Scammers Hit Consumers With Small Charges

The Better Business Bureau has received reports from consumers who have found very small charges on their credit card statements, typically charges of 26 cents or less, from a company identified on the credit card statement as "ADELE SERVICES 800-764-8104 NY." When consumers have tried to dial this number, they receive a message that it is disconnected. Some commentators on this scam have speculated that these small charges are placed to verify that the credit card number is good, and once the small charges go through, larger charges will come next. This apparent fraud scheme involves taking pennies from millions of people, which would then equal a large sum of money. The BBB strongly encourages consumers to immediately report unauthorized transactions, regardless of how small, to their credit card company and assure that the charge is removed. BBB also recommends that consumers file a complaint with Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org and with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

Lower Credit Lines Do Not Upset Most Consumers

Bankrate, Inc. recently released the findings of a national poll which found that 40 percent of consumers say they would not be upset if their credit lines disappeared. In fact, of the respondents who have credit cards, nearly one-third (32 percent) say they will probably charge less in 2009. A much smaller group (only 5 percent) responded that they would be devastated with the loss of access to their credit cards.

Overcoming debt requires perseverance. The road to debt settlement may see like an endless journey. Staying informed and on top of your finances will help you reach your goals of becoming financial solvent.