Quick answer: A credit report is a detailed record of your credit history kept by three major bureaus: Equifax庐, Experian庐, and TransUnion庐. To read it, review five key sections: your personal information, credit accounts, payment history, inquiries, and any collections or public records. Watch for unfamiliar accounts, duplicate entries, and errors that could signal identity theft or hurt your score.

Your credit report does more than sit in a file somewhere. It shapes whether you get approved for a loan, what interest rate you’re offered, and which financial opportunities open up for you. Yet many people have never looked closely at their report or aren’t sure what all those numbers and entries actually mean.

That’s a problem worth fixing. When you know how to read your credit report, you can catch mistakes, protect yourself from fraud, and understand exactly what lenders see when they evaluate you. At 91黑料网 First, we believe every member deserves the tools and knowledge to take control of their financial health.

This guide breaks down what’s on your credit report, which sections to review, and the warning signs to look for.

What is a credit report?

A credit report is a detailed record of your credit history, maintained by credit bureaus. Lenders use it to decide whether to approve you and what terms to offer.

Your report pulls together several types of information:

• Personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number
• Credit accounts, including credit cards, loans, and their balances
• Payment history, showing whether you’ve paid on time
• Inquiries, which record who has looked at your credit

Together, these details give lenders a snapshot of how you manage money.

What is a good credit score?

What are the key sections to review on a credit report?

Reading your report gets easier when you tackle it one section at a time. Here’s what to focus on:

Personal information

Confirm your name, address, and Social Security number are correct. Small errors here can sometimes point to bigger problems.

Credit accounts

Review your open and closed accounts, credit limits, and balances. Make sure each one belongs to you.

Payment history

Look for any late payments, defaults, or delinquencies. This section carries a lot of weight with lenders.

Inquiries

Hard inquiries from lenders show up here and can lower your score for a short time.

Collections and public records

Check for negative items, and confirm they’re accurate rather than errors.

What are the red flags to watch for on a credit report?

Some entries deserve a closer look. Keep an eye out for:

• Accounts you don’t recognize. These can be a sign of identity theft.
• Duplicate entries or closed accounts still listed as open.
• Incorrect payment statuses or outdated information.
• Inquiries from companies you never contacted.

One smart way to protect yourself from fraud is to freeze your credit when you’re not using it. A freeze blocks new lenders from opening accounts in your name. Just remember to unfreeze it before you apply for a loan or new credit card, since lenders need access to review your report.

How do you get your credit report?

You have a few easy ways to access your report. 91黑料网 First members can view their credit score and report through the credit score feature in online banking, free of charge.听

Equifax庐, Experian庐, and TransUnion庐 each provide one free report per year. If you spot an error, dispute it directly with the credit bureau. You generally have 30 days to file a dispute, so act quickly once you notice something wrong.

Take control of your financial health

Checking your credit report regularly is one of the simplest ways to protect your financial health. It helps you catch errors early, guard against fraud, and understand exactly what lenders see when they review your credit.

Once you know how to read your report, you can take action. Correcting mistakes, paying down balances, or freezing your credit for extra security. 91黑料网 First members can access helpful resources and guidance to make credit management easier every step of the way.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I check my credit report?

Reviewing your report at least once a year is a good habit. Checking more often helps you catch errors and signs of fraud sooner. Since you get one free report per bureau each year, you can space them out across the year for regular coverage.

Does checking my own credit report lower my score?

No. Checking your own report is a “soft inquiry” and does not affect your score. Only “hard inquiries,” which happen when a lender reviews your credit for an application, can lower your score temporarily.

How long do negative items stay on a credit report?

Most negative items, such as late payments, stay on your report for up to seven years. Some bankruptcies can remain for up to 10 years. Accurate negative information can’t be removed early, but errors can be disputed and corrected.

What should I do if I find an error on my credit report?

Dispute it directly with the credit bureau that issued the report. You typically have 30 days to file, and the bureau must investigate. Correcting errors can improve your score and prevent problems when you apply for credit.

Equifax庐 is a registered trademark of Equifax Inc. 漏 2026, Equifax Inc., Atlanta, Georgia. All rights reserved. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
漏 Copyright 2026 TransUnion LLC. All Rights Reserved.
漏 2026 Experian. All rights reserved. Experian and the Experian trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Experian and its affiliates. The use of any other trade name, copyright, or trademark is for identification and reference purposes only and does not imply any association with the copyright or trademark holder of their product or brand. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

The post How to read a credit report and spot the red flags appeared first on 91黑料网.

