Timothy Kingcade Posts Archives - Page 8 of 155

Can you spot a debt relief scam?

Posted on January 18, 2019by Admin

When it comes to getting out of debt, if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. When someone is facing a difficult financial situation and are unable to make ends meet, they may feel like there is nowhere else to turn. It is for this reason that it is important to be cautious when approached regarding debt relief.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Florida Attorney General are actively monitoring these types of scams in hopes of stopping them before more people become victims. Countless debt relief scams exist out, with individuals behind them looking for a way to make money with no intention of helping the person paying them. In fact, one of the strongest determinations of whether you are being targeted by a scam is when the company demands payment upfront. Odds are, once they take your money, they have no intention of doing anything at all.

The FTC and Florida Attorney general recently stopped this exact type of debt relief scam where the company told potential clients that they would pay, settle and completely get rid of their debt. However, once they took the person’s money to engage their services, they did absolutely nothing. In the meantime, the individuals who paid the company to settle their debts took the advice of the company’s representatives and stopped payment on their overdue accounts. Soon, these accounts fell into default, damaging the credit scores of the affected individuals. Many of these victims were also faced with lawsuits from creditors.

This situation is unfortunately all-too-common. If someone offers to resolve your debt situation but insists that you pay them a large sum upfront, it is likely that this person is offering you a scam. A legitimate company will not force you to make a payment up front.

Another sign of a debt relief scam is the company will guarantee that all debts will be forgiven by creditors. No one can guarantee this fact, and if someone is making the effort to tell you that they can, odds are, they are part of a scam. Creditors are under no obligation to forgive debts. Some will reduce the payment in a settlement amount, because they would rather at least receive some form of payment in lieu of having to pursue a collection action, but they are not obligated to do so.

When in doubt, do your research when choosing the right debt relief option. You may be able to find information about the scam before you become their victim, and if you do find yourself contacted by a debt relief scam, it is always recommended that the scam be reported to the Florida Attorney General’s Office and FTC.

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If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit Card Debt, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

When to File for Bankruptcy

Posted on January 17, 2019by Admin

Coming to the decision to file for bankruptcy is not an easy choice to make. Many individuals consider bankruptcy to be an admission of failure, but it can oftentimes be the only way for them to truly obtain a fresh financial start. Certain decisions and factors must be considered when coming to the decision to file for bankruptcy.

One consideration that often holds people back from making the decision to file is the effect the filing will have on their credit. The effects of bankruptcy on a person’s credit score depends on the score the filer had before filing for bankruptcy. If you have a higher credit score, the effect the bankruptcy will have will be more noticeable. However, if you have a lower credit score to begin with, the change may not be as much after filing for bankruptcy.

It helps to sort through the myths and facts before making that final decision, and if you do choose to file for bankruptcy, this does not mean all hope is loss. There are proven ways to rebuild your credit score after bankruptcy, and our clients are proof!

My credit score said on all three reports 775, I couldn’t believe that I had such a great score before 10 years. Tim for me was the best move I have made for my situation. I have no regrets, I am glad the past is the past. – Bill T.

Hi Tim- I just wanted to send a quick note and thank you and your team for handling my bankruptcy case. It is only a month or two after discharge, and my credit scores are already in the upper 600’s. – C.S.

Traditionally, two of the biggest reasons people file for bankruptcy are the result of a serious medical crisis or a divorce. Both can cause a person’s financial situation to change overnight. Even if someone has medical insurance, a major medical crisis can still put them in a tough financial spot, especially if that person must pay a high deductible for his or her medical costs. The same goes for a divorce and losing the financial support of another person in a relationship.

