| Software blocks unauthorised card use
Security software that will prevent unauthorised online use of credit and debit cards has been developed to deal with the growing problem of domestic fraud. So Protect Me is essentially a payment blocker that needs card holder authorisation before any online transactions can take place. There are also some parental control features built in to block access to gaming and gambling sites or prevent children using online retailers or auction sites. The software was developed to deal with the rarely reported problem of domestic fraud. Although stories of online fraud by organised criminals grab headline news, a survey by Yougov shows one in five people have found themselves victims of domestic fraud. Yet although five in 10 people do not trust co-habitees - be these family members of flatmates - not to use their cards without permission, they do little to protect themselves; two in 10 will reveal card details such as PINs to others and one in three leave cards where they are easy to find.
Debt management programs help consumers
NEW YORK—Consumers struggling to keep up with higher gas prices and other rising household expenses have been pulling out their credit cards more often—sometimes too often. Credit counselors report a sharp rise in the number of families seeking help, many of whom end up on belt-tightening budgets and debt management programs to pay down their balances. "People are using their credit cards because they don't have enough money to make it day-to-day," said Howard Dvorkin, president of the nonprofit Consolidated Credit Counseling Service in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. "It's driving the American consumer deeper and deeper into debt." What happens, he says, is that "eventually they hit a wall—and then they call me." And they're calling in increasing numbers. Susan C. Keating, president and chief executive of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, said the nonprofit counseling agencies in her organization dealt with a million consumers in 2005, 2.2 million in 2006 and are on their way toward seeing a record 2.8 million this year.
Whig.com
REFERENDUM: The Quincy School Board will continue discussing whether to ask voters to increase the education fund levy but members are unlikely to finalize a decision tonight. The board meets at 7 p.m. in the Baldwin Round Room. The agenda does not include a vote on a ballot issue, but does include adopting a resolution on the estimated amount that needs to be levied for 2007 taxes payable in 2008. MALPRACTICE SUITS: A judge threw out Illinois' law placing caps on some medical malpractice lawsuit awards Tuesday, reigniting debate over one of the Legislature's most contentious issues. MEEKS: Zachary Meeks, accused of setting an April 15 fire that killed five young Quincy children, is scheduled to be in court Wednesday. AROUND THE WORLD STD RATES: More than 1 million cases of chlamydia were reported in the United States last year the most ever reported for a sexually transmitted disease, federal health officials said Tuesday.
Shopping on a fixed budget for the holidays
Believe it or not, it�s that time again. The holidays are knocking on the door, along with throngs of relatives, friends and co-workers. Gift giving can take its toll on your peace of mind, as well as your budget, unless you nip overspending in the bud.
�Determine in advance what your needs are,� offered James Watson, 21-year financial planner with Maplewood Investment Advisers, 512 Third St. in Marietta.
The best way to come up with a holiday spending budget is to determine how many people you have to buy for and how much money you have available to spend on presents. Knowing how much you can afford before you get started will help keep you in line when it comes time to pick out presents for the people on your list.
Coming up with a budget now can save a lot of headaches after the new year.
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