Use it wisely. Credit can also cost you big if you use it carelessly. Don't enter into credit arrangements without fully understanding their terms and conditions and considering your ability to meet the demands the credit will place on your wallet. These offers are invitations to use a loan to pay for whatever item you're buying, and the loan may come with some serious strings attached. You'll pay less if you simply pay cash up front, or pay off the loan quickly, before finance charges start to accrue.
Some choices are riskier than others.
Advance Fee Loans look great in the ads, but almost always are a scam in which the consumer loses money. It's important to protect your credit information and identity. Credit Identity Theft, in which your credit information is obtained and used without your permission, is becoming increasingly common. Be cautious about your credit card and other personal banking information and destroy receipts, bills and other paperwork when you are finished with them so that they cannot be used to access your accounts. Carefully monitor your credit card bills, watch for unexpected or unauthorized charges, and contact the credit card company immediately if you suspect someone is making charges on your account.