Quick answer: Job scams on social media are deceptive schemes designed to steal your personal information or money. You can spot these scams by watching out for fake company profiles, unsolicited offers, requests for upfront payment, and generic job descriptions. Always verify the company and recruiter before sharing sensitive data.

Looking for a new job is already a stressful process. Unfortunately, criminals are using social media platforms to take advantage of eager job seekers. These scammers create fake job listings that look incredibly real, hoping to steal your identity or drain your bank account. By learning how these fraudulent schemes operate, you can confidently navigate social media and protect your financial security.

What common tactics do social media scammers use to trick job seekers?

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people, but they often rely on a few proven methods to gain your trust.

Fake company profiles and websites

Fraudsters will clone legitimate business websites or create highly convincing social media pages. For example, they might copy a well-known local business’s logo to make their page look trustworthy.

Unsolicited job offers

If a recruiter reaches out on social media offering a high-paying job you never applied for, proceed with caution.

Requests for personal information or money

Scammers often ask for your Social Security number, bank details, or a fee for a “background check” before an interview even takes place.

Too-good-to-be-true offers

Many job scams start with offers that they know people really want. They promise jobs that are in high demand like work from home jobs or mystery shopper jobs. Jobs that offer promises to be your own boss, set your own hours, or start your own business. Any job that offers very high pay with very little effort or time should set off alarm bells for you.

These tactics often take the shape of specific, well-known job scams. Two major examples include:

• The fake check scam: Scammers send you a check to buy “home office equipment” from a specific vendor, pay for your own background check, . The check eventually bounces, and the vendor (who is actually the scammer) keeps your real money.
• The reshipping scam: A fake company hires you to receive packages at your home and mail them elsewhere. These packages are usually bought with stolen credit cards, making you an unwitting participant in merchandise fraud.

What are the major red flags to watch out for in a job posting?

Catching a scam early can save you a lot of trouble. Keep an eye out for these warning signs when reviewing social media job posts:

• Generic job descriptions and poor grammar: Real businesses review their job postings carefully. Multiple spelling mistakes or vague job duties are strong indicators of a scam.
• Pressure to act fast: Scammers will often use a sense of urgency to pressure you into providing personal information quickly.
• Demands for upfront payment or sensitive data: A legitimate employer will never ask you to pay for your own background check or training materials upfront.
• Lack of clear contact information: If the recruiter communicates exclusively through social media messaging or a generic email address, this is highly suspicious.

How can you protect yourself from social media job scams?

Your security is our top priority. You can keep your personal and financial information safe by taking a few simple precautions during your search.

• Verify the company and job posting: Go directly to the company鈥檚 official website and check their careers page. If the job is real, it will be listed there.
• Research the recruiter: Look up the person who contacted you. Do they have a robust, active profile with connections to other employees at the company?
• Never share sensitive financial details: Do not give out your bank account information or Social Security number until you have verified the employer and accepted an official job offer in writing.
• Trust your instincts: If an opportunity sounds completely unrealistic or you feel pressured, walk away.

For more resources on job scam prevention, visit the .

Stay vigilant and secure your job search

Finding the right job takes time, and you deserve to search for opportunities without fear of fraud. By staying alert and knowing the warning signs, you can protect yourself and your finances from social media scams. Take the time to verify every opportunity, and remember that a real employer will respect your boundaries. If you suspect you have encountered a scam, report the profile to the social media platform immediately and notify your financial institution if you shared any banking details.

Frequently asked questions about job scams

What should I do if I already sent money to a fake employer?

Contact your bank or credit union immediately. If you act quickly, they may be able to stop the transaction or secure your account against further unauthorized charges. If it’s already too late, to see what other steps you can take to stop wires, protect your identity, report the scammer, and more.

Are work-from-home jobs more likely to be scams?

Yes, scammers frequently use the promise of flexible, high-paying remote work to attract victims. Choose fully in-office roles if physical verification matters more to you, but always verify remote opportunities directly through the company’s official website.

Can a legitimate company ask for my Social Security number on an application?

While legitimate companies need your Social Security number for tax purposes after hiring, they typically do not require it on a preliminary social media application. Withhold this data until the formal onboarding process begins.

The post How to spot and avoid job scams on social media appeared first on 91黑料网.

At 91黑料网 First, your financial security is our priority. Understanding how these scams work is the first step in keeping your hard-earned money safe this season.

What is “Ghost Tapping”?

Ghost tapping exploits the convenience of . This feature makes checking out fast, but scammers have found ways to use it against shoppers, as noted in .

In a ghost tapping scam, a fraudster uses a portable card reader or a tampered payment terminal to initiate a transaction without your permission. Because the technology relies on proximity, they don’t even need to hold your card. They just need to get close enough to your wallet or pocket to steal funds or card information.

