... and I wanted to warn folks about two scams out there that have been in the news recently:
1. Watch for strange amounts on your credit card bill -- there are scammers out there with bogus company names that put in random account numbers and run a small charge, like 23 cents. If you pay it, then they know they're got a hit, and then will run other, larger amounts. Not to mention what they can make off all the 23 cents that folks pay and don't report since such a small amount tends not to raise a red flag for some folks.
2. This scam was reported on the news last night (and actually happened to me last week). West Credit Union (or some bogus name like that) sent a text message saying there had been questionable activity on my account and to call their number immediately. I was like what the --- I don't use my cell phone number for business stuff and was not familiar with the credit union, so figured they had the wrong number -- but they kept sending the message (glad I have unlimited texting or I'd be really mad). DH was not familiar with this credit union either. So if you get a call or a text message from a bogus credit union or bank, the news folks said don't respond -- and as always they ended the report with never give any personal info out over the phone (or when texting).