The big banks are absolutely thrilled when you fall for the "cockroach" of personal finance myths: the completely false idea that you need to carry a balance and pay interest on your credit cards to build an excellent credit score. Not so. Clark explains. Also today, we face an unprecedented wave of sophisticated fraud, with online crime complaints officially surpassing one million for the first time. Driven by advanced AI, scammers are now launching highly realistic "spear-phishing" attacks using actual data breaches from hotels and cruise lines. If you get an urgent message claiming your upcoming hotel reservation can't be validated or that you owe more money on a cruise, do not take the bait. Stay vigilant, question unexpected requests for money, and always independently verify any urgent alerts regarding your travel plans or financial accounts.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 15, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

• Credit Card Myth: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• Scams Gone Wild: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• The #1 Mistake That Can Hurt Your Credit Score - Clark Howard
• Scammers Are Using Your Real Hotel Reservations for Spear-Phishing Attacks
• Carnival data breach affects nearly 6 million people | Travel Weekly
• New Scam Targets Microsoft Users, FBI Warns. Here's How to Protect Yourself
• How to spot a CAPTCHA scam
• We Can't Stop Falling for These 7 Scams. Here's How to Protect Yourself From Each One
• The Best Phone Plan For You – Compare Phone Plans
• What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard 

For Mint Mobile Plans and Pricing Details, click SAVINGSPOD

Clark.com resources:

• Episode transcripts
• Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark
• Clark.com daily money newsletter
• Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

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