • Another scam going around

    I was made aware of another internet scam going around.  Scammers taking advantage of the IPv4 addresses being used up.
    http://blog.knowbe4.com/scam-of-the-week-internet-capacity-warning
    This topic first appeared in the Spiceworks Community

    I just received the same type of phishing scam call.  It was showing in the caller ID as 800-888-9620 and upon answer an automated recording indicated that Verizon was calling about a pending $123 refund check.  They indicated that I needed to visit vzw123.com and enter my account information to claim the check.  The recording played twice and the call disconnected.  Seems like there are a few variations of this scam floating around using a variety of spoofed caller id numbers (CSID) and a variety of websites addresses. 

  • Yet Another Scam

    This is the message I received.
    <QUOTE>
    [09:04:56 BST] SKYPEPROMOTIO.AWARD: CONGRATULATION SKYPE USER .. My names are Dr. Mark Denver. I am the UK PROMO COORDINATOR  Your SKYPE profile has just Won you Four Hundred and sixty thousand (460) Great british pounds
    In line with the commemorating event marking our 9th anniversary we rolled out over £2,126,000.000.00 for our 30th Anniversary Draw in a bid to PROMOTE SKYPE users  and to ASSIST HUMANITY.
      All participants were selected through the MODERNIZED COMPUTER BALLOT  SYSTEM from 5560 user networks from Australia, New Zea land, North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa as part of International Promotions Program, which is conducted annually in London,Britain.
    Do contatct Standard Chatered Trust Bank to Cliam your winning price.
    Email:[email protected]
    TEL: +447928998789
    </QUOTE>
    SKYPEPROMOTIO.AWARD is the username.

    it is a scam indeed.  you can also report the username/user to [email protected], so they make the necessary actions against that user.
    IF YOU FOUND OUR POST USEFUL THEN PLEASE GIVE "KUDOS". IF IT HELPED TO FIX YOUR ISSUE PLEASE MARK IT AS A "SOLUTION" TO HELP OTHERS. THANKS!
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    SEE MORE TIPS, TRICKS, TUTORIALS AND UPDATES in
    | skypefordummies.blogspot.com | 

  • Is this another scam?  Got the following email ...

    Dear iTunes Customer,                  
    Our records indicate that you have been using your AOL Username to sign in to iTunes Store, App Store or iBooks Store.                   
    After the 30th March 2015, AOL will no longer support your ability to sign in to iTunes Store, App Store or iBooks Store. In order to continue using the store features, including the ability to access your previously purchased content, you must transition from signing in with your AOL Username to signing in with an Apple ID.                  
    To make this transition, simply sign in once more with your AOL Username to iTunes on your Mac or PC. You will automatically be taken through a few short steps to complete the process.                   
    When the process is complete, your new Apple ID will allow you to continue to purchase and download music, films, TV shows, apps, books and more. Additionally, your Apple ID will allow you to access other Apple services, such as iCloud and the Apple Online Store.                   
    This transition does not affect any AOL services that you may be using with your AOL Username.                   
    AOL Usernames which have not been transitioned to Apple ID will permanently lose access to iTunes Store, App Store and iBooks Store after the 30th March 2015. Apple will be unable to provide support for AOL Usernames which are not transitioned by this date.                   
    To learn more about this transition, visit                    support.apple.com/kb/HT204268.                   
    Regards,                   
    iTunes Store Team