How does the ghost tapping scam work

These scams often happen in crowded, high-traffic areas鈥攅xactly where many of us will be during the holidays. For more on real-world examples and warnings, see recent and guidance from . Here is how it typically happens:

• The accidental bump: A scammer with a hidden reader brushes past you in a crowd. That split-second contact is enough to trigger a small charge on your card.
• The fake vendor: You might encounter someone claiming to raise money for charity or selling small items. They may ask for a tap payment but key in a much larger amount than what they told you.
• The rush: Scammers rely on distraction. They try to rush you through a transaction so you don’t have time to look at the screen or verify the total.

Practical tips to stay safe

You don’t need to stop using the convenience of tap-to-pay, but a few simple habits鈥攎any recommended by experts in and detailed in 鈥攃an protect your accounts.

• Check the screen: Before you tap your card or phone, always look at the payment terminal. Verify the merchant’s name and the total amount. If the screen is blank or looks suspicious, do not tap.
• Don鈥檛 be rushed: If a vendor is pressuring you to pay quickly, take a step back. It鈥檚 okay to slow down and ask for a receipt.
• Secure your cards: Consider using an RFID-blocking wallet. These are designed to block the signals scammers use to read your cards through your pocket or purse.
• Turn off NFC when not in use: If you use a mobile wallet on your phone, you can often turn off the NFC (Near Field Communication) feature until you are ready to pay.
• Monitor your accounts: During the holidays, check your 91黑料网 First account activity frequently. Look for small, unfamiliar charges, as scammers often “test” a card with small amounts first.

91黑料网 First’s fraud monitoring will alert you immediately by phone or email if we detect a suspicious transaction so we can stop the scammer in their tracks. If you notice any suspicious activity on your 91黑料网 First debit card, please contact us immediately. Staying vigilant is the best way to ensure your holiday season remains happy and fraud-free.

The post Protect your holiday budget from “Ghost Tapping” scams appeared first on 91黑料网.

Common business scams

Knowing which scams are most common can help you spot trouble before it starts. Here are the top scams reported by small business owners across the country:

Phishing emails

Phishing emails are designed to look like they鈥檙e from legitimate sources, such as vendors, clients, or even government agencies. Scammers may ask you to click a link, download an attachment, or share sensitive business information. These emails can be highly convincing, often using company logos and realistic language.

Fake invoices

This scam targets your accounts payable department. A scammer will send an official-looking invoice for goods or services your business never ordered. If not carefully reviewed, these fake bills can easily slip through and get paid, costing your business money and potentially opening the door to future fraud.

Imposter scams

Imposter scams involve someone pretending to be a company executive, trusted supplier, or government representative. They often make urgent requests for money transfers, gift card purchases, or confidential employee data. Because the emails or calls seem to come from someone you trust, employees may comply without question.

Business directory scams

Scammers may contact your business and claim you need to update or confirm your listing in an online directory. After the call, you might receive an unexpected bill for services you never authorized.

Tech support scams

You may get a call claiming to be from a well-known tech company, warning you of viruses or cyber threats detected on your business systems. The scammer offers to 鈥渇ix鈥� the issue remotely for a fee, only to steal your money or install malware.

Vanity award scams

Your business might receive an email or call informing you that you鈥檝e won a prestigious award or recognition. Scammers in these cases often ask for a payment to claim the award or to be included in an exclusive directory or publication. These awards typically have no real value and are designed to exploit your desire for professional recognition. Always research the legitimacy of such offers before providing any payment or personal information.

Red flags to watch for

Recognizing the warning signs can stop a scam before it starts. Watch for these red flags:

• Unsolicited emails or calls asking for sensitive information or immediate payment
• Spelling mistakes, generic greetings, or unusual language in messages
• Requests to change payment methods or banking details without proper verification
• Pressure to act right away, especially with threats or urgent deadlines
• Unexpected invoices or bills for products or services you don鈥檛 recognize
• Emails that seem to come from a familiar contact but use an unfamiliar or slightly altered email address
• Unusual requests for payment by gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency

Prevention tips to keep your business safe

Taking a few practical steps can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to business scams:

• Verify all requests for payments or sensitive information. If in doubt, contact the sender using a trusted phone number or email address listed in your records.
• Train your team regularly. Make sure employees know how to spot common scams and encourage them to report anything suspicious right away.
• Implement strong internal controls. Set up processes for reviewing and approving invoices, payments, and changes to vendor details.
• Use secure passwords and update them often. Enable two-factor authentication where possible, and never share passwords over email.
• Keep your systems updated. Ensure your computers and software are equipped with the latest protection against malware and security threats.
• Monitor your accounts frequently. Set up alerts for unusual activity and review transactions regularly.

