7 Tips for Protecting Your Identity & Money

Hacking & ID Theft: Are You Next?

7 Tips for Protecting Your Identity & Money

At least 110 million consumers were affected by the hack involving Target and Neiman Marcus retailers. Whether or not millions more will have their identities manipulated and finances ruined within the coming months due to more breaches of security at other stores is anyone’s guess, says identity theft recovery expert Scott A. Merritt.

“By necessity, I became an expert on identity theft. My information was stolen in 2006, and in repairing the damage, I learned some not-so-obvious ways we can all protect against identity theft in the first place,” says Merritt, CEO of Merritt & Associates (scottamerritt.com) and author of  "Identity Theft Do's and Don'ts."

Merritt’s problems began quickly. While disputing financial charges and dealing with resulting business problems, in 2007 he was stopped for a traffic violation and arrested on a false outstanding felony warrant. He immediately knew why.

“I had to enlist my U.S. congressman and convince the state police, NCIC, FBI and Secret Service that I didn’t commit the felonies. For a few years, I had to prove that the prints did not match the false record in question. After legal action, however, I was able to have this corrected.”

Unfortunately, the millions affected by the recent hacks may be dealing with similar repercussions in the years ahead, he says.

Before you become a victim of identity theft, Merritt offers seven ways to guard against it.

• Understand how and where it happens. Identity theft is like being robbed when you are away from home; most thefts occur in places where you do business every day. Either a place of business is robbed, a bad employee acts improperly or a hacker breaches the office through the computer.

Secure your wallet’s information. Photocopy everything in your wallet: photos, credit cards (front and back), membership cards – everything. Put the copies in the order the cards are arranged in your wallet, staple the pictures and place them in a strong box or safe.
• Make sure your information is consistent. For all of your identity and financial documents, make absolutely sure, to the smallest detail, that all of your personal information is accurate and consistent! Discrepancies such as using your middle initial on some documents, and not others, or having different addresses, can wreck havoc in proving your identity, and can compromise your credit score.
• Secure your digital habits and data. Change your passwords at least twice a year on a non-scheduled basis – don’t be predictable. Have a strong firewall if you shop online, and only access sites that are protected by a strong firewall and high industry standards. Access accounts of a financial nature only from your personal computer.
• Protect your banking information. While in the bank, keep account numbers and other data out of sight, and avoid stating account numbers, Social Security numbers and similar information out loud. When planning a bank visit, have items such as deposits and withdrawal slips prepared in advance.
• Account for your interactions with vendors. Every time you speak to someone with whom you do business, write down the time, date, name and the purpose or outcome of the call. If an identity theft occurs on the vendor’s end, you will be able to reference these prior conversations effectively. Be sure to note any animosity or reluctance from the vendor.
• Don’t carry around your birth certificate or Social Security card. Unless it’s necessary, keep those vital items in a safe, or at least a firebox. If you know someone is going to need a copy of your tax returns or your driver’s license, for example, make the copies ahead of time. This avoids the need for a firm’s employee to leave the room with such information.

“Of course, you can greatly reduce being a victim of such recent hacks that occurred at the major retailers by using cash more often,” he says. “But if you’re going to use credit, use a card from a national bank or a national credit union and never a debit card, no exceptions.”

About Scott A. Merritt

Scott A. Merritt is the CEO and sole stockholder of Merritt Ventures, Inc., doing business as Merritt & Associates and author of "Identity Theft Do's and Don'ts." He has more than a decade of experience in the real estate industry, financial planning, insurance, investment services, and has more than a decade in mortgage services, all under the umbrella of Merritt Ventures. Merritt holds a life, accident and health insurance license, and a principal associate real estate broker’s license. He has an associate degree in pre-law, a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a certificate in computer information systems. He has personally represented himself and won in court hundreds of times to, in part, clear his record from the ravages of identity theft.

GROWING A GREENER WORLD

Summer is officially here and with temperatures on the rise, now is the perfect time to be outdoors! A 2012 study conducted by NASA revealed temperatures all across the United States have been hitting all-time record highs and rising! The Month of July is typically the hottest month of the year, and with the average household using about 60% of their daily water use on gardens and lawns; Now is the perfect time to learn about water conservation and what we can do to protect our landscapes while saving millions of gallons of water this summer

 The EPA estimates that about 7.8 billion gallons of water – or anywhere from 30 to 70 percent depending on the region – are used outdoors in the U.S. each year. And as much as half of that is wasted due to inefficient watering methods. Today’s homeowners should know the methods that allow them to efficiently utilize their natural resources, which as a result saves them money on their utility bills and minimizes their time spent on upkeep.

