Comments on: Mystery Checks in the Mail http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/ Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more. Mon, 20 May 2013 01:59:04 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: 60 in 3 - Fitness and Health http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102812 60 in 3 - Fitness and Health Mon, 29 Oct 2007 03:09:59 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102812 I opened a store credit card 16 years ago during my first year of college, used it once and never thought about it again. Two years ago, as part of my efforts to get my financial life in order, I checked my credit report. Lo and behold, that account is still there. Now it's almost impossible to close since the store is out of business. Never just "forget" about old accounts. Make sure they are closed. Actually, a better lesson learned is to never open these accounts in the first place. Focus on one to three good credit cards which you intend to keep for a very long time. Gal I opened a store credit card 16 years ago during my first year of college, used it once and never thought about it again. Two years ago, as part of my efforts to get my financial life in order, I checked my credit report. Lo and behold, that account is still there. Now it’s almost impossible to close since the store is out of business.

Never just “forget” about old accounts. Make sure they are closed. Actually, a better lesson learned is to never open these accounts in the first place. Focus on one to three good credit cards which you intend to keep for a very long time.

Gal

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]]> By: Creative Investor http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102807 Creative Investor Mon, 29 Oct 2007 01:53:15 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102807 FinanceAndFat: I wouldn't go as far as saying that they're evil, but some of them really do have some questionable practices. It's also curious to see this kind of checks filling up the mail universe while credit card companies offer "premium identity protection" services. They wouldn't be, by any chance, trying to improve our chances of having an identity stolen by sending so much sensitive information so frequently just so they'll have more customers for those "premium" services? :) Just a thought. FinanceAndFat: I wouldn’t go as far as saying that they’re evil, but some of them really do have some questionable practices. It’s also curious to see this kind of checks filling up the mail universe while credit card companies offer “premium identity protection” services. They wouldn’t be, by any chance, trying to improve our chances of having an identity stolen by sending so much sensitive information so frequently just so they’ll have more customers for those “premium” services? :) Just a thought.

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]]> By: FinanceAndFat http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102771 FinanceAndFat Sun, 28 Oct 2007 14:07:45 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102771 These credit card companies/banks are so evil! It really bothers me how these new accounts 'mysteriously' appear. These credit card companies/banks are so evil! It really bothers me how these new accounts ‘mysteriously’ appear.

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]]> By: SR http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102730 SR Sun, 28 Oct 2007 02:15:25 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102730 If you call your credit card bank, they will stop sending the checks if you request it. Years ago, I requested Chase to stop sending them, they did. If you call your credit card bank, they will stop sending the checks if you request it. Years ago, I requested Chase to stop sending them, they did.

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]]> By: kitty http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102725 kitty Sun, 28 Oct 2007 00:30:06 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102725 "I had a mysterious charge show up on my credit card bill from WLI*RESERVATIONREWARDS after digging around on the Internet " I had this problem too. Looked over my bill and noticed a charge I couldn't figure out and didn't have a receipt for. I got their phone number from my credit card company to find out what it was, then called them directly. They claimed I signed up for it even if I didn't remember doing so. They reversed it and cancelled the whole thing. I've never realized it when I could've possibly signed up for it, I never sign up for these silly things. Thanks for the link - this is probably how they got me, I had reserved a hotel with Expedia at around the same time. As to credit reports, I try to spread out getting credit reports throughout the year, so every 4 months I get a report from one agency. I do forget occasionally, but at least I can verify that there is no fraud every 4 months. “I had a mysterious charge show up on my credit card bill from WLI*RESERVATIONREWARDS after digging around on the Internet ”
I had this problem too. Looked over my bill and noticed a charge I couldn’t figure out and didn’t have a receipt for. I got their phone number from my credit card company to find out what it was, then called them directly. They claimed I signed up for it even if I didn’t remember doing so. They reversed it and cancelled the whole thing. I’ve never realized it when I could’ve possibly signed up for it, I never sign up for these silly things. Thanks for the link – this is probably how they got me, I had reserved a hotel with Expedia at around the same time.

As to credit reports, I try to spread out getting credit reports throughout the year, so every 4 months I get a report from one agency. I do forget occasionally, but at least I can verify that there is no fraud every 4 months.

