I recently participated in a panel discussion where employers were asking "what are some good ideas on how they can provide low/ no cost benefits to employees…how can these benefits help attract / retain employees."
I responded by saying that when I sit down with executives regarding these types of questions, I discuss the value of turn-key, voluntary opt-in plans. My company can create and customize “bundles” that best supplement an organization’s existing benefit plan. Vision & Dental are as good as some others have stated in this discussion, just be careful you are not overpaying for these services. You can get much cheaper pricing in a bundled situation. On the medical side, I strongly recommend a telemedicine product and free pharmacy card. There is also value in providing Identity Theft Protection, Pre-Paid Legal Plans and Roadside Assistance. These programs, properly promoted within, should not only enhance engagement, but reduce associate absence and result in better customer service/ productivity. If you look to do these types of programs, look for multiple payment options too…payroll deduct, employer paid or partial employer paid. I also see employers place a great value on providing employees insurance options they can purchase on their own. One employer mentioned that LTD is voluntary in their organization…I see many employers make all kinds of insurance available via the workplace intranet…Non-Occupational Disability, Term/ Whole Life, Long Term Care, Cancer Insurance, etc…. Does not cost the employer anything to provide and employees can shop right from their desk.
I do not think I could have gotten more of a fastball right down the middle.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Medical Identity Theft...I Am Not Kidding
Identity theft is a recurring theme that I like to address in this forum. For whatever reason, many people do not see this as the "needs based product" that it truly is. You would not drive a car without auto insurance. You would not want to start a family without a Will and life insurance plan (hey, I wrote about that under my Legal Plan posting). ID Theft has become (not is becoming, HAS BECOME) the #1 crime in America and believe it or not, extends way beyond someone stealing a credit card or social security number.
Believe it or not, ID Theft is growing at an unprecedented rate when it comes to receiving medical treatment. You cannot turn on the television, listen to a presidential sound byte or read a newspaper without hearing about the rising cost of health care and how difficult it is for many people to afford quality care. What do some people who cannot afford medical insurance turn to? Medical ID Theft.
Medical ID Thieves will use a victims identity and insurance information to receive the care they need. The real threat is not just the financial impact of the doctor/ hospital bills, but the fact that your medical records can be changed to those of the Identity Thief! Your blood type, medications, allergic reactions, etc... can all be changed to somebody else's history.
If there is any lingering doubt why identity theft protection is something everybody in America should have, watch this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NrLryd9o7I
Now fill in the blank: "I, (state your name), do not have Identity Theft Protection because__________________________________________________. (hint: no good answer to this question.)
Obviously I would like to help you with your acquisition of an ID Theft program...but no matter where you go to get it...just get it TODAY!
Believe it or not, ID Theft is growing at an unprecedented rate when it comes to receiving medical treatment. You cannot turn on the television, listen to a presidential sound byte or read a newspaper without hearing about the rising cost of health care and how difficult it is for many people to afford quality care. What do some people who cannot afford medical insurance turn to? Medical ID Theft.
Medical ID Thieves will use a victims identity and insurance information to receive the care they need. The real threat is not just the financial impact of the doctor/ hospital bills, but the fact that your medical records can be changed to those of the Identity Thief! Your blood type, medications, allergic reactions, etc... can all be changed to somebody else's history.
If there is any lingering doubt why identity theft protection is something everybody in America should have, watch this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NrLryd9o7I
Now fill in the blank: "I, (state your name), do not have Identity Theft Protection because__________________________________________________. (hint: no good answer to this question.)
Obviously I would like to help you with your acquisition of an ID Theft program...but no matter where you go to get it...just get it TODAY!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Biggest No-Brainer Ever!
I was recently shopping for health insurance for me and my family. I researched small business plans that turned out to not be very attractive at all. I then went to an on-line quoting engine (my own portal is not configured for NJ yet) and within seconds of completing a quick, informational type screen with my basic personal information had various offers to choose from ranging from Plan Type, Price (lowest to highest) and Carrier. Getting to the quoting screen was a pretty easy, seamless process. Once there however, it is very easy to be intimidated and throw your hands up in disgust.
First, in the quoting engine I was using, distinguishing between the different plan types and trying to figure out what type of plan covers what. In my opinion this alone would make the average user give up right there. Second, I have a Health and Life Insurance license and understand what the various types of insurance plans are…but between PPO, EPO, HMO, Blue Cross Blue Shield, No Deductible, High Deductible, (No) Long Term Hospital Care, Co-insurance, no Co-insurance, Prescription coverage or not, Dental but maximum $500 per year…it is very easy for an individual to get confused and purchase a plan that they may think is different than what it actually is.