Learning how to properly maintain and keep lawns and landscapes healthy, green and thriving is not easy as temperature rises in summer, especially for the water conscious landscaper.  Certified Landscape Professional and Master Gardener Joe Lamp’l of ‘Growing A Greener World’ shares his expert advice to help bring out the green in everyone’s yards. Joe Lamp’l offers consumers water conservation tips and techniques to help build consumers’ master garden or landscaping plans, such as:

•          Simple tips on how to keep yard and garden weed free
•          Ways to keep your lawn and garden healthy while minimizing outdoor water consumption and maintaining sustainability. 
•         Which plants help achieve optimal water efficiency
•         Easy methods to properly water our yards 
•          Tips you can share that will benefit everyone when they start to tackle their lawn and landscape

Dog Disasters, Cat Catastrophes and Animal Accidents Expose Hidden Cost of Pet Ownership

Plan Ahead for Your Online Hereafter

Plan Ahead for Your Online Hereafter
Asset Protection Lawyer Offers 3 Steps to Take Now

Now, you really can live forever, but that’s not necessarily a good thing.
Many of your online accounts – from automatic bill payments to eBay – may remain active after you pass away, unless you take steps to ensure they don’t, says attorney Hillel Presser, author of “Financial Self-Defense (Revised Edition), ”www.assetprotectionattorneys.com.
Automatic bill pay, for example, can theoretically keep tapping your bank account long after you’re gone or, at least, until your money is.
“It’s important to make sure your online bank and shopping accounts, even your social media, can be closed out, or that your loved ones are authorized to access them,” Presser says. “You may ask, ‘Why would I care if I’m gone?’ I can tell you from experience: because it can create real headaches, and more heartache, for your family.”
Bank and shopping accounts will be vulnerable to identity theft, which would affect your estate if someone opens credit cards in your name. You might have valuable intellectual property, like domain names. They may need access to your health records, particularly if you died under questionable circumstances, he says.
There’s the sentimental stuff – photos and emails -- that your family may want as a remembrance of you, and the libraries of music and ebooks, which may represent a considerable investment on your part.
“The problem is, even if you provide a family member with all of your accounts, log-ins and passwords, they may not be legally allowed to access them,” Presser says. “In many cases, they may be violating the accounts’ terms of service or violatingfederal privacy and computer fraud laws. Some states have laws governing online materials, but they’re different and which of your accounts are covered depends on where the provider is located.”
What can you do to ensure your family isn’t left with a virtual nightmare after your passing? Presser offers these tips:

• Create a list of all of your accounts, including log-innames, passwords, and answers to any security questions. Obviously, your list will need to be securely stored. Since you’ll need to update it regularly as you add accounts or change passwords,  it will be easiest if you keep the list on your computer in a password-protected folder. Some versions of Windows allow you to create protected folders, but you may need to get third-party software to do this, such as freeAxCrypt. Remember to create a backup of your list, whether it’s on a jump drive or printed out on paper. Store the backup in a secure place such as a safe deposit box. Do not put password information in your will, which is a public document.
• If you have a Google account, set up the new inactive account manager. In May 2013, Google became the first site to give users an option for choosing what becomes of their content if they should become debilitated or die. Under the profile button, click “Account,” scroll down to “Account Management,” and you’ll find instructions for “Control what happens to your account when you stop using Google.” You can select how long the account should be inactive before your plans are set into motion; choose to whom you want to offer content, such as YouTube videos, Gmail, Google+ posts, Blogger and Picasa web albums, or whether it should simply be deleted.
• Appoint a digital executor. Perhaps the simplest way to ensure your online life is taken care of is to appoint a digital executor – a tech-savvy person who will be willing and able to carry out your wishes. Authorize the person to access your inventory of log-in information and spell out what you want done with each account, whether it’s providing access to loved ones or business partners, or deleting it.

The digital world has grown and transformed so rapidly, the law hasn’t kept up, which makes managing your digital afterlife challenging, Presser says.
“Until there are more consistent laws and procedures governing this area, it’s best to plan ahead, leave clear instructions and be sure you have a list of accounts where your estate lawyer or a loved one can find it and access it,” he says. “It will make a world of difference to your survivors.”

About Hillel L. Presser, Esq., MBA

Hillel L. Presser’s firm, The Presser Law Firm, P.A., represents individuals and businesses in establishing comprehensive asset protection plans. He is a graduate of Syracuse University’s School of Management and Nova Southeastern University’s law school, and serves on Nova’s President’s Advisory Council. He is a former adjunct faculty member for law at Lynn University. Complimentary copies of “Financial Self-Defense” are available through www.assetprotectionattorneys.com.

Delicious Dehydrated Food Recipes!

Zucchini Chips

Try this healthy alternative to potato chips

1. Slice Zucchini into ¼ inch

2. Dry in a Excalibur Dehydrator at 105F until crispy

3. Eat the chips plain, dip in avocado or guacamole, or add to cold raw soups or salads. Makes 1-10 servings.

Vegan Cheese Dip

You’ll be amazed how delicious homemade cheese tastes when you try this dip!