    This does appear to be a genuine message. The link goes to a valid Apple support document: Convert your AOL Username to an Apple ID - Apple Support
    The text reads thus:
    Convert your AOL Username to an Apple ID
    Customers who use an AOL Username to sign in to the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store must convert to an Apple ID before March 31, 2015.
    Starting March 31, 2015, AOL will no longer allow customers to use their AOL Username (also known as an AOL Screen Name) to sign in to the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store.
    You must convert your AOL Username to an Apple ID in order to maintain access to the stores and to content you purchased previously.
    Apple can't provide support for AOL Username accounts that aren't converted by this date. This transition doesn't affect any AOL services that you use with your AOL Username.
    Convert your account
    To convert your AOL Username to an Apple ID, sign in to iTunes on a Mac or PC with your AOL Username. Then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Your new Apple ID will maintain your access to the iTunes Store, App Store, and iBooks Store, as well as all of the content you bought using your AOL Username. You can also use your Apple ID with iCloud and other Apple services.
    Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Risks are inherent in the use of the Internet. Contact the vendor for additional information.
    Last Modified: Feb 10, 2015
    (As above, but laid out a little differently)
    If you currently sign in with an AOL screenname rather than some thing that look like a standard email address, <user>@<domain>, then presumably iTunes is going to walk you through the conversion process.
    tt2

  • Verizon 30 Scam --- Another Version of an old SCAM

    Hi everyone! 
    Here's another SCAM alert!
    I received 2 calls today (800-922-4444 and 800-922-3333) within 2 hours of each other.  Both giving a web address to claim a $30 Verizon credit.
    The website is www.verizon30.com
    Be aware - this is a scam... Don't give go to the site and definitely don't give any information.
    If anything ever sounds too good to be true - call Verizon directly before giving information.

    Thanks for posting this. I found your post when I googled the url 30reward.com that was in a voicemail from 18009220204. Hope Verizon catches this, is there a fraud department for customers to report robocalling scams?

  • Have you been contacted about an $80 credit?  It's a scam.

    My daughter alerted me to a call she received from Verizon telling her that we had an $80 credit and just to log in to receive it.
    Today, I just received a phone call (robo-call from phone number 800-922-1212) claiming that it was from Verizon and because I was such a good customer I could save $80 on my next bill by logging onto www.Verizon80.com.  When I tried to call back the number it was not in service.  When I looked on the official VerizonWireless.com website there was no warning but also no such program.
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    Others reported on http://whocallsme.com/
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    Agreed. I just received a call as well saying the exact same thing, except this on told me to go to www.verizon36.com
    Came from the Verizon customer service number just like yours. What got me thinking for a moment that it *might* be real, is because I am currently using the prepaid services, but my phone is currently off and the fact that I still received the phone call is what go me thinking.
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  • Nokia Anniversary promo awards [ True or Scam ]

    Hi,
    I have receive a massage on my Skype account from Nokia saying that I have won the nokia anniversary promo and the draw was conducted today on skype Network and I just wanted to know if its true or is it just another scam,
    thank you .

    yup, that is indeed a common and obvious scam.  you can also report the send to [email protected]
    IF YOU FOUND OUR POST USEFUL THEN PLEASE GIVE "KUDOS". IF IT HELPED TO FIX YOUR ISSUE PLEASE MARK IT AS A "SOLUTION" TO HELP OTHERS. THANKS!
    ALTERNATIVE SKYPE DOWNLOAD LINKS | HOW TO RECORD SKYPE VIDEO CALLS | HOW TO HANDLE SUSPICIOS CALLS AND MESSAGES

  • Possible General Philip Breedlove Scam

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    ignore, delete them from your contact list and block them.  Also if you think applicable in your case, you can also change your privacy settings to allow calls and messages from people in your contact list only.
    CONTACT SKYPE CUSTOMER SERVICE   |  HOW TO RECORD SKYPE VIDEO CALLS  | HOW TO HANDLE SUPICIOUS CALLS AND MESSAGES   |  WINDOWS PROBLEMS TROUBLESHOOTING   |  SKYPE DOWNLOAD LINKS  
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  • Ridiculous lack of support for older iPod accessories

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    Hey Foxhound199,
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  • I payed $350 to lose my music library!

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    Hi hangia
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  • Message from website??