When I made the decision on what insurance plan I was ready to buy, I was then required to complete a full application on-line. This application took almost 30 minutes to complete and again, this process had me thinking how many people get frustrated and stop, or do not have the time to complete all the information at one sitting and due to the investment of time required never return to complete.
This kind of begs the question: is technology making this process easier and less expensive, or is the price similar to going to an agent in-person and paying a bit more?
Where the technology debate can go on for years and years, there is one debate that cannot: Discount Medical Benefits. Discount Medical Benefits can supplement health insurance policies in so many ways it is unbelievable. I was recently in San Francisco and engaged in a conversation with someone near The Wharf about why I was out there and what type of business I am in. When I explained that I was in the supplemental benefits business and highlighted some of the plans offered, he asked if our packages cost about $200/ mo. When I responded with where our price points typically fall he was totally amazed…asking why everyone in America would not purchase our benefits? I could not agree more.
Getting back to my insurance quoting experience, it amazes me how many people could make better educated decisions if they knew that for < $5 per week they would gain family membership access to Dental, Chiropractic, Vision, Vitamin and Pharmacy discounts, while eliminating co-pays for non-emergency doctor visits by calling a telemedicine service that has script ability. I made my decision on which insurance to buy based on the fact that I have a discount medical plan already in place. I chose a plan $250/ mo less than I would have had I not had a discount plan. Imagine being able to reduce monthly insurance costs, save time and energy from visiting a doctor, eliminate co-pays in many cases and have access to below market pricing for other “health” services…for the whole family?
Discount Medical Plans are perhaps the biggest no-brainer ever. I just saved a minimum of $3,500 per year when I factor in my monthly savings and the ways my discount plan will save me money throughout the year. With all the talk of Obama health care reform, the rising costs of health insurance, increased employee contributions, decreased coverage, etc….I think the guy in San Francisco said it best: “Why wouldn’t everyone in America have our Discount Medical Benefits?”
If you want additional information on how YOU can acquire, please contact me via email at bob.germano@suburbansolutionscorp.com or 866-528-6208, ext 122.
I was recently shopping for health insurance for me and my family. I researched small business plans that turned out to not be very attractive at all. I then went to an on-line quoting engine (my own portal is not configured for NJ yet) and within seconds of completing a quick, informational type screen with my basic personal information had various offers to choose from ranging from Plan Type, Price (lowest to highest) and Carrier. Getting to the quoting screen was a pretty easy, seamless process. Once there however, it is very easy to be intimidated and throw your hands up in disgust.
First, in the quoting engine I was using, distinguishing between the different plan types and trying to figure out what type of plan covers what. In my opinion this alone would make the average user give up right there. Second, I have a Health and Life Insurance license and understand what the various types of insurance plans are…but between PPO, EPO, HMO, Blue Cross Blue Shield, No Deductible, High Deductible, (No) Long Term Hospital Care, Co-insurance, no Co-insurance, Prescription coverage or not, Dental but maximum $500 per year…it is very easy for an individual to get confused and purchase a plan that they may think is different than what it actually is.
When I made the decision on what insurance plan I was ready to buy, I was then required to complete a full application on-line. This application took almost 30 minutes to complete and again, this process had me thinking how many people get frustrated and stop, or do not have the time to complete all the information at one sitting and due to the investment of time required never return to complete.
This kind of begs the question: is technology making this process easier and less expensive, or is the price similar to going to an agent in-person and paying a bit more?
Where the technology debate can go on for years and years, there is one debate that cannot: Discount Medical Benefits. Discount Medical Benefits can supplement health insurance policies in so many ways it is unbelievable. I was recently in San Francisco and engaged in a conversation with someone near The Wharf about why I was out there and what type of business I am in. When I explained that I was in the supplemental benefits business and highlighted some of the plans offered, he asked if our packages cost about $200/ mo. When I responded with where our price points typically fall he was totally amazed…asking why everyone in America would not purchase our benefits? I could not agree more.
Getting back to my insurance quoting experience, it amazes me how many people could make better educated decisions if they knew that for < $5 per week they would gain family membership access to Dental, Chiropractic, Vision, Vitamin and Pharmacy discounts, while eliminating co-pays for non-emergency doctor visits by calling a telemedicine service that has script ability. I made my decision on which insurance to buy based on the fact that I have a discount medical plan already in place. I chose a plan $250/ mo less than I would have had I not had a discount plan. Imagine being able to reduce monthly insurance costs, save time and energy from visiting a doctor, eliminate co-pays in many cases and have access to below market pricing for other “health” services…for the whole family?