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]]> By: Russell Heimlich http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102712 Russell Heimlich Sat, 27 Oct 2007 21:46:39 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102712 I had a mysterious charge show up on my credit card bill from WLI*RESERVATIONREWARDS after digging around on the Internet I learned this -> http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/119/ripoff0119840.htm Apparently a company sold my data to them and they automatically enrolled me into a subscription program. I quickly called my credit card company and got the charge reversed. Weird stuff. About the free credit reports: The easiest system for me is on my birthday, I just get a copy of all three. Probably not the most protective use of my 3 free reports, but if you make it a habit on your birthday you are probably never going to forget it. I had a mysterious charge show up on my credit card bill from WLI*RESERVATIONREWARDS after digging around on the Internet I learned this -> http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/119/ripoff0119840.htm

Apparently a company sold my data to them and they automatically enrolled me into a subscription program. I quickly called my credit card company and got the charge reversed. Weird stuff.

About the free credit reports: The easiest system for me is on my birthday, I just get a copy of all three. Probably not the most protective use of my 3 free reports, but if you make it a habit on your birthday you are probably never going to forget it.

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]]> By: Tim http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102707 Tim Sat, 27 Oct 2007 20:59:09 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102707 just call them to cancel sending those checks. second, when you close an account, request a confirmation letter. just call them to cancel sending those checks. second, when you close an account, request a confirmation letter.

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]]> By: The Tim http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102706 The Tim Sat, 27 Oct 2007 20:37:05 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102706 I hate those unsolicited blank checks! I mean, they would be great if they didn't debit from a credit account that I own... Discover sends me a batch of those every few months. I should really call them to see if I can get them to stop sending them. Just seems like an invitation for someone to steal my mail and run up illegitimate charges on my (rarely-used) account. I hate those unsolicited blank checks! I mean, they would be great if they didn’t debit from a credit account that I own…

Discover sends me a batch of those every few months. I should really call them to see if I can get them to stop sending them. Just seems like an invitation for someone to steal my mail and run up illegitimate charges on my (rarely-used) account.

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]]> By: Anne http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102698 Anne Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:31:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102698 I had to call BofA recently as well. I had a credit card with them years ago that I never use. A few months ago they sent me a new credit card with a new account number. I never activated it. Then I got some of those advance checks and finally decided I needed to take care of it. Fortunately I wasn't on hold long, but it is very troublesome to me that they would issue a card I never applied for. They didn't offer any explanation, either, when I asked to close the account. I'm moving overseas in January and am strongly considering closing my BofA account. I don't want to risk them sending credit cards and advance checks in my name to total strangers at my old address. I had to call BofA recently as well. I had a credit card with them years ago that I never use. A few months ago they sent me a new credit card with a new account number. I never activated it. Then I got some of those advance checks and finally decided I needed to take care of it. Fortunately I wasn’t on hold long, but it is very troublesome to me that they would issue a card I never applied for. They didn’t offer any explanation, either, when I asked to close the account.

I’m moving overseas in January and am strongly considering closing my BofA account. I don’t want to risk them sending credit cards and advance checks in my name to total strangers at my old address.

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]]> By: Minimum Wage http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102694 Minimum Wage Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:02:21 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102694 I never get "advance checks" but apparently my name has found its way onto a number of interesting mailing lists: I get stuff from Fisher Investments, Donald Trump, and Robert Kiyosaki, plus tickets to a variety of seminars where something overpriced will be pitched. I never get “advance checks” but apparently my name has found its way onto a number of interesting mailing lists: I get stuff from Fisher Investments, Donald Trump, and Robert Kiyosaki, plus tickets to a variety of seminars where something overpriced will be pitched.

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]]> By: John http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102692 John Sat, 27 Oct 2007 18:08:47 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102692 I agree that checking your Credit report every 4 months is a good idea by spreading the 3 credit bureaus over 12 months. Also don't forget to call and let them know your new address every time you move. You certainly don't want someone else receiving those blank checks in the mail !! I agree that checking your Credit report every 4 months is a good idea by spreading the 3 credit bureaus over 12 months. Also don’t forget to call and let them know your new address every time you move. You certainly don’t want someone else receiving those blank checks in the mail !!

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]]> By: Aimee http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102691 Aimee Sat, 27 Oct 2007 18:05:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102691 This is just as bad as another practice that closes accounts without you knowing! It's a very good plan to have your credit report checks on a schedule. It actually really bothers me that they can do this sort of thing. All the more reason not to use CC I guess! Or to just get down to having only one. This is just as bad as another practice that closes accounts without you knowing! It’s a very good plan to have your credit report checks on a schedule.

It actually really bothers me that they can do this sort of thing. All the more reason not to use CC I guess! Or to just get down to having only one.

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]]> By: Mira http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102686 Mira Sat, 27 Oct 2007 16:56:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102686 I hate those checks in the mail also. I have a chase visa and every few months they send me blank checks with my statements. Worst yet, they write on the envelope "check inside". I always shred them as soon as I get them but I often wonder what would happen if someone decided to use one of my checks??!! Anyway, I don't have long to worry. My Christmas gift to myself will be to shred my last two credit cards...no more statements, no more checks in the mail! I'll be debt FREE! On another note, I do use the annualcreditreport.com and I try to check my report every 4 months using a different agency each time. I hate those checks in the mail also. I have a chase visa and every few months they send me blank checks with my statements. Worst yet, they write on the envelope “check inside”. I always shred them as soon as I get them but I often wonder what would happen if someone decided to use one of my checks??!! Anyway, I don’t have long to worry. My Christmas gift to myself will be to shred my last two credit cards…no more statements, no more checks in the mail! I’ll be debt FREE!

On another note, I do use the annualcreditreport.com and I try to check my report every 4 months using a different agency each time.

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]]> By: Jared http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102674 Jared Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:08:26 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102674 I had a similar issue with a Foley's card, which became a Macy's card. I worked for Foley's years ago, and the employee discount program was managed as a percentage off on the Foley's credit account. After I left Foley's, I closed the account - or so I thought. After checking my credit report, I noticed a line that made no sense - and after some Googling, I found out that it was this account, which was converted when Foley's became Macy's. As for the credit reports, I check both mine and my wife's on our anniversary (well, around our anniversary... I'm usually a little preoccupied with wooing her), and I've got a "recurring event" in my calendar to remind me each year. And as entertaining as the guitar-playing pirate on TV is, don't use freecreditreport.com - instead, use the TRULY free credit report: AnnualCreditReport.com. The great thing about this website is, if you can't remember the last time you got your credit report, you can log in and try again, and it will let you know how long it's been, since you only get 1 per year per agency. And finally, Bank of America's (and Capital One!) stupid "courtesy checks" need to be stopped! I hate those things! I had a similar issue with a Foley’s card, which became a Macy’s card. I worked for Foley’s years ago, and the employee discount program was managed as a percentage off on the Foley’s credit account. After I left Foley’s, I closed the account – or so I thought. After checking my credit report, I noticed a line that made no sense – and after some Googling, I found out that it was this account, which was converted when Foley’s became Macy’s.

As for the credit reports, I check both mine and my wife’s on our anniversary (well, around our anniversary… I’m usually a little preoccupied with wooing her), and I’ve got a “recurring event” in my calendar to remind me each year.

And as entertaining as the guitar-playing pirate on TV is, don’t use freecreditreport.com – instead, use the TRULY free credit report: AnnualCreditReport.com. The great thing about this website is, if you can’t remember the last time you got your credit report, you can log in and try again, and it will let you know how long it’s been, since you only get 1 per year per agency.

And finally, Bank of America’s (and Capital One!) stupid “courtesy checks” need to be stopped! I hate those things!

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]]> By: Jonathan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-102667 Jonathan Sat, 27 Oct 2007 12:45:07 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/27/mystery-checks-in-the-mail/#comment-102667 I had a similar experience with Bank of America. I started receiving checks from Bank of America and tied it back to an MBNA line of credit that I had closed two years prior - I even had the confirmation letter from MBNA stating that the account was closed, and a copy of their refund check (I had actually overpaid by about $100 when I finally paid off the MBNA account). I was, and still am, very concerned that their tendency to "accidentally" reactivate closed accounts does not reflect positively on their security measures to protect my personal data. I had a similar experience with Bank of America. I started receiving checks from Bank of America and tied it back to an MBNA line of credit that I had closed two years prior – I even had the confirmation letter from MBNA stating that the account was closed, and a copy of their refund check (I had actually overpaid by about $100 when I finally paid off the MBNA account).

I was, and still am, very concerned that their tendency to “accidentally” reactivate closed accounts does not reflect positively on their security measures to protect my personal data.

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