Ingredients:

1 cup macadamia nuts, soaked for at least 15 minutes

1 chopped bell pepper

Cayenne pepper to taste

Sea salt to taste

Directions:

 In a blender, combine all ingredients into a smooth sauce. Add sea salt and cayenne to your liking

Salmon Jerky

Make this Salmon jerky your own with a mixture of your favorite seasonings!

Ingredients:

1 Cup Salt (not iodized)

2 ½ cups Light brown sugar

¼ cup Soy sauce

1 gallon Water

Salmon filets, skin removed

Cayenne pepper, optional

Directions:

1. Place salt, brown sugar, soy sauce, and water into a pot. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

2. Slice salmon lengthwise (not across the width) into strips ¼- to ½-inch thick. Place the salmon strips in the cooled brine and refrigerate for 8 to 10 hours to marinate.

3. Drain the brine. Rinse the salmon with clean water and let drain. Pat dry with paper towels.

4. Spray dehydrator racks with vegetable oil. Place salmon strips on racks, not touching so air can circulate. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper to taste. Dry to desired doneness according to dehydrator manufacturer's recommendations.

5. The drying time could take 8 hours or more, depending on the method and how dry you like the jerky.

6. Store salmon jerky in an airtight container or ziptop bag.

Tropical Fruit Roll

This tropical fruit roll is easy to make.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups Chopped mango

1 cup Raspberries

Directions:
1. In a food processor, puree mango and raspberries.

2. Spread out to ¼ inch thickness, as evenly as possible, on a leather sheet or a drying tray lined with parchment paper, leaving it slightly thicker around the edges. Dry at 130°F.

3. Leather should be evenly translucent, with no visible moist spots, and should still be flexible.

4. Use very ripe mangos for best flavor and texture.

These recipes are provided courtesy of Excalibur.

Make your car last longer with these great tips

Less than 11% of car owners plan to limit mileage on their primary vehicle to fewer than 75k miles, with the vast majority (68%) planning to drive that vehicle for 150k miles or more, according to a recent AutoMD.com survey(1). Meanwhile, strained new vehicle inventory and a challenging economy have inspired more and more consumers to turn to used vehicles, which all adds up to a lot of older metal driving up and down our highways.

AutoMD.com’s team of automotive experts have put together tips to help consumers keep their elderly vehicles spry and energetic, and to help buyers of more mature, high-mileage vehicles know what to look out for before purchasing.

AutoMD.com’s Top Five Maintenance Tips for the over-75,000 miler
1. Keep Up With Service
2. Looks Are Still Important! Even After 75
3. Timing is Everything: Replace That Belt
4. Take It Easy When You Drive
5. Support those Tires

AutoMD.com’s Top Five Things to Look for Before Purchasing a High-Mileage Vehicle
1. Know the Owner
2. Follow the Paper Trail
3. Looks Count!
4. Get Under the Hood
5. Road Test

Happy Picnickers Reward Players with Points, Food Safety Slip-Ups Can Spoil the Fun

What’s one way to ruin a perfect picnic? Yep, food poisoning. Just in time for grilling season, Perfect Picnic for iPhone and iPad launches today and is available now for free at the App Store. Download here.
Developed for kids ages 8–11, but fun for all ages, Perfect Picnic turns players into masters of their own picnic park  - building out a park filled with outdoor kitchens, grills, trees and more. They earn “income” by renting out barbeque spots and keeping their visitors happy.

Players can build the most awesome park in town by making sure their visitors have a good experience and easy access to supplies for a delicious and safe cookout. The more successful they are at helping their visitors, the more they can improve the quality and increase the size of their park.

But nothing spoils the perfect picnic like harmful bacteria living on dirty hands, food that has sat out in the sun too long and undercooked meat. Players’ entire park operations can go off-track if they don’t help their visitors learn to:

• Wash their hands to reduce risk of contaminating food;
• Use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature of hamburgers for safe consumption;
• Keep their coolers filled with ice, so picnic perishable foods stay chilled to 40 °F; and
• Keep a “clean scene” by keeping food preparation surfaces clean.

The game has been produced by the nonprofit Partnership for Food Safety Education, which works to help consumers keep important safe food handling practices top-of-mind and take action to reduce their risk of food poisoning.

“We wanted Perfect Picnic to be fun and provide great brain food for kids, too,” said Shelley Feist, executive director of the Partnership for Food Safety Education. “Players learn fast that a sick visitor is not a satisfied visitor, so helping picnic goers practice smart and safe food handling practices is a sure way to earn a reputation as the best park in town.”

“Perfect Picnic is an engaging, fun opportunity to help kids learn about food safety, not to mention discover what it takes to be a great park manager,” said Mike Robach, vice president of corporate food safety, quality and regulatory affairs for Cargill, the corporate sponsor for the development of Perfect Picnic. “We hope it will inspire life-long healthy behaviors.”

To learn more about safe food handling, visit www.fightbac.org.