Several factors need to be considered when deciding which form of bankruptcy to choose. Chapter 7 bankruptcy takes approximately three to six months to have the debt discharged, which includes most of the filer’s unsecured debt, including medical bills, credit card debt and personal loans. Other types of debt are excluded for the most part, including student loan debt, child support, spousal support and tax obligations. The bankruptcy trustee may choose to sell of non-exempt property to pay off the debt, although most property falls under an exemption- which means you can keep it. Property that is secured and is associated with a piece of property, like a home, can be kept so long as the debtor is able to keep up on payments and maintain the property. Therefore, if most of your debt involves credit card debt or medical debt, Chapter 7 may be the best option for you to eliminate this burden.

If you are behind on your mortgage payments but want to keep your home, many times, the Chapter 13 filing is a more logical choice. In a Chapter 13 case, you can lump past due mortgage payments into the repayment plan and pay them over time while keeping current on payments.

The bankruptcy means test determines whether or not you are eligible to file for debt forgiveness through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The test uses factors such as: income, expenses and family size to determine who can afford to repay their debts through reorganization and who cannot.

It is always recommended that you speak with an experienced bankruptcy attorney before making any decision to file or not file. If you are expecting a large lump sum payment, such as an inheritance or tax refund, the attorney may advise you to wait on filing and utilize that money on needed expenses first before filing to avoid losing it in a bankruptcy. Be honest with your attorney during this meeting and fully disclose all your financial circumstances so that the best decision can be made.

Related Resources:

https://www.magnifymoney.com/blog/pay-down-my-debt/debt-guide-file-bankruptcy/

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Florida Healthcare Workers Lose License to Practice Medicine Due to Unpaid Student Loans

Posted on January 16, 2019by Admin

Student loan debt has become a crisis in America, but for many Florida borrowers, this crisis has hit close to home. Over 100 Florida healthcare workers have now lost their license to practice medicine due to their inability to repay their student loans. A recent crackdown by the state board of health was initiated in an effort to get student loan borrowers to pay back their loans.

For years, federal student loan companies have pushed states to enact laws that were tougher on borrowers who defaulted on their student loan obligations. One of the suggested penalties has been taking away professional licenses from defaulting borrowers. Florida is the only state that has begun enforcing these types of laws.

The Florida State Board of Health reported that approximately 900 healthcare workers were at risk of losing their license over the past two years. The board worked out repayment plans with the great majority of those workers, leaving 90 to 120 license suspensions since November 2016. These licenses include professional certifications for registered nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, opticians and pharmacists.

However, now that these workers have lost their ability to earn an income, the question remains: how will they be able to pay their loan obligations? That argument is being made by area student loan attorneys. The decision to take away professional licenses for nonpayment of students is being questioned as putting a strain on employers and patients in an already short-staffed industry. Healthcare workers are already in short supply but taking away additional workers who have struggled paying their loan obligations will make the field even scarcer. Additionally, now that these workers have lost their ability to earn an income, it is more likely than not that they will end up depending on welfare benefits to survive.

Under the Florida law, the state has the power to garnish up to 100 percent of the healthcare worker’s wages before his or her license can be reinstated. Also, once the worker’s license is suspended, the only way he or she can get back the license is to pay a fine that is equal to 10 percent of the balanced owed. Critics of this law argue that it is entirely too unreasonable and makes it essentially impossible for the worker to get back on his or her feet.

It is estimated that over 10 percent of all student loan borrowers are now in default on their loan obligations. Approximately $1.2 trillion is owed nationally in student debt. Tuition costs seem to be rising every year, and the average student graduates with a large amount of debt, well up to $30,000 or higher. If the student continues on to graduate school, law school or medical school, the loan obligation can get as high as six figures. It comes as no surprise that these students, after graduation, struggle with meeting their monthly debt obligations, especially if they struggle finding employment after graduation.

The Florida law does require a 45-day written notice be issued to the borrower before his or her license is suspended. If you receive one of these notices, it is recommended you not ignore the notification but immediately contact your lender to discuss a possible repayment plan.

