Preparing for Home Ownership: Scam Protection
As we move into a new year, many folks have chosen this year and its favorable buyer conditions to begin their career as homeowners. Many of you will move, sell a home, buy a new one, or engage in a larger capital purchase. With the economy presenting challenges, it’s prime season for scammers to prey on those looking for the “too easy” solution. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself and those you know from being duped and putting your dreams for home ownership at stake:
- Check your credit report regularly. There are three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. You can receive a free copy of your credit report once a year from each bureau or as many times as you choose for a small fee. Check all three reports at least six months prior to making large purchase. This way, you have plenty of time to dispute inaccuracies and have them corrected and resolved.
- Never respond online to an email from your bank. There are many “phishing” scams out there that will pull your account number and social security number from fake online forms made to look like they come from your bank’s website. If you receive a suspicious email, take five minutes and phone your bank prior to taking any action. You’ll be glad you did.
- Keep your phones quiet. Prevent unwanted parties from contacting you on your cell phone or home phone lines by registering all of your numbers with DoNotCall.gov or by calling 888-382-1222.
- Stay away from “credit repair” agencies. More times than not, they’re not legit and anything that can be done to repair your credit report or correct inaccurate information can be done yourself.
As always, if you have questions as a current or future homeowner, feel free to contact our staff at San Juan Realty, Inc.