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  • Bankruptcy FAQs

    This information is not legal advice and I am not a lawyer. Always seek a reputable bankruptcy lawyer to answer your questions prior to filing.
    - Tuscani
    Should I file Bankruptcy?
    A person should file a bankruptcy if, and only if, he or she can’t pay bills as they come due or is about to lose property or have property attached by the Court. Very few people lose any property when they file bankruptcy.
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    After October 2005, Court costs are about$300 for a Chapter 7 and $275 for a Chapter 13. After October 2005 Chapter 7 attorney fees run about $1000 plus any filing fees. Chapter 13 Attorney fees are set by the Court.
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    When you file a bankruptcy, a Court order goes into effect immediately stopping all collection activity. This includes stopping foreclosures, attachments, garnishments, and Creditors calling you. The sooner you come in to the law office, the sooner you can get relief—and the more you can save from Creditors. You will have a 341 hearing within about 4 to 6 weeks after the bankruptcy is filed. When the bankruptcy is finally over, a discharge is issued. This is a final and permanent order to stop all collection activity and declaring the debts to be non collectable. Bankruptcy does not normally get rid of a security interest that you gave to a Creditor such as a mortgage or a standard car lien, but it does make you not liable for the debt.
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    Why file a Chapter 13?
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    It will take about 3 to 4 months for a Chapter 7 to be final. (You will get a letter within 10 days of filing, telling you the time and date of the 341 hearing. This hearing will be held about 4 to 6 weeks after you file.) A Chapter 13 will take as long as the repayment plan takes. If you file after 10-2005 before getting a discharge you will attend a hearing.
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    You qualify for bankruptcy if either your outgo exceeds your income or your liabilities exceed your assets. You basically have to be a US citizen, reside in the state you file in, and not have filed within certain time periods (you can’t file two Chapter 7s within 8 years of each other).
     What if the Court does not approve my Chapter 13 or Chapter 7?
     If there is anything wrong with your Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy it will usually be changed and amended. Of course, it is less costly and time-consuming to do it right the first time. If you earn so much money that you can afford a Chapter 13, you will be forced to change it from a Chapter 7 to a Chapter 13. Repayment plans often are amended.
    How often can I file?
    You can file a Chapter 7 8 years after you filed your last Chapter 7 the time used to be 6 before 10-2005. The time is measured from the time of filing your first case to the time of filing of your second case. You can file Chapter 13s 2 years after a Chapter 13 discharge. You can file a Chapter 7 4 years after a Chapter 13. You can only have one bankruptcy going on at a time.
    If I file does it mean my old bad debts are erased from my credit report?
    NO!
    What is reported is that you had a debt and that a bankruptcy was filed. Bankruptcy does not give you a good credit record or “repair” your credit record automatically. You repair your credit by paying your debts on time after the bankruptcy.
    Can I file without an Attorney?
    Yes. You can file a bankruptcy yourself, and this is called “filing pro se”. You can also do dentistry on yourself, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Doing your own case is a very bad idea. This thread alone won’t give you the knowledge you need to file on your own. Use this thread to educate yourself, so you can find a good Attorney and discuss the issues.
    As an example, if you file a reaffirmation and represent yourself, it must be approved in a hearing by the Judge, and that will mean extra hearings and time for you. Considering the time and risk involved, I recommend you use an Attorney. You may lose far more in Court than what the Attorney would have cost—plus there is the extra time and effort on your part doing the work.
    What about a Bankruptcy Mill?
    Filing a bankruptcy through a Bankruptcy Mill or paralegal may be even worse than doing it yourself and they often charge as much as the attorney. Many people have lost thousands of dollars with these businesses—through intentional scams or just plain bad work. Non-Attorney bankruptcy petition preparers are barred by law from providing you with any legal advice. In enacting legislation governing bankruptcy petition preparers, Congress stated: “These preparers lack the necessary legal training and ethics regulation to provide [legal advice and legal services] in an adequate and appropriate manner. These services may take unfair advantage of persons who are ignorant of their rights both inside and outside the bankruptcy system.”