Helpful resources for reporting and recovery

If you believe your business has been targeted or affected by a scam, there are resources to help:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint and get recovery resources at .
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Report scams and check for recent fraud reports in your region at .
• Your local law enforcement: Report scams, especially if you鈥檝e lost money or sensitive data.
• Your bank or payment provider: Notify them right away to help prevent further losses or unauthorized transactions.
• State Attorney General鈥檚 office: Many states offer hotlines or online portals for business fraud reporting.

Staying vigilant is your best defense

Scammers are always finding new ways to target small businesses. Staying informed, training your staff, and putting strong checks in place can make your business a tougher target. Protecting your company means staying alert and making security a daily habit. Continuous education and open communication with your team and community will build a culture of safety that benefits everyone involved.

If you鈥檙e unsure about a suspicious contact or need more personalized advice, don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out to your local business network or small business association for support. Your vigilance helps not just your business, but the entire community of small business owners.

Business Resources

The post Businesses beware: Scams that target small business owners appeared first on 91黑料网.

At 91黑料网 First, we prioritize your financial safety, which is why we鈥檝e broken down these findings to help you recognize and avoid scams. Read on to learn what the latest FTC data reveals and how you can protect yourself.

Scams hit a record $12.5 billion in losses

The FTC鈥檚 annual shows that consumers reported losing an unprecedented $12.5 billion to fraud. This significant jump demonstrates how scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread. By understanding the scam trends and patterns outlined in the report, you鈥檒l be better equipped to safeguard your finances.

Bank transfers lead in scam losses

According to the FTC, people lost more money through bank transfers than any other payment method鈥攖otaling $2 billion in losses. These scams often involve fraudsters tricking victims into transferring money directly into their accounts, making it extremely difficult to recover.

Cryptocurrency scams were the second-highest category, with $1.4 billion reported in losses. If you use either payment method, always verify the recipient鈥檚 authenticity before completing a transaction.

Investment scams are on the rise

Investment scams accounted for $5.7 billion in losses in 2024, a $1 billion increase from the previous year. Shockingly, 79% of victims who reported an investment-related scam said they lost money, with a median loss exceeding $9,000 per case.

These scams often promise unrealistically high returns on investments, particularly in cryptocurrency, real estate, and fake startups. Remain vigilant by researching thoroughly and steering clear of 鈥渢oo good to be true鈥� offers.

Social media is the top contact method for scams

Social media has become a hotbed for scammers, with 70% of people who were contacted through these platforms reporting financial losses. The total losses from scams initiated on social media hit a staggering $1.9 billion.

Fraudsters frequently use fake profiles, phishing links, and posts promoting counterfeit goods or investment opportunities to trick unsuspecting users. Be cautious when engaging with unfamiliar accounts or messages on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others.

Job scams triple in frequency and losses

Between 2020 and 2024, reports of job scams and fake employment agencies surged, with reported losses jumping from $90 million to $501 million. These scams disproportionately target individuals seeking remote jobs or flexible work arrangements, promising dream opportunities that come with a hefty price tag for training fees, background checks, or initial deposits.

Younger adults report more frequent losses, while older adults experience the highest financial impact

Interestingly, the FTC found that younger adults (ages 20鈥�29) reported losing money to scams more frequently than older adults (ages 70+). However, when victims aged 70 and older did lose money, their losses were significantly higher than any other age group.

This highlights the need for everyone鈥攔egardless of age鈥攖o stay informed and cautious. Older adults should especially be aware of scammers targeting retirement funds or leveraging fears of financial insecurity.

5 tips to protect yourself from scams

Scams may be on the rise, but you can take actionable steps to safeguard your finances and personal information. Here are five tips to help you stay secure in 2024 and beyond.

1. Verify before you transfer

Always confirm the identity of a recipient before sending money鈥攅specially through a bank transfer or cryptocurrency. If the request seems suspicious, call the individual or organization directly using a verified phone number.

2. Be cautious on social media

Avoid clicking on unsolicited links or engaging with unfamiliar accounts that promote investment opportunities or offer prizes. Scammers use these tactics to steal your information or money.

3. Research job offers

Verify the legitimacy of job postings and employment agencies. Avoid any opportunities that ask for upfront fees, and check if the company is registered and has a solid reputation.

4. Stay informed

Regularly review trustworthy resources like the FTC website or 91黑料网 First鈥檚 security & fraud prevention blogs to stay updated on the latest scam trends. Knowledge is your first line of defense.