Discount Medical Plans are perhaps the biggest no-brainer ever. I just saved a minimum of $3,500 per year when I factor in my monthly savings and the ways my discount plan will save me money throughout the year. With all the talk of Obama health care reform, the rising costs of health insurance, increased employee contributions, decreased coverage, etc….I think the guy in San Francisco said it best: “Why wouldn’t everyone in America have our Discount Medical Benefits?”
If you want additional information on how YOU can acquire, please contact me via email at bob.germano@suburbansolutionscorp.com or 866-528-6208, ext 122.
Friday, July 10, 2009
The New Normal Continues to Evolve
The “New Normal” continues to take new twists and turns, and are not as easy to read as the hanging curveball I saw last night in my return to Baseball after a 21 year absence (yes, I officially made my “over 40” debut).
I was speaking with a colleague of mine today about trends we are seeing in and around the financial industry and a name of someone we used to work with came up. I was told this person wanted to reach out to say hello to me, and looks forward to having a conversation that does not involve business. The ironic thing is, I cannot recall many, if any conversations with this person that did not circle back to business. My point being that we hear about the importance of networking and to seek out opportunity everywhere, yet here is someone, who reported through me for over ten years, who wants to speak about things other than business (I presume the Yankees winning streak). I think this exemplifies that the “New Normal” is totally unpredictable.
My hopes are that the “New Normal” expands the way people think in the following ways:
- How can this help my customers?
- How can this help my business?
- How can this help me?
- How can I make money?
- Is there anything I am doing that this person/ entity can do well with (the thought being a favor/ referral is returned many times over)?
- What if we explored ways to share customers/ ideas, can this work to our mutual advantage?
- I need to say what I will do and do what I say I will do.
The best business I do is through relationship building and referrals. I hope the “New Normal” allows me to dwarf my past success!
Bob Germano
July 10th, 2009
The “New Normal” continues to take new twists and turns, and are not as easy to read as the hanging curveball I saw last night in my return to Baseball after a 21 year absence (yes, I officially made my “over 40” debut).
I was speaking with a colleague of mine today about trends we are seeing in and around the financial industry and a name of someone we used to work with came up. I was told this person wanted to reach out to say hello to me, and looks forward to having a conversation that does not involve business. The ironic thing is, I cannot recall many, if any conversations with this person that did not circle back to business. My point being that we hear about the importance of networking and to seek out opportunity everywhere, yet here is someone, who reported through me for over ten years, who wants to speak about things other than business (I presume the Yankees winning streak). I think this exemplifies that the “New Normal” is totally unpredictable.
My hopes are that the “New Normal” expands the way people think in the following ways:
- How can this help my customers?
- How can this help my business?
- How can this help me?
- How can I make money?
- Is there anything I am doing that this person/ entity can do well with (the thought being a favor/ referral is returned many times over)?
- What if we explored ways to share customers/ ideas, can this work to our mutual advantage?
- I need to say what I will do and do what I say I will do.
The best business I do is through relationship building and referrals. I hope the “New Normal” allows me to dwarf my past success!
Bob Germano
July 10th, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Discount Lifestyle Benefits: A No Brainer!
As I approach my 40th birthday this week I find myself being very retrospective. In addition to going through all the mid-life type thoughts, I find myself wondering how I would have approached the current economic conditions 10 or 20 years ago.
1989: I was still in college, had my housing and meal plans paid for, did not have a cell phone or e-mail address, drove a 1986 Toyota 4Runner, had a cassette walkman and a fake ID. I think I still had a cassette carrying case. Most of my year revolved around lunch at 11am, rec center for basketball or stickball in the quad, and collecting $5 from people on the 1st floor of West Residence for beer. I worked in the mortgage business during the summer and winter breaks for money, and the two highlights of my year: 1) Seton Hall made the Final Four, and 2) I saw The Who 5 times during their first reunion tour.
1999: I got married that January and do not think I had a cell phone or personal e-mail address. I would rarely be on the internet and although life had its stress points, all things considered, life was still pretty simple. My mortgage payment was a fraction of what it is today and started a new job with a California company named Option One to open up the New York market. The Yankees got Roger Clemens, repeated as World Champions and life was good.