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For borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt, relief options are available. Many student loan borrowers are unaware that they have rights and repayment options available to them, such as postponement of loan payments, reduction of payments or even a complete discharge of the debt. There are ways to file for bankruptcy with student loan debt. It is important you contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Related Resources:

https://marketsanity.com/florida-board-of-health-has-suspended-thousands-of-healthcare-licenses-over-defaults-on-student-loans/

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Generation X Carries Most Debt Out of All Generations

Posted on January 14, 2019by Admin

Debt presents a problem for many Americans today, but one generation clearly stands out among the rest in terms of holding the most consumer debt. In fact, according to a recent study published by LightStream Survey conducted by the Harris Poll, nearly 80 percent of all members in the Generation X, ranging from ages 36 to 51, have some level of debt. The report showed that eight in ten members in this age category carry debt.

Coming in just below this were members of the Millennial generation, consumers between the ages of 20 and 35. Approximately 75 percent of all members in this age group carried debt. The next group was the Baby Boomer generation, which includes individuals between the ages of 52 and 70, with 69 percent of them carrying some type of debt.

While all three of these generations carry debt, it is the mindset of those in the Gen X category that presents the most cause for concern. Those surveyed in Gen X reported that they felt it was impossible to pay off a significant debt once it was incurred. Additionally, 25 percent of those in this demographic reported that they were not confident in how they were handling their finances. However, in the survey data, these individuals did state that they would be willing to give up hobbies or extracurricular activities to get rid of their debt payments, which does show some promise.

On average, individuals in Generation X carry $30,334 in “non-mortgage debt.” In comparison, Baby Boomers hold $27,513 and Millennials hold $22,784 in non-mortgage debt.

Getting out of debt can also be problematic for individuals in this generation, as well. Those who are younger may be able to use their savings or cash in their investments to reduce their debt, but it may be too difficult for Gen X members to dip into their retirement savings to pay off debt.

If you are struggling with insurmountable debt, dipping into retirement savings is never advisable. These are protected in bankruptcy along with the following bankruptcy exemptions in Florida. Many individuals are already struggling to pay for obligations, including helping aging parents as well as adult children. While they are not quite at the age of retirement, they are approaching that point, making it too close for comfort to use retirement savings.

Continuing to struggle with debt is a slower, less effective way to pay it off. Many different debt relief options exist, including debt consolidation, debt settlement or negotiation and bankruptcy – but it is important that as a consumer you research your options carefully.

Click here to read more.

Bankruptcy Law, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Arrest Made in the Latest Student Loan Debt Relief Scam

Posted on January 10, 2019by Admin

The head of a well-known alleged student loan debt relief scam is now being forced to account for his actions. Brandon Frere, the CEO of Ameritech and two other companies is accused of engaging in scams in the student debt relief business. He was arrested last week at the San Francisco International Airport.

When he was arrested, he was on his way to Cancun, Mexico, and had $3,900 cash on him, as well as five blank checks from his business, two blank checks from his personal bank account, 10 credit cards, gift cards and his Social Security card.

The claims against Frere are numerous. He is accused of withdrawing money that the company was holding in escrow for its customers, meaning the money belonged to the customers and not to the company. He is also accused of transferring millions of dollars from the company into his personal account and spending this money on cars, travel and other luxury items.

Days before Frere tried to leave the country, a judge granted a motion for preliminary injunction filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The same day that Frere booked his Cancun ticket, he withdrew $400,000 from accounts that were associated with his companies. Of that amount, $179,000 was transferred to his personal account. The remainder was transferred to family members and lawyers. Prosecutors estimate that Frere’s companies collected somewhere up to $28 million from student loan borrowers over four years.

It is estimated that student loan debt is a staggering $1.5 trillion, held by 44 million borrowers. It is also estimated that somewhere around 40 percent of all student loan borrowers will default on their obligations at some point in time.

These types of scams are not unique. In fact, many of these companies exist, taking advantage of student loan borrowers who are in an extremely difficult situation and are desperate for relief. It is extremely important that a student loan borrower does his or her research before choosing a repayment plan or relief option. Many times, borrowers make simple mistakes, like trusting a company they should not otherwise trust, that only hurts them in the end.

