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Gaston County sends BofA a message
GASTONIA - Two weeks after rejecting a better deal from Bank of America because of a controversial credit card, Gaston County leaders on Thursday awarded a banking contract to Wachovia.The county's board of commissioners spurned Bank of America because it offers a credit card that can be obtained without a Social Security number and could be used by illegal immigrants.The vote follows one last fall in which the commissioners directed county staff to cut funding for programs and services used by illegal immigrants.Bank of America officials say their card, which is being tested in Los Angeles, is intended to introduce customers to banking and help build a credit history, but they acknowledge it could be used by illegal immigrants.Wachovia has no similar credit card program. Like Bank of America and many banks, however, Wachovia accepts IDs issued by Mexican consulates from customers who don't have Social Security numbers when they're opening accounts.The county likely will have an average daily balance of about $10 million.
A Landlord's Suspicious Request
Q: I've always rented from established rental properties, and now I'm considering renting from an independent owner I found online. I don't know how this works. Before having seen the place, I was sent an application via e-mail, and the landlord asked that I mail a money order to a post office box for the application fee. The application asks for my Social Security number and bank account information. Can I have a credit check done on my own with a third party and have that agency mail it to the landlord? What do I need to look for to ensure that it is not a scam and to keep my identity protected? Any advice on what is supposed to happen with private landlords is welcome. -- Washington A: Although individual landlords may not manage as many units or have as much experience as those who work for large firms, the screening process shouldn't be much different.
MIDDLE EAST TRIP BOOSTS THAILAND'S IMAGE
Against the backdrop of attempts to sow divisions between Buddhists and Muslims in the South, and to internationalise the conflict there, Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram's recent visit to Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has given a much-needed boost to Thailand's image in the eyes of the global community. This was particularly so among Muslim countries which will soon attend a meeting of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Pakistan. ''We are increasingly confident that Muslim countries have recognised and will support our peaceful and reconciliatory solution to the southern problem,'' Mr Nitya said. ''Our approach adheres to the judicial system and government rules, supported by the military,'' Mr Nitya said after meeting with leaders of the two Islamic countries, who are members of the OIC.
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