2009: I have two daughters, still reside in North Jersey and have a whole new perspective. I shuffle from work to children activities to little league games. In many ways I am my father’s son. What is different from 1989 and 1999 is that I constantly hear how we are in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Ironically, 1989 and 1999 were terrible years for the mortgage industry, but the issues were more industry specific, not global like today. Now, we hear how the ensuing recession has forced Americans to change their lives in ways large and small. The phrase I recently heard: “this is the new normal”. This normal will have more belt-tightening, less income and, in many cases, a newfound gratitude for the most basic human comforts: family, home and health.
I see people approaching this new normal in many different ways. Some say they are cutting spending. Some say they ask the question “is this item critical” prior to purchasing. Some are scaling back on future plans. Some people say they are “toughing it out” yet in the next sentence say how they left work early for a social activity and will not be around next week because they will be on vacation. I heard a story this week how someone was in bankruptcy yet will be leaving for a 10 day trip to Cancun. From my view, this new normal still has some damage to do.
I believe Discount Benefits are a great way to fight back in today’s economy. Discount Benefits provide membership privileges and offer discounts on just about everything…from medical services to financial protection to recreational activities…Discount Lifestyle Benefits provide a financial advantage that is not just a nice to have, but a “need to have”.
Would you spend $15 to save hundreds? Of course you would.
Is there ever a reason to pay asking price anymore? We have all become more frugal and have to think outside the box. Here are some ways I have found that Discount benefits save people money:
TelaDocTM: Why take time off of work and spend money on babysitters and co-pays when you do not have to? TelaDocTM is a new alternative to traditional healthcare that prevents further sickness while saving money.
Dental & Vision Discounts: Whether you have insurance for these or not, why not take advantage of discounts that are available? Discount Vision Plan Benefits and Dental Discount Plans Why not pay $30 up to several hundred dollars less than retail pricing? Even if you have insurance…take the discount and submit the claim for re-imbursement. Cut down on co-pays and maximize your dollars. Is there a reason not to?
Movie Discounts: I recently went to see the new Star Trek movie and the ticket price was $11.50. $11.50!!! I looked at my movie discount plan today and see that I could have purchased tickets for $3.50 for children and $5.50 for adults. That means by utilizing discount movie tickets, my wife and I can go to a movie for less than I paid to see Star Trek by myself. I can take my wife and two kids to a movie for $18. That is probably about what it cost my parents to take our entire family to a movie in 1989.
Dining Discounts: My family was out to dinner with friends last week…4 adults, 5 kids. When the bill came, our friends broke out a coupon for 15% off. I looked on with amazement as this happened…I was so happy to see our friends take advantage of restaurant savings and dining discounts. Ask yourself this question: Why not save $20 off the bill and receive dining discounts if you can? It is a true no brainer. I looked at some of the dining discount coupons I have available through my discount dining deals…just by going to restaurants I normally go to anyway, I save about $50 over the course of the month. This $50 savings pays for my Discount Benefit membership several times over….and that is just the dining piece.
I will share more saving experiences and ideas in the future. I hope this has helped you consider ways to bust out of the gloom and doom and start to fight back. When I use one of my discount options, I feel like I am getting one back for the good guys.
In closing, as I watch the Yankees hit (actually not hit) this week, age 40 or not, there is not a doubt in my mind I can make that line-up and do some damage…I am not kidding.
Bob Germano
June 24, 2009
1989: I was still in college, had my housing and meal plans paid for, did not have a cell phone or e-mail address, drove a 1986 Toyota 4Runner, had a cassette walkman and a fake ID. I think I still had a cassette carrying case. Most of my year revolved around lunch at 11am, rec center for basketball or stickball in the quad, and collecting $5 from people on the 1st floor of West Residence for beer. I worked in the mortgage business during the summer and winter breaks for money, and the two highlights of my year: 1) Seton Hall made the Final Four, and 2) I saw The Who 5 times during their first reunion tour.
1999: I got married that January and do not think I had a cell phone or personal e-mail address. I would rarely be on the internet and although life had its stress points, all things considered, life was still pretty simple. My mortgage payment was a fraction of what it is today and started a new job with a California company named Option One to open up the New York market. The Yankees got Roger Clemens, repeated as World Champions and life was good.
2009: I have two daughters, still reside in North Jersey and have a whole new perspective. I shuffle from work to children activities to little league games. In many ways I am my father’s son. What is different from 1989 and 1999 is that I constantly hear how we are in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Ironically, 1989 and 1999 were terrible years for the mortgage industry, but the issues were more industry specific, not global like today. Now, we hear how the ensuing recession has forced Americans to change their lives in ways large and small. The phrase I recently heard: “this is the new normal”. This normal will have more belt-tightening, less income and, in many cases, a newfound gratitude for the most basic human comforts: family, home and health.
