by California Casualty | Safety |
Do you know anyone, other than an accountant, who really enjoys filing their tax returns? As if it isn’t stressful enough assembling all the documents, trying to decipher the forms and double checking the math, there is a new concern – tax fraud and identity theft. The IRS has noted a 400 percent surge in phishing and malware incidents this year, and the Treasury Inspector General estimates fraudulent returns will add up to $21 billion dollars in 2016.
Once again the IRS is warning that thousands of us are at risk. Most won’t find out until they file their taxes and get notified that someone has already used their Social Security number to claim a false refund. This will result in all kinds of headaches and delay their legitimate return.
Here are the top three of the IRS’s “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams:
- Aggressive phone callers saying they are from the IRS threatening immediate arrest, deportation or license revocation unless you settle an outstanding balance via wire transfer or preloaded debit card
- Fake emails purporting to be from the IRS (or TurboTax) asking for “missing” personal information to secure your refund, or directing you to links that contain malware
- Fraudulent tax return preparers who use your personal information to perpetrate refund fraud, identity theft and other scams
To battle the problem, the IRS has published these tax-time security tips:
- Keep computers protected with strong passwords and strong virus/malware protection
- Avoid phishing scams: don’t respond to emails, tweets or phone calls asking for personal information or payment – the agency never initiates contact via phone, email, text or electronic media
- Don’t open attachments in emails unless you’re sure who sent it and why
- File returns early and do so electronically
- Choose your tax preparer carefully and ask if they have an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number
- Never carry your Social Security card in your purse or wallet
If you receive a suspicious email message, the IRS asks that you forward it to them at [email protected]. They ask that you report IRS-impersonation calls at www.tigta.gov
While the IRS has instituted new programs and resources to try and prevent tax ID theft, they warn that crooks continue to find new, more sophisticated ways to capitalize on our money. That’s why they have a comprehensive list of information about tax-time identity theft and helpful links at https://www.irs.gov/uac/Identity-Protection.
These are signs that you could be a victim of tax-related identity theft:
- More than one tax return was filed using your SSN
- You are notified you owe additional tax, have a refund offset or had collection actions taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return
- IRS records indicate you received wages or other income from an employer you never worked for
And, if it happens to you it can be costly in both time and money. A Bureau of Justice Statistics survey found the average loss per ID theft victim was $1,343, and most spent at least a full day to clear up the issue, however some didn’t see a resolution for months.
Nobody has time for that. That’s why California Casualty provides free ID theft protection with every auto and home insurance policy. Through our partners at IDT911, not only is your identity and personal information protected, but you’ll work with a resolution specialist in case of:
- Tax Fraud
- Social Media Compromise
- Email Compromise
- Child Identity Theft
- Break-in Recovery
- Travel Identity Theft
- Much More
Contact a California Casualty advisor today for a free auto and home insurance policy review and learn about our free ID theft protection at 1.800.800.9410 or visit www.calcas.com/identity-theft.
Sources for this article:
https://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/Consumers-Warned-of-New-Surge-in-IRS-Email-Schemes-during-2016-Tax-Season-Tax-Industry-Also-Targeted
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4524.pdf
https://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Wraps-Up-the-Dirty-Dozen-List-of-Tax-Scams-for-2016
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0008-tax-related-identity-theft
https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/vit14.pdf
by California Casualty | Educators |
How do you start the first 10 minutes of your class? Roll call after the bell in the morning? Listing an agenda for what’s to come for the day, or recapping what happened the day before? What if you took an approach that was outside of the box? Imagine giving children positive feedback that might carry them through the day and help them treat others better.”
A Florida teacher is making headlines for shedding light on bullying, and teaching his students how they can make a change. During the first 10 minutes of every class, he compliments each student one-on-one as they come to the front of the class. He gives them affirming messages such as, “Everyone here loves you,” “I love having you in class,” or “You’re great at sports.”
Research show most bullying occurs in middle school (Grades 6, 7, and 8). This could leave kids with a lasting impression which might affect them later in life. Addressing the issue and involving the class in thinking positively can have a long-lasting impact
According to Education World, you need to be cautious on how to phrase positