Credit cards and credit card debt concern may residents of the country. Even Wisconsin residents that don’t currently have credit card debt likely still have a credit card account for things such as renting cars or emergencies. Following national and state credit card news is one way to help ensure the safety of your accounts.
In recent weeks, a threat known as Heartbleed has been in the news. The cyber threat puts online data at risk. According to reports, researchers studying online and other encryption found a major flaw in encryption that is commonly used to safeguard online logins, emails, and other transactions.
According to reports, the threat existed undiscovered for as long as two years. Many sites scrambled to protect information and consumers in the wake of the threat, and researchers state it’s unknown whether hackers ever used the opening to steal information. One thing that every consumer can do now to help safeguard his or her own accounts and information is to change passwords, security questions and personal identification numbers.
It’s not all scary news on the credit card front. According to The Wall Street Journal, total outstanding debt on credit cards in the country fell $2.42 billion from January to February. While that’s good news overall, it doesn’t offer immediate help for those who are struggling to pay bills each week.
Financial challenges can hit anyone of any income level, and credit card debt can spiral quickly out of control. Understanding your legal options for credit counseling, credit card debt relief, consolidation and bankruptcy is the first step to reclaiming control of your life and moving on toward a stronger future.
Source: Forbes, “This Week In Credit Card News–Consumers Advised To Change Passwords, Credit Card Debt Drops Again” Bill Hardekopf, Apr. 11, 2014