I see people approaching this new normal in many different ways. Some say they are cutting spending. Some say they ask the question “is this item critical” prior to purchasing. Some are scaling back on future plans. Some people say they are “toughing it out” yet in the next sentence say how they left work early for a social activity and will not be around next week because they will be on vacation. I heard a story this week how someone was in bankruptcy yet will be leaving for a 10 day trip to Cancun. From my view, this new normal still has some damage to do.
I believe Discount Benefits are a great way to fight back in today’s economy. Discount Benefits provide membership privileges and offer discounts on just about everything…from medical services to financial protection to recreational activities…Discount Lifestyle Benefits provide a financial advantage that is not just a nice to have, but a “need to have”.
Would you spend $15 to save hundreds? Of course you would.
Is there ever a reason to pay asking price anymore? We have all become more frugal and have to think outside the box. Here are some ways I have found that Discount benefits save people money:
TelaDocTM: Why take time off of work and spend money on babysitters and co-pays when you do not have to? TelaDocTM is a new alternative to traditional healthcare that prevents further sickness while saving money.
Dental & Vision Discounts: Whether you have insurance for these or not, why not take advantage of discounts that are available? Discount Vision Plan Benefits and Dental Discount Plans Why not pay $30 up to several hundred dollars less than retail pricing? Even if you have insurance…take the discount and submit the claim for re-imbursement. Cut down on co-pays and maximize your dollars. Is there a reason not to?
Movie Discounts: I recently went to see the new Star Trek movie and the ticket price was $11.50. $11.50!!! I looked at my movie discount plan today and see that I could have purchased tickets for $3.50 for children and $5.50 for adults. That means by utilizing discount movie tickets, my wife and I can go to a movie for less than I paid to see Star Trek by myself. I can take my wife and two kids to a movie for $18. That is probably about what it cost my parents to take our entire family to a movie in 1989.
Dining Discounts: My family was out to dinner with friends last week…4 adults, 5 kids. When the bill came, our friends broke out a coupon for 15% off. I looked on with amazement as this happened…I was so happy to see our friends take advantage of restaurant savings and dining discounts. Ask yourself this question: Why not save $20 off the bill and receive dining discounts if you can? It is a true no brainer. I looked at some of the dining discount coupons I have available through my discount dining deals…just by going to restaurants I normally go to anyway, I save about $50 over the course of the month. This $50 savings pays for my Discount Benefit membership several times over….and that is just the dining piece.
I will share more saving experiences and ideas in the future. I hope this has helped you consider ways to bust out of the gloom and doom and start to fight back. When I use one of my discount options, I feel like I am getting one back for the good guys.
In closing, as I watch the Yankees hit (actually not hit) this week, age 40 or not, there is not a doubt in my mind I can make that line-up and do some damage…I am not kidding.
Bob Germano
June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Suburban's Press Release
As I forge ahead and get my message out through Suburban Solutions Corp, businesses continue to struggle in the current economic crisis...they are continuously looking for ways to cut their operating budgets to reach or stay at desired profitability levels. I am proud to announce that Suburban Solutions Corp is expanding its message and has issued an on-line press release today.
This is truly exciting stuff for us.
As you search the web today, please check out:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/google/20090616006017/en
Our heading/ title is:
Suburban Solutions Corp. Launches Voluntary/Non-Voluntary Benefits and Supplemental Insurance Offerings That Save Employees Money and Cost Employers Nothing To Offer.
Readers of this space have let me know that they reference the information contained herein as informational and as good reference material. I do not intend to use this space for self promotion, but am very excited about today's release. I just want to ensure it is shared properly and communicated in a few different forums.
I will be posting a more traditional, informational post in this space later this week.
Bob Germano
6/16/09
This is truly exciting stuff for us.
As you search the web today, please check out:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/google/20090616006017/en
Our heading/ title is:
Suburban Solutions Corp. Launches Voluntary/Non-Voluntary Benefits and Supplemental Insurance Offerings That Save Employees Money and Cost Employers Nothing To Offer.
Readers of this space have let me know that they reference the information contained herein as informational and as good reference material. I do not intend to use this space for self promotion, but am very excited about today's release. I just want to ensure it is shared properly and communicated in a few different forums.
I will be posting a more traditional, informational post in this space later this week.
