Posts from — June 2008

Santa Rosa bankruptcy attorney Edmund Dechant suggests that the public be aware of the Federal Trade Commission’s warning of potential charity scams in connection with the recent floods and tornadoes that have caused damage in the Midwest.   FTC recommendations: 1. Ask for the name of the charity if the telemarketer does not provide it promptly; 2. Ask what percentage of your donation will support the cause described in the solicitation; 3. Call the charity to find out if it’s aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name; 4. Do not provide any credit card or bank information until you have reviewed all information from the charity and made the decision to donate; 5. Ask for a receipt showing the amount of the contribution and stating that it is tax deductible; and 6. Avoid cash gifts. For security and tax record purposes, it’s best to pay by check – made payable to the beneficiary, not the solicitor. Full Story.

Clients of Santa Rosa, CA Bankruptcy Attorney Edmund Dechant has asked many times how to improve their credit score. If you’ve ever applied for a credit card, a personal loan, or insurance, there’s a file about you. This file is known as your credit report. The Federal Trade Commission can help. Your credit report is is chock full of information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you’ve been sued or arrested, or have filed for bankruptcy. Consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses with a legitimate need for it. They use the information to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or a lease. Full story: