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Identity Theft

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: One credit score factor to check twice during the holidays. Also in the news: How to give back without busting your budget, how not to get hustled in the holiday bustle, and the best apps for tracking your credit card rewards.

One Credit Score Factor to Check Twice During the Holidays
Utilizing your credit wisely.

How to Give Back Without Busting Your Budget
Create a giving plan.

Identity Theft: Don’t Get Hustled in the Holiday Bustle
‘Tis the season for identity theft.

The Best Apps for Tracking Your Credit Card Rewards
All your rewards in one place.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: In ‘SIM Swap,’ criminals really have your number. Also in the news: Don’t let price be your only guide when choosing an airport, a new SmartMoney podcast, and why you shouldn’t sign up for an airline credit card when you’re on the plane.

In ‘SIM Swap,’ Criminals Really Have Your Number
How to reduce the chances of being victimized.

Choosing Among Airports? Don’t Let Price Be Your Only Guide
There are many factors to consider.

SmartMoney podcast: ‘How Much House Can I Afford?’
It’s about more than just the numbers.

Don’t Sign Up for an Airline Credit Card When You’re on the Plane
Resist the impulse.

In ‘SIM swap,’ criminals really have your number

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If you’re not familiar with SIM swap fraud, prepare to be terrified.

This scam, also known as port-out or SIM splitting fraud, allows criminals to hijack your cell phone number. Once they have your number, the bad guys can clean out your financial accounts, confiscate your email, delete your data and take over your social media profiles.

Fraudsters can do all this because many companies — including banks, brokerages, email providers and social media platforms — verify your identity by texting a code to your cell phone. Intercepting those codes can give a criminal an all-access pass to your financial and digital life.

In my latest for the Associated Press, learn more about the fraud experts fear the most.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 4 tech tasks to keep your parents safer online. Also in the news: What to do if an ETF in your portfolio closes, 5 ideas for setting clear and effective personal finance habits in 2019, and the majority of Americans say they did not get a pay raise this year.

4 Tech Tasks to Keep Your Parents Safer Online
Protect them from fraud.

What to Do If an ETF in Your Portfolio Closes
Sell? Or wait for liquidation?

5 Ideas for Setting Clear and Effective Personal Finance Habits in 2019
Setting achievable goals.

The majority of Americans say they did not get a pay raise this year
The thriving economy isn’t showing up in paychecks.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Identity theft risks for holiday shoppers. Also in the news: 5 guidelines for happier holiday tipping, what to buy (and skip) in December, and how to balance your short-term and long-term financial goals.

Holiday Shoppers, Beware of These 3 Identity Theft Risks
Protect yourself.

5 Guidelines for Happier Holiday Tipping
Saying thanks.

What to Buy (and Skip) in December
Hold off on that TV.

How to Balance Your Short- and Long-Term Financial Goals
Your short-term goals should feed your long-term goals.