Bob Germano
6/16/09
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Identity Theft Prevention Benefits: Do We Really Need More Proof?
On May 1st I posted in this space that I believe Identity Theft Prevention benefits are something EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD HAVE. I mentioned how Identity theft is not isolated to credit card fraud. I shared my own experiences as well as citing statistics of how overwhelming this problem is.
The fact is, I can probably write a book that ties together the statistics, stories and experiences I have seen with ID Theft, and how vital credit monitoring services are to our lives. I am still baffled when I hear people I know, especially in the credit industry, say they do not have ID Theft Protection, nor do they feel it is necessary to offer it to their clients/ employees.
Here are THREE experiences I had TODAY!
1) How many times do we receive these types of emails? These e-mails are mostly considered "noise" and we only pay attention "if it effects me." Consider this email I received and then ask yourself "why don't I need ID Theft?"
To: Bob.Germano@ suburban solutions corp.
Date: Tue, 03 Jun 2009
Subject: Jury Duty Scam
Jury Duty Scam DO NOT DELETE WITHOUT READING ! Pass this on to your grown children. This has been verified by the FBI (their link is also included below). Please pass this on to everyone in your email address book. It is spreading fast so be prepared should you get this call. Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced. The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo; your identity was just stolen. The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma , Illinois , and Colorado . This (swindle) is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud.
Check it out here: http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm
And here: http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/juryduty.asp
2) I was speaking to a service provider that I do business with. We were discussing executing a document and submitting payment and my contact says to me "Bob, if you are going to pay via credit card, please do not submit the information on our website. Although our website is secure and has the security controls built in, please do not forward that information over the internet because we do not want to risk the information going into hyperspace."
3) I received another email communication from another service provider today, as a follow up to a message they sent on 5/29/09. I give them a lot of credit for diligently following up on something this important. Here is the message they sent out and think about how this can happen to all of us:
It has come to our attention that some of our customers have received an email that appears to be from SERVICE PROVIDER, claiming that your account has expired and you must renew.
These emails are 100% fraudulent, are not from (US) and may include the subject line “SERVICES EXPIRED.”
Please do not click on the links in this email or supply your login information. If you have, please change your password immediately.
If you ever have any questions as to the authenticity of a particular communication from us, please forward the correspondence in question to ....
Thank you for your understanding and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
After reading the above experiences I had TODAY, is there any reason why someone would delay in getting Identity Theft Protection Services immediately? I hope not.
The fact is, I can probably write a book that ties together the statistics, stories and experiences I have seen with ID Theft, and how vital credit monitoring services are to our lives. I am still baffled when I hear people I know, especially in the credit industry, say they do not have ID Theft Protection, nor do they feel it is necessary to offer it to their clients/ employees.
Here are THREE experiences I had TODAY!
1) How many times do we receive these types of emails? These e-mails are mostly considered "noise" and we only pay attention "if it effects me." Consider this email I received and then ask yourself "why don't I need ID Theft?"
To: Bob.Germano@ suburban solutions corp.
Date: Tue, 03 Jun 2009
Subject: Jury Duty Scam
Jury Duty Scam DO NOT DELETE WITHOUT READING ! Pass this on to your grown children. This has been verified by the FBI (their link is also included below). Please pass this on to everyone in your email address book. It is spreading fast so be prepared should you get this call. Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced. The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo; your identity was just stolen. The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma , Illinois , and Colorado . This (swindle) is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud.
Check it out here: http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm
And here: http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/juryduty.asp
2) I was speaking to a service provider that I do business with. We were discussing executing a document and submitting payment and my contact says to me "Bob, if you are going to pay via credit card, please do not submit the information on our website. Although our website is secure and has the security controls built in, please do not forward that information over the internet because we do not want to risk the information going into hyperspace."
3) I received another email communication from another service provider today, as a follow up to a message they sent on 5/29/09. I give them a lot of credit for diligently following up on something this important. Here is the message they sent out and think about how this can happen to all of us:
It has come to our attention that some of our customers have received an email that appears to be from SERVICE PROVIDER, claiming that your account has expired and you must renew.
These emails are 100% fraudulent, are not from (US) and may include the subject line “SERVICES EXPIRED.”
Please do not click on the links in this email or supply your login information. If you have, please change your password immediately.
If you ever have any questions as to the authenticity of a particular communication from us, please forward the correspondence in question to ....
Thank you for your understanding and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
After reading the above experiences I had TODAY, is there any reason why someone would delay in getting Identity Theft Protection Services immediately? I hope not.
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