5. Report suspicious activity

If you encounter or fall victim to a scam, report it to the FTC at . Your report can help authorities track scammers and prevent others from being targeted.

Your financial safety is our priority

91黑料网 First members have access to complimentary fraud monitoring through our听Card Alert Notification Program. If you notice a suspicious transaction, report it to us immediately at (800)962-4452 or at your local branch. Your debit Mastercard has Zero Liability Protection⁴¹, meaning you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized transactions. See more about how you’re protected on our Security page.

Scams are a frustrating and often painful experience, but remember鈥攜ou鈥檙e not alone. At 91黑料网 First, we鈥檙e committed to helping our members stay informed and secure. If you鈥檝e been a victim of fraud or suspect suspicious activity, don鈥檛 hesitate to report it to the FTC via . Report any unauthorized transactions on your account to the credit union as soon as possible. Together, we can fight back against scammers and create safer financial spaces for everyone.

All data sourced from the United States Federal Trade Commission.

The post What the 2024 FTC data tells us about scam trends appeared first on 91黑料网.

According to the , people reported losing $12.5 billion to scams in 2024. A $2.5 billion increase from what was reported in 2023 with imposter scams being the number one type of fraud reported. Understanding how these scams operate and knowing what steps to take if you’ve fallen victim can help protect your finances.

Common banking scams

Scammers can pretend to be you bank or credit union in a number of different ways. They may not always use the same tactics, but the end goal is always to steal your personal information. Here are some ways they could do it.

Phishing emails or texts

They’ll send messages that appear to be from your financial institution, often with urgent requests or warnings. Like a false claim that a suspicious charge has been made to your account, for example, and they want you to go to a link to verify the charge. These links may lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal information or viruses to allow hackers full access to your computer.

With 91黑料网 First鈥檚 complimentary Card Alert Notification Program, we will send a text asking you to confirm or deny the charge with a Yes or No, never a link.

Impersonation

Scammers may call you directly, claiming to be from your bank or credit union. Using caller ID masking, they can even make the call appear to be coming from a legitimate number that you recognize. Note that calls coming out of our credit union will never appear on your caller ID as our call center’s (800) number. If you see this number, it is a scammer using masking. They’ll often use a sense of urgency to pressure you into providing personal information or making immediate payments. They may call you over and over until you pick up without leaving a voice message.

It鈥檚 important to be aware that 91黑料网 First would NEVER call you to ask for your online banking password, card numbers, Social Security number, or PIN.

What a scammer might say

• Request Personal Information: Scammers will often ask for your Social Security number, account details, or online banking login credentials.
• Make False Threats: They may threaten to close your account or report you to law enforcement unless you take immediate action.
• Request Payments: Scammers may ask you to wire money or send them prepaid gift cards to resolve a supposed issue with your account. You should never send money to anybody you don鈥檛 know without verifying that it鈥檚 for a legitimate reason. No financial institution would ever ask for gift card payments.

91黑料网 First鈥檚 Vice President of Compliance, Stacy MacIntyre, has firsthand experience with scammers. She says,

鈥淲hen scammers make phone calls posing as 91黑料网 First, information they may already have is the member鈥檚 name, phone number, and oftentimes the member鈥檚 e-mail address. Much of this information is readily available on social media accounts or through a simple Google search. They will also state that they have the first or last few digits of their debit card number and ask the member to confirm the rest. They are looking to obtain the full card number in order to use it fraudulently.鈥�

What to do if you’ve been scammed

1. Contact your bank or credit union immediately. Notify your bank or credit union of the fraudulent activity as soon as possible. They will take necessary actions to stop the fraud like canceling cards, closing accounts, or warning employees so they are aware if the scammer tries to call impersonating you.
2. Dispute charges. If you’ve been a victim of credit or debit card fraud, contact your card issuer to dispute the charges. Pay close attention to activity on your account as you鈥檒l typically have a limited time to dispute.
3. Report the fraud to local and government agencies. Report the scam on the . FTC fraud reports are shared with more than 2,800 law enforcers across the country.
4. Monitor your credit. If a scammer stole your identity, they could try to take out loans or credit cards in your name. This would show up on your credit report. Keep a close eye on your credit report for any further unauthorized activity. Consider temporarily freezing your credit to prevent scammers from opening new accounts in your name. If you鈥檙e a cardholder at 91黑料网 First, you can enroll in program at no cost to you.

By understanding the common banking scams and taking preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim. Remember, if you suspect a scam, it’s always better to be cautious and report it to your financial institution.

The post Banking Scams: How they work and what to do if you’re a victim appeared first on 91黑料网.