Once they had the borrower’s money, the company would continue to charge the borrowers monthly fees, ranging from $49 to $99. The borrowers were under the impression that the company was making their payments to their loans, but these payments were not being made, leaving these accounts unpaid and in default.

Another illegal practice that Frere and others were accused of was encouraging their company representatives to push customers to exaggerate the size of their families to receive more favorable student loan terms.

The FTC and various state attorneys general have been hard at work on cracking down on these types of scams and illegal collection practices. The FTC claimed that Ameritech would lure student loan borrowers with mailings promising the borrowers that they were prequalified for debt-relief. The company collected fees ranging between $600 to $800 to prepare and submit documents on behalf of the borrowers who were interested in government repayment and forgiveness programs. The problem with this is that there are free services provided by the U.S. Dept. of Education that offer the same.

Click here to read more.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Credit Card Debt, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

IRS Will Pay Tax Refunds During Government Shutdown

Posted on January 8, 2019by Admin

The government shutdown has taxpayers nervous about what it will mean for their tax refund. However, a statement made today by the acting director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, Russel Vought, said the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will issue refunds even during the government shutdown.

It had been speculated that the IRS would accept tax returns, but refunds would be delayed until the government was fully functioning again. This situation is exactly what happened during previous shutdown contingency plans. However, the administration assured taxpayers that would not be the case this time around. It is a decision that may reduce political pressure on Congress and President Trump to reach a deal to reopen the federal government.

Last tax season, the average tax refund was estimated at $2,899. If you are struggling with debt, a tax refund can be your ticket to a fresh financial start and pay for the costs of bankruptcy.

Data from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts shows that Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings in March were 26 to 34 percent higher during March, and 15 to 25 percent higher during April from 2013 through 2016.

How do you know if bankruptcy is right for you? Consumers should strongly consider Chapter 7 if any of the following are true:

Problem debts, such as credit cards, medical bills or other high-interest loans, account for more than 50 percent of your annual income;
You are using credit to pay for everyday expenses;
Your credit cards are maxed out with no end in sight;
Your wages are being garnished;
You are being sued by debt collectors;
You are in danger of losing your home.

In the 2018 tax filing season, 18.3 million people claimed $12.6 billion in tax refunds within the first week of filing season alone. This “season,” normally begins at the end of January or early February, considering employers are required to mail W-2s by the end of January.

During shutdowns in years past, the IRS had stated that refunds could not be issued during a shutdown due to the agency’s interpretation of the Antideficiency Act. This act governed what type of work was allowable during a shutdown, which normally only included government work that was necessary to protect life and property. Previously, IRS work was not considered one of those categories.

Click here to read more on this story.

Bankruptcy Law, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How the Government Shutdown will affect Bankruptcy Courts

Posted on January 7, 2019by Admin

The government officially began a partial shutdown on December 21, 2018 as a direct result of Congress not being able to enact an appropriations (spending) bill. Negotiations between congressional Democrats and the Trump administration over the President’s demands for a border wall so far have not yielded an agreement. The bitter negotiations over funding for the border reached a milestone yesterday, now tying for the third longest on record without any end in sight.

Here is how the partial government shutdown will affect the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida Operations.

Until further notice, the Court will continue operations and remain open during regular business hours in all divisions (Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach).
The Judiciary receives non-appropriated funding outside of appropriated funding from Congress and can continue its normal operations through January 11, 2019. However, after this date, if there is not a resolution or a final budget set for fiscal year 2019, it can be expected the bankruptcy court will likely close on January 11, 2019.
The court’s case management systems – CM/ECF and ECF/Pacer will remain available, even in the event of a Judiciary shutdown.
The Miami Office of the U.S. Trustee is temporarily closed due to a lapse in federal funding. However, a limited number of staff will be available to perform excepted activities (e.g., oversee appointment of trustees, scheduling of Section 341 meetings, perform activities related to means testing, and handle any emergency or urgent matters).
Section 341 meetings of creditors will be conducted as scheduled unless further notified.