    The bankruptcy petition preparer's role is limited by law solely to typing. Unlike an Attorney, a bankruptcy petition preparer can not help you understand the law, advise you how to answer questions, assist you in planning, or be in Court. Federal law requires that bankruptcy petition preparers sign any documents they prepare; print on the document their name, address, and social security number; and furnish you with a copy of the document.
    A bankruptcy petition preparer may not sign any document on your behalf, may not use the word “legal” or any similar term in any advertisement, and may not receive any payment from you for Court fees. The bankruptcy petition preparer is also required to disclose to the Court the amount of any fee you pay. Beware of any bankruptcy petition preparer who does not comply with these requirements an emergency, even the filing fee can be paid in payments to the Court.
    What paperwork do I need to bring to my Attorney?
    Bring the names, amounts, account numbers and proper addresses of all of your Creditors. You may estimate the amounts. After 10-2005 you must have the account numbers. Credit bureau reports normally don't have the addresses on them. If you have gotten a Credit bureau report before filing, you still have to get the addresses.
    Can I file jointly with my spouse? Does my spouse have to file or sign if I want to file individually?
    Yes, you can file jointly. No, your spouse doesn't have to file but, if most of your debts are joint debts, he or she may want to. There is no need for a spouse to file if the debts are not in his or her name. If you are filing a Chapter 7, and the bills are also in your spouse’s name, he or she generally should file to be protected. (Cosigners are protected in a 13 with 100% plans, but are not in a Chapter 7.) There should be no additional charge for a spouse filing, but some firms charge extra. The only extra work to do in a joint filing is adding an additional name and social security number to the petition.
    Will it affect my spouse’s credit? Is he/she responsible for my credit cards if he/she is an authorized user?
    No, filing will not affect your spouse's individual credit, but if he or she is a co-signer on any debt that is not paid that will affect him or her. The fact that you filed bankruptcy does not appear on a spouse's credit report unless he or she also files bankruptcy. Unless your spouse has signed to be legally responsible, they are not responsible. However, many credit card companies will argue that she is responsible. They may even put a “no pay” on her credit report if the amount is unpaid; however, she may ask any credit reporting service to correct that.
    If she does so, the credit card company will have to show that she signed for it. If they can’t, it will be removed from her credit report file. In other words, the credit card collectors may try to collect from her by claiming she is liable, but she really is not. If they damage her credit record, it may be grounds for a lawsuit. Credit is normally granted based on a score from your past payment history, the amount of debt that you owe, the length of time you have been repaying present credit, if you have opened credit recently, and the types of credit accounts you have.
    Will my co-signers be protected?
    Co-signers are protected only in a Chapter 13 to the extent that the plan pays the full amount of the co-signed debt. If the plan pays the debt completely, the co-signer is protected, but it will be listed in his or her credit record as being paid late. The Creditor may ask the cosigner for any remaining portion of the debt if it not paid completely. In a Chapter 7, the co-signer will have some small protection regarding the collateral during the proceeding, but only because the Creditor can’t go against the property of the estate. After a Chapter 7 is over, the Creditor will proceed against the co-signer personally.
    Can I file a personal bankruptcy and not have it affect my business?
    If you own your own business, the business is a part of your assets. If it is worth very much, it may be property of the Court. If your business files bankruptcy, it won’t affect you because the business does not own you.
    Can Bankruptcy stop foreclosures, wage assignments, help me get my license back from an uninsured accident, stop evictions, a judgment, or remove a lien?
    Yes.
    What will happen to my bills?
    When you file a bankruptcy, a Court order goes into effect that keeps Creditors from legally collecting from you. When you are discharged (i.e., the bankruptcy is final), the Creditor "charges off" the debt and gets a tax deduction for the loss. The bill is not paid, and the debt shows up as a bankruptcy charge-off on your credit report. Some Creditors will attempt to get around the law and will continue attempts to collect after the bankruptcy is filed. They can be sued for this, but you need to prove they did it. One of the best methods is to record their call and then surprise them in Court with it when they deny ever making the call. Most Creditors that ignore the law will never send you letters or anything on paper after you file, but they may make phone calls hoping that you will pay anyway.
    What if I keep getting bills?
