More money, more problems
Lately there have been credit card vendors on campus that have been offering give-aways in exchange for signing up for a credit card.
In the past, there have not been any problems with the vendors, but this academic year they have been more aggressive then ever. One company was even asked to leave the campus.
Eddie Howard is the director of student activities, the office that approves and monitors vendors on campus.
“On Sept. 19, we approved what we later found out to be a very aggressive credit card company that was actually throwing items at students to entice them to sign up for a credit card,” said Howard. “Needless to say, I received a number of calls from upset students that were actually changing their normal walking patterns to avoid the obnoxious company. After about the third call, we asked the company to leave campus.”
Students need to take certain precautions before talking to anyone about a credit card on the GC&SU campus.
“Most often we place vendors in front of Chick-fil-A, but occasionally we may use the front of Atkinson or the Arts & Science fountain area. Vendors will never be placed in any other area,” said Howard. “Also, we schedule vendors Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If, for some reason, you observe vendors of any kind soliciting students after 5 p.m. or outside of the locations listed above please report them immediately to Campus Police or the Department of Student Activities.”
Not only do students need to be aware of when and where the vendors should be on campus, but they should know about the precautions to take before signing up for a credit card.
According to studentcredit.com, there are more factors involved in researching a credit card than most would think. A consumer needs to know how much credit they can afford, what type of card is right for them, and understand annual fees, credit lines and late fees.
Students that are approached about a give-away are more likely to focus on that than the fact that they have to sign up for a credit card. Donnie Clanton, a sophomore, and Brooke Brown, a junior, both signed up for a credit card.
“Students aren’t even putting down their real information. They just want the free stuff,” said Clanton.
The vendors can become bothersome to the extent that students change their regular walking patterns.
“The vendors don’t even say credit card. They say student card,” said Brown. “They were harassing us so much that we finally gave in. I tried not to look their way because they yell, `want a free T-shirt?’”
Credit cards can be used in a positive way to build credit. The following steps can be taken to positively effect credit, according to studentcredit.com. Use the card to make small purchases and pay off the entire amount every month. Use the card instead of writing checks because it will show up in the credit report while checks will not. Pay your bill before the due date.
Some other tips include not overspending, not over borrowing and not forgetting to pay bills.
There are three credit bureaus that compile information about a consumer’s credit history. They are Equifax, TRW and Trans Union. It is recommended that you request a copy of your credit report once a year. Listed below are the three companies that provide credit reports.
Experian National Consumer Assistance (formerly TRW)
call 1-800-682-7654
or write P.O. Box 2104
Allen, Texas 75013-2104.
Trans Union Consumer Relations
Call 1-800-851-2674
Or write Consumer Relations Division
P.O. Box 390
Springfield, Pa. 19064-0390
Equifax Credit Information Services
Call 1-800-685-1111
Or write P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, Ga. 30374-0241
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Oct 5 2001. Filed under News.
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