Click here to learn more. For the latest updates regarding the government shutdown and the affects it will have on the bankruptcy courts stay tuned to our blog.

Debt Relief, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How Student Loan Debt is Different From Other Debt

Posted on January 4, 2019by Admin

Debt plagues so many Americans today, but the type of debt varies from person to person. When it comes to debt collections or even bankruptcy, how the debt is treated depends on the type of debt. Student loan debt is one category that is treated differently than other common debt categories involved in bankruptcy.

Student loan debt has doubled since the most recent recession, which presents a major problem for many borrowers who are struggling to repay their loans, so it is extremely important to understand how student loan debt is treated in bankruptcy and collection matters.

Debts normally fall into two different categories: secured and unsecured. Secured debt is “secured” by either another person or an asset purchased, meaning if the consumer defaults on the debt, the lender has recourse to seize the asset.

Unsecured debt is not connected to another person or asset and commonly includes credit cards, personal loans, and medical debt. Student loan debt is also another form of unsecured debt, although it is not treated the same way as other unsecured debt. One major difference is the fact that student loan debt does not go away so easily.

If the borrower fails to pay on a student loan, the lender will likely initiate a collection action, which will result in a judgment against the consumer and likely a garnishment of that person’s wages. The same situation occurs with any other unsecured debt, but the difference is student loan debt is not easily discharged through bankruptcy.

It is possible, but the legal standard that needs to be met for this to be done is quite strict. The borrower will need to prove to the court that a good faith effort has been made to repay the loan, as well as proving undue hardship that is likely to continue if the debt is not discharged. It is not an easy burden of proof, and if the court does not discharge the debt, it will remain with the individual once the bankruptcy is over.

Student loans include both federal and private loans. Those loans that are federal are backed by the federal government and are disbursed by the U.S. Department of Education. On the other hand, private loans are backed by private lending institutions. The difference is critical in that federal student loans are not restricted by a statute of limitation when it comes to collecting on the debt.

In addition, federal loans have certain protections that private loans do not and offer different types of repayment plans in the event the borrower’s life circumstances change. For the most part, federal loan repayment terms are around ten years, but they can be extended or graduated or even income-based in terms of repayment. Additionally, some federal loans offer forgiveness programs.

Private student loans are oftentimes a last resort when it comes to financing education. However, many students max out their federal lending and have no choice but to supplement with private options given the cost of education.

It is currently estimated that somewhere around 40 percent of all student loan borrowers will default at some point on their student loans. Many different mistakes can be made when it comes to student loan repayment. If you believe you qualify for student loan debt relief, speak with an experienced bankruptcy attorney about your options.

Click here to read more on this story.

Foreclosures, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Second Wells Fargo Glitch Leads to More Foreclosures

Posted on January 3, 2019by Admin

Wells Fargo is in the hot seat once again when it comes to home foreclosures. Recently, Wells Fargo said a computer glitch led to the bank wrongfully denying customers the chance to either request a loan modification or repayment plan on their home mortgage. Now it appears an additional glitch has led to even more foreclosures.

This most recent mistake involves loan modifications submitted to Wells Fargo between March 15, 2010, and April 30, 2018. The computer glitch Wells Fargo claims happened is responsible for hundreds of homes being denied modifications during this time period.

The announcement comes after Wells Fargo admitted in November to a separate error in a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The company admitted that a computer glitch led to the bank denying mortgage customers the opportunity to request either a repayment plan or loan modification. They reported that these denials happened approximately 870 times. Because of these errors, 545 homes went into foreclosure.

In this SEC filing, Wells Fargo reported that it was a calculation error that occurred when the bank’s program implemented newer controls that resulted in an overestimation of attorney’s fees for the homeowners who were in the middle of foreclosure. Because of this error, the bank rejected these 870 loan modification requests.

This is not the first time that Wells Fargo has made this mistake. Back in August, the company disclosed that yet another calculation error in the underwriting software mistakenly denied 625 borrowers loan modifications under a federal assistance program, resulting in 400 homes being foreclosed.

With delinquent mortgage payments on the rise this past year, the need for loan modifications and flexible repayment plans is more important than ever to homeowners. Mistakes like the one made by Wells Fargo can have disastrous consequences for homeowners already in a tough spot.

Click here to read more on this story.

Choosing the right attorney can make the difference between whether you can keep your home. A well-qualified Miami foreclosure defense attorney will not only help you keep your home, but they will be able to negotiate a loan that has payments you can afford. Miami foreclosure defense attorney Timothy Kingcade has helped many facing foreclosure alleviate their stress by letting them stay in their homes for at least another year, allowing them to re-organize their lives. If you have any questions on the topic of foreclosure, please feel free to contact me at (305) 285-9100. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Credit Card Debt, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How to Free Yourself from Holiday Debt

Posted on December 26, 2018by Admin

On average shoppers spent approximately $1,007 this holiday season. The retail trade association expected shoppers to spend between $717.5 billion and $720.9 in November and December, which is up over 4 percent from 2017’s total of $687.87 billion. While shopping for the holidays can be exciting, the post-holiday period can be stressful. If you ended up overspending this holiday, we have some tips to help you get out of debt – FAST.

Review your financial situation.

You cannot eliminate debt without having a clear picture of where you stand financially. Make sure you compile all receipts and documents related to your holiday expenditures. Aside from the gifts, do not forget to include food and costs related to holiday entertaining. Many people who end up with high credit card bills at the end of the holiday season say they never planned on spending as much as they did. If you do not plan your expenses ahead of time, it can be easy to end up purchasing way more than you originally intended. Planning can go a long way in lowering your holiday spending costs.

Come up with a plan.

Write down all your debt amounts along with the interest rates. Focus on the higher-interest rate debts first and consider paying more than the minimum to eliminate the debt faster. We offer some important tips for eliminating credit card debt. Some utilize the snowball method whereby they focus all their efforts in paying a higher interest card down, focusing on one card at a time. Another method is through the “island” approach where the consumer has two credit cards: one which is paid in full every month and the other card, which is a promotional no-interest or low-interest rate for big purchases, allowing the person to finance those large purchases over time.

Sell what you do not need.

With all the sales going on over the holidays, it can be easy to over buy. Most of these items either end up in the garage or saved for next year. Check through your closets and look for those unnecessary gifts and items you bought during the holiday that you can sell. Also, consignment is a great way to get some extra cash post-holiday. Everything from clothes you no longer wear, to baby toys, baby clothes and accessories- many of these stores are eager to give you cash for the same.

Pay More than the Minimum.

Consumers traditionally take approximately four months or more to pay off debt incurred during the holiday season. Many times, they are only able to make minimum monthly payments, which can prolong their ability to pay off the debt in full. Minimum payments often result in the person only paying the interest incurred that month, and if the cardholder is spending on top of the balance already owed, the debt can balloon quickly.

Get help.

Credit card debt is a major problem for many Americans. The ability to conveniently shop and pay the balance later has led to many people living in a cycle of debt, especially after spending over the holidays. The credit card system is designed for consumers to lose.

Credit card debt is one of the most common problems facing those with serious financial issues. With skyrocketing interest rates, unreasonable fees, harassing debt collection calls, penalties and never-ending minimum payments that do not even make a dent in your actual debt, the people we work with frequently point to credit card debt as among their most troubling financial issues.

At Kingcade Garcia McMaken, the number one piece of advice we give to our clients, family members and friends when dealing with creditors is to be honest. If you are unable to afford payment- tell them that, never make a promise to pay and never give a creditor your bank account number or credit card information.