    You will continue to get some bills from bankrupted debts after you file. What happens is that the Bankruptcy Court sends out notices to the addresses that you give to them (that is why correct addresses are so important), but some Creditors never get these notices and continue to bill you. You should make copies of your hearing notice. If you get a bill from a Creditor, send them a copy of the bill and the notice. Some Creditors will continue to send bills even if they receive notice. It may be that their computer can’t stop sending out the bills, or they may simply be ignoring the stay hoping that you will pay anyway. You can file a motion for contempt with the judge, and you may also be able to sue for a violation of the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act.
    Do I have to pay my bills during the Chapter 7 or 13?
    No. Don’t pay any bill until after you file a Chapter 7 until you have negotiated with the creditor to keep the property. Don’t pay any payment in a Chapter 13 unless it is the regular monthly mortgage payment or car payment, and the 13 was filed to catch up the arrearage. A stay is a federal Court order to stop. If the item is secured, your overdue payments will continue to add up while you don’t pay on the item. However, the Creditor can't take the collateral until the stay is terminated. If no reaffirmation is filed within 45 days after the bankruptcy is filed the stay terminates and the bank can take the car.
    The Creditor may also file a motion to terminate the stay after the bankruptcy is filed. Bankruptcy stops your obligation to pay, but the Creditor still has a lien and rights in the property. You often quit paying for items when you file so that you have time to decide if you want to workout a repayment, redeem, or surrender. I have rarely ever had a bank refuse to agree to repayment, but you don’t want to make payments if they aren't going to let you keep the property. Singing a reaffirmation will make you liable for any deficiency if you have it repossessed later. In some rare cases, with people who are never going to repay, the bank may refuse to reaffirm. Some credit unions may refuse to keep a car or mortgage unless you also repay their credit cards. In cases like this, you may want to redeem property instead. That is why you don’t want to make payments just before or after you file. You can take the time to negotiate your options. You don’t have to be caught up on your payments to reaffirm, but some banks may request it—and all of them want it.
    Who notifies the Creditors and bill collectors?
    After the bankruptcy petition is filed, the Court mails a notice to all the Creditors listed in the schedules. This usually takes 1-2 weeks.
    Do I have to go to Court?
    Not exactly, but you will have to attend a hearing presided over by the bankruptcy Trustee. This hearing is called the 341 Hearing (Meeting of Creditors). At this hearing, the Trustee (who is an Attorney) will ask questions, under oath, regarding the content of your bankruptcy papers, assets, debts, and other matters. It is very much like a deposition, not like a trial. If you can’t attend (example: if you are in the service overseas), you can answer the questions by Affidavit. The Trustee is not the judge. He is there to take any assets from you, if he can, and to check the accuracy of your paperwork. The Trustee represents the banks—not you. In a Chapter 13 you will have a second hearing to get your discharge if your case was filed after October 2005. In this hearing you must show that you are no charged or convicted of a crime of fraud or further behind in support.
    Where is my 341 hearing?
    Your 341 hearing is always at the Federal Court closest to you.
    What do I wear to the hearing?
    Don’t wear cut-offs or jeans with holes in them and don’t wear sandals. Suits are not required, but dress properly for a hearing in Federal Court. Children are not supposed to be in the hearing room. Do not borrow and wear flashy jewelry. This is not the time to brag about how rich you are or how much you own. The Trustee is looking for assets to take from you. He is not your friend. He represents the persons that you owe. You must report what you own and it’s real value, but don’t brag about your income and how much your car is worth—especially if you don’t have any.
    When should I file tax returns if I am going to file bankruptcy? If I file in December do I keep my refund?
    If you are considering filing a bankruptcy, you must file your tax returns. No file returns…. no file bankruptcy. If you can get your refund before you file. If you do and spend it, you will keep your refund no matter how much it is. If you get your refund after you file bankruptcy, and the refund is over the exemption, you may lose part of your refund. File a quick refund if you have to or apply any refund amount to next year’s tax debt. If you are considering filing in the later part of the year, file before December. If you file in January, you may have to wait for some time after you get your refund back. You will be asked when you got your refund and how you spent it if you got a large refund.
    Message Edited by Tuscani on 10-01-2007 12:47 PM

