If an Internet site or other advertisement offers to sell you a document you can use to "legally" eliminate an outstanding credit card balance or other debt, don't believe it

You're about to use your credit card to purchase something over the Internet or the telephone and you're asked to provide the three or four numbers printed on the back of the card. Is it a valid question and is it safe to respond?

If you need cash and you can't wait for your tax refund, carefully consider your options and costs: Perhaps you've heard or read about "refund anticipation loans"

Frauds and thefts against the elderly by people they know and trust are surprisingly common.

Criminals scour obituaries and other sources for personal information that can be used to commit fraud

If you think you're a victim of a financial crime or if you notice anything suspicious, immediately get to the phone and call

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes procedures for correcting mistakes in your credit record, including unauthorized accounts. You have the right to receive a copy of your credit report for free if you suspect you are the victim of fraud.

Protect your Social Security number, credit card and debit card numbers, PINs (personal identification numbers), passwords and other personal information

ID theft puts an ugly face on your good name. A con artist who knows your Social Security number, bank account information or other personal details can temporarily become you in order to commit fraud.

You may have seen Web sites or received unsolicited email offering credit reports, sometimes for free. Be aware that some of these online operators may not actually provide credit reports, but may be using these sites as a way to capture your personal information.

There are two types of fraud alerts: an initial alert, and an extended alert.

If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following four steps as soon as possible, and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all correspondence.

Despite your best efforts to manage the flow of your personal information or to keep it to yourself, skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to gain access to your data.

The term "phishing" - as in fishing for confidential information - refers to a scam that encompasses fraudulently obtaining and using an individual's personal or financial information.

Identity theft is becoming more sophisticated and the number of new victims is growing.

Crooks posing as legitimate business people or other "trusted" individuals scheme to trick consumers into giving up money, property or valuable personal information