Tag: Better Business Bureau

Bankruptcy Law, Kingcade Garcia McMaken

How to Choose a Bankruptcy Lawyer

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Making the decision to file for bankruptcy can be a difficult one, but choosing the right bankruptcy attorney to handle your case can be even harder.  It helps to do your research, not only online but in person, too. The following tips can help someone who is considering filing for bankruptcy choose the best attorney for the job.

Experience Matters

Many people will start their search on the Internet, looking online to find a bankruptcy attorney. Experience is one factor that should always be considered when choosing an attorney. Experience does not just mean years practicing law. It is important to find someone who has filed cases in bankruptcy court and handles bankruptcy matters regularly. It helps a great deal to find someone who focuses his or her practice solely on bankruptcy law and who handles the specific type of bankruptcy the filer is pursuing instead of a general practice attorney who handles a little bit of everything. Many attorneys will handle only Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, while others will handle corporate bankruptcies, restructuring and reorganization.

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Tax Filing Tips to Speed up the Refund Process and Prevent Theft

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Income tax refund fraud has been a problem in recent years, and much of this fraud occurs when it comes to filing your taxes and waiting for the refund to be processed. The Better Business Bureau (BBB), along with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), recommends certain tips to help taxpayers prepare and submit their paperwork quickly to ensure their tax return is protected.

Identity theft has become an issue over recent years through data breaches of many trusted tax sites. The IRS recommends tax preparers be cautious when it comes to sending information for taxes. Fake clients have been known to ask for help with tax returns by sending tax preparers infected email attachments. Once these attachments are opened, the virus has already made its way into the computer system, hacking into important client information.

Information can be protected through filing returns via a computerized e-filing system. The preparer can also have the refunds deposited directly into a bank account through a secured system to protect the refund. Not only do these systems get the job done in a more efficient manner, but they also protect the confidential information involved in the tax submission and refund.

The following tips are helpful when it comes to speeding up the refund process and preventing fraud or theft:

  • Check the credentials of the tax preparer, ensuring that the preparer is a certified public account, tax attorney or enrolled agent.
  • Get referrals for tax preparers from friends, family, the local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau.
  • Avoid using tax preparers who promise they can produce larger refunds than their competitors.
  • Do not sign a blank tax return, even if the tax preparer states that this is solely for “convenience” purposes.
  • Carefully review the contract entered into with the tax preparer.
  • Ensure that submission of tax documents is done via a secured Internet connection and not through a public Wi-Fi hotspot.
  • Shred copies of tax returns, drafts or calculation sheets that are no longer needed.
  • If the preparer does not wish to file electronically, mail the tax return in a USPS mailbox or directly at the post office.
  • Ignore unsolicited telephone calls or emails that state they are from the IRS but do not appear to be official.
  • Respond to any communication that is official as soon as possible, or at least send the communication to your accountant or tax preparer.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have any 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, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Collection Call Scam Takes New Twist

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The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers of a new debt collection scam.  It involves a supposed debt collector informing you that a civil complaint has been filed against you- and scammers are doing an excellent job of making it seem real.  They may rattle off specific details, such as the amount of the debt, a complaint case number and a phone number where you can follow up.  If you end up calling that number, another phony representative will inform you of the same.  To avoid a pending lawsuit you must pay up immediately via wire transfer or prepaid debt card, the scammer says.

Consumers can protect themselves from scams like this by knowing their rights.

  • Hang up: If you know that you do not have any outstanding loans, hang up. Do not press any numbers or speak to an “agent.”
  • Ask to be provided with an official “validation notice” of the debt: Debt collectors are required by law to provide this information in writing. The notice must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor and a statement of your rights. If the person calling you will not provide that information, hang up immediately.
  • Ask for the details: Get the caller’s name, company, street address, and telephone number.  Confirm the collection agency is real.
  • Do not provide any personal information: Until you have verified the call, do not provide or confirm bank account, credit card or other personal information over the phone.
  • Check your credit report: Check with one of the three national credit reporting agencies (i.e. – Equifax, TransUnion, Experian) to determine if you have any outstanding debts or there has been any suspicious activity on your accounts.
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit report: If the scammer has personal information, place a fraud alert with the three national credit reporting companies.  And to report a scam you can always go to the BBB Scam Tracker.
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If you have any 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 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, P.A. 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 website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Related Resources:

http://www.bbb.org/council/news-events/bbb-scam-alerts/2017/04/scam-alert-collection-call-con-takes-new-twist/

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Beware of a New Scam Involving Cash Advances

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The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently warned consumers to beware of a new debt collection con where scammers pose as debt collectors who claim to be collecting on cash advances.

Here is how the scam works:

You receive an automated call from a company claiming to be collecting a payment for a cash advance. Next, the recording will prompt you to stay on the line and speak with an agent.

If you stay on the line, the agent will request that you pay your debt immediately using a wire transfer or a prepaid debt card. If you refuse, the agent will use threats of arrest, lawsuits or garnished wages to intimidate you.

Keep in mind that the use of threats in debt collection is in violation of your rights as a consumer under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

If you receive one of these calls, the BBB suggests you do the following:

  • Just hang up. If you don’t have any outstanding loans, hang up.
  • Get an official notice. Ask the debt collector to provide an official “validation notice” of the debt. In the US and most of Canada, debt collectors are required by law to provide the information in writing. The notice must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor and a statement of your rights.
  • Confirm the agency is real. Ask the caller for his/her name, company, street address and telephone number.
  • Do not provide any information they do not have. Until you have verified the call, do not provide or confirm a bank account, credit card number or any other personal information.
  • Check your credit report. If you are unsure if you have outstanding debt, check your credit report with one of the three national credit reporting companies: Equifax, TransUnion or Experian.
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit report. If the scammer has personal information, alert the three credit reporting companies that you have been contacted.

 

Click here for more on this story.

If you are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, 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, P.A. 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 website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

BBB’s Top 10 Scams of 2014

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The Better Business Bureau hears from thousands of consumers and business owners each year, reporting a variety of scams and frauds. Below are the Top 10 scams they consider to be most ‘pervasive’ last year:

10. Sweepstakes Scam: The scammers alert you that you have won a contest, a prize or the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes! All you have to do is pay some taxes and fees before you collect. This is not a new scam, but continues to be a common one.
9. Click Bait Scam: This scam can take many forms, but the most notorious one this year was when Malaysian Airline Flight 370 went missing, prompting online users to “click here for video.” Enticing stories like this, celebrity images and other fake news can get you to unintentionally download malware.
8. Robocall Scam: “Rachel from Cardholder Services” claims to be able to lower your credit card interest rates, taking personal information (i.e. – your card number) and charging fees to your card.
7. Government Grant Scam: You get a call saying you have been awarded a government grant for thousands of dollars. All you have to do is pay a couple hundred dollars in fees by wire transfer or a prepaid debit card.
6. Emergency Scam: Often referred to as the “grandparent scam,” because it preys on the elderly, the victim receives a call or email claiming to be a grandchild who has been severely injured, robbed or stabbed while overseas and they need money immediately via wire transfer.
5. Medical Alert Scam: This scam also preys on the elderly. The victim receives a call or visit from a company claiming a concerned family member ordered you a medical device in case of emergency. They take down the victim’s credit card or banking account information, but they receive nothing in the mail.
4. Copycat Website Scam: You receive an email, text message or social media post for an excellent deal on a popular product. You click through to what appears to be a popular retailer’s website, but when you order the product, nothing arrives. Now the company has your payment information and personal information.
3. “Are you calling yourself” Scam: The latest phone scam trick puts your phone number in the caller ID, getting you to pick up the phone out of curiosity or return the call.
2. Tech Support Scam: You receive a call or pop-up on your computer screen claiming to be a Microsoft representative from Norton or Apply, regarding a problem on your computer. The scammer says if you give them access to your hard drive, they can fix the problem. Instead, they install malware and have full access to your computer allowing them to steal your personal information.
1. Arrest Scam: You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or government official, who says they are coming to arrest you for unpaid taxes or missing out on jury duty. The victim can avoid this by sending money via a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. Being threatened with arrest is scary and most people ultimately pay out of fear.

The Better Business Bureau has identified ways consumers can avoid becoming victims to these scams:
• Do not let anyone pressure you into making fast decisions.
• Research the organization. A quick Google search or visiting www.bbb.org, will bring up any complaints made against the company.
• Never provide your personal information (i.e. – address, date-of-birth, social security number, banking information, ID etc.) to people you do not know.
• Never click on links from unsolicited emails or text messages.
• If you are unsure about a call or email that claims to be from your bank, utility company, etc., call the number on your bill or the back of your credit card to verify.
• Never send money by wire transfer or prepaid debit card to someone you do not know or have never met in person.
• Never send money for an emergency situation unless you have been able to verify the emergency.

Click here to read more on this story.
http://www.bbb.org/council/news-events/news-releases/2015/01/bbb-top-ten-scams-of-2014/

If you 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, P.A. 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 website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Consumers Beware: No one can Erase Bad Credit

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The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to beware of companies making false promises of quick credit repairs.  They have seen an increased number of complaints against local and national credit repair companies that are claiming to be able to erase bad credit for upfront fees of $250 or more. So can you actually erase bad credit? Consumers can have credit reporting errors corrected, but unfortunately, if the debt is valid no company can make it disappear.

For a fee, credit repair companies promise to clean up your credit report so you can obtain a car loan, mortgage or even a job. Based on the BBB experience, many of these companies fall short on their promises. After consumers pay these companies, sometimes thousands of dollars in fees, they do nothing to improve the consumer’s credit and simply disappear with the money.

The Federal Trade Commission has the following tips to help consumers avoid the pitfalls associated with these credit repair companies:

•Avoid any company that tells you it can get rid of most or all the negative credit information in your credit report, even if that information is accurate and current.

•Avoid any company that charges an upfront fee for credit repair services. This is against the law.

•Beware of any credit repair company that does not tell you your legal rights and steps you can take to repair your credit score free of charge.

•Avoid any credit repair company that tells you not to contact a credit reporting company directly.

•Avoid any credit repair company that advises you to dispute ALL of the information in your credit report.

•Avoid any company that suggests creating a new credit identity or applying for an Employer Identification Number to use instead of your Social Security number. Not only is this illegal, it leaves consumers open to prosecution for fraud.

Click here to read more on this story.
http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/money/business/2015/01/03/beware-claims-one-can-erase-bad-credit/21251883/

If you 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, P.A. 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 website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.