    Can I pay some Creditors and not others in a Chapter 13?
    You can’t (shouldn’t) discriminate and pay one unsecured Creditor class differently than other unsecured Creditors in that class. However Secured unsecured and priority debts are paid differently.
    Should I try a Debt Counseling Service instead of filing bankruptcy? How do Debt Counseling services work?
    "Debt Counseling Services" are often high-interest loan companies. Other times, they are agencies that pocket 10-50% of the monthly money that you pay to them as fees for their "counseling". Most of these services will combine your bills and send a partial payment to each bill that you owe. Your credit will be listed by the credit card companies as delinquent for sending in partial payments, and the reduced amounts sent in may not even cover the interest that a debt charges.
    These "Counseling Services" are often simply rip-offs that pretend to be charities or helping agencies. If you pay a debt counseling service $100 a month, what happens is that they take up to $40 for themselves and then send your Creditors $60. Your bills fall even farther behind. Eventually, Creditors file lawsuits and you are forced into bankruptcy anyway. Very few of these "repayment plans" work and over 90% fail, leaving you worse off.
    Another scam is that some debt counseling companies will charge thousands of dollars by promising to find you a consolidation loan as a loan broker or mortgage broker. These loans end up being at a high-interest rate or they pocket your money and never give you the loan. Others strip the equity from your home. Whatever method used, "Debt Counseling Services" are often scams meant to take your money when you are already in trouble.
    Also be wary of using services that claim to “repair” your credit file. Some may attempt to create a new credit file by getting a new social security number. Changing your identity is a felony, especially if you steal another person’s identity. Creating a false identity and using it may also be a felony.
    Admin note:  Please also be aware of the following excellent information provided by National Foundation for Credit Counseling on what to look for when considering credit counseling:
    How to Select a Legitimate Credit Counseling Agency 
    The last thing a consumer needs when struggling financially is to fall into the hands of an unscrupulous credit counseling agency.  If you’re considering using a credit counselor, shop around, and ask each agency the following questions.  More importantly, be certain that you are comfortable with their answers before you book that first appointment.  A legitimate agency is always more interested in your bottom line than theirs.
    Is the agency affiliated with a national body such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) that requires strict quality, financial and ethical standards for membership?  Examples of such requirements are annual audits by an independent CPA, written action plans provided to each consumer, and consumers provided with statements at least quarterly.
    Is the agency accredited by an independent third party?  Self-accreditation is not the answer you want.  An example of a reputable third party accreditating body is the Council on Accreditation (COA).  Such accreditation signifies that appropriate checks and balances are in place to protect you, the consumer.
    Is the agency a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization?  Being a nonprofit does not guarantee that the agency is legitimate, but it is a step in the right direction.
    What is the composition of their Board of Directors?  Board members should not be paid by the agency, should not be family members or friends, but should represent a wide cross-section of the community and civic interests.
    What services does the agency offer?  A wide-range of services is a good sign.  This could include: budget counseling for those who are not in debt; debt counseling for those who may need professional assistance digging out; housing counseling for pre-rental, pre-purchase, first-time homebuyer, reverse mortgage, and foreclosure prevention; and the mandated bankruptcy pre-filing counseling and pre-discharge education.
    What are the fees associated with the services provided?  The agency should be forthcoming about fees, and no fee should be assessed prior to the service being provided.  Be wary if the agency says their fees are voluntary.  Any set-up fee or monthly fee should be reasonable, usually defined as $50 or less, with monthly fees in the $25 range.  The agency should be willing to waive all fees in cases of true hardship.
    What delivery options are available to you for counseling?  Does the agency offer in-person counseling?  Counseling by phone?  Internet counseling?  Is the channel that’s most appealing to you offered?
    Is the counselor assigned to you a Certified Consumer Credit Counselor?  You want someone qualified assisting you with your critical financial decisions.  NFCC certification means that the counselor has passed a rigorous battery of tests measuring their financial knowledge.
    Does the agency provide educational classes or workshops?  Are any of these tools offered online?  Is there a fee to attend?  The absence of any true education offered to the general public is a red flag.
    Will the agency work with all of your creditors?  Some agencies only work with creditors who agree to make a payment to them.  A legitimate agency will take a holistic approach to solving your financial distress.
    Is there a minimum amount of debt required to be counseled?  True credit counseling agencies will work with you regardless of how large or how small your debt may be.
    What debt relief options are offered?  If the only tool is the Debt Management Plan (DMP), keep shopping.  A DMP is a useful tool, and is often the appropriate resolution.  However, each consumer’s situation is different, thus the solution should be customized to fit their specific needs.  A one-size-fits-all approach signals that you should continue your search.
    Are the counselors compensated for writing DMPs?  Any such incentive is not a part of a legitimate agency’s pay to their counselors.
    How long will your counseling session last?  Don’t be tempted by “drive-by” counseling.  A counselor simply cannot do an adequate intake of your income, expenses and debts in a short amount of time.  An initial session length of at least one-hour is standard.
    If you go on a Debt Management Plan, how soon after receipt of your monthly payment will it be disbursed to creditors?  The success of a DMP depends on timely, consistent payments to creditors.
    What happens to your first payment?  Believe it or not, some agencies keep the consumers first payment and consider it a donation.  Be sure to ask about this.
    Will the full amount of your payment be disbursed to your creditors?  The full amount should go toward the repayment of your debts, with no portion going into the agency’s pocket.
    How will your deposits be protected?  Ask for written evidence that the agency is bonded or insured to protect the consumer from fraud or the agency’s own financial difficulties.
    As a final step, check with the Better Business Bureau and your state’s Attorney General to see if there are unresolved complaints about the provider you are considering.  Anyone can file a complaint.  What is relevant is how the agency resolved it.
    Legitimate credit counseling agencies counsel and financially educate millions of consumers each year, making financial stability a reality in their lives.  It all starts with selecting the right agency.  Asking the above questions, and receiving the right answers, will ensure that your credit counseling experience is a positive one.
    How long should I keep a copy of my Bankruptcy?
    You should keep a copy of your bankruptcy, with your tax papers, for at least 7 years. You will need them for any mortgage application but they are now filed electronically and available for download at any bankruptcy attorney’s office if you filed after October 2002. You are only required to keep receipts 3 years by the tax department—after 3 years they have the burden of proof—but keep tax and bankruptcy records for 7 years anyway.
    When will I be able to get credit again?
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    Will this affect my getting an apartment?
    Many of the larger apartment complexes are owned by banks, and banks tend to grant leases according to credit bureau reports. This may affect you. Small landlords will call former landlords and may not check credit reports.
    Can employers discriminate or fire me?
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    Are there bankruptcy crimes?
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    Do I have to disclose all of my assets?
    Yes. If you knowingly and fraudulently conceal an asset from the Court, you have committed a felony and you can be fined up to $5000, imprisoned for up to five years, or both. However, this is rare and normally comes up in only the worst cases. In addition, the Court can deny discharge, or dismiss or convert your bankruptcy proceeding.
    Can I run up charges on my credit cards just before filing?
    The official answer is “No”. Many people do make some minor charges on their charge cards just before filing. Charges of over $1000 on any one card within 90 days before filing are presumed to be fraudulent and non-dischargeable. Luxury items of 500 within 90 and Cash advances of 750 within 70 days are non dischargeable. Charges to an account more than 90 days before filing are presumed proper regardless of the amount. But the rule that you can’t charge within 90 days of filing isn’t written in stone there are 12 factors that the judge will use to determine if it is fraudulent.
    There is no reason to pay any further on debts that you are planning to avoid in bankruptcy. Normally, you should file as soon as you can, but it won’t matter if you pay the bills or not before you file. It doesn’t matter if you owed $10,000 or $10,000,000 before you filed or whether or not you paid on time before you file bankruptcy.
    Message Edited by Barry on 07-11-2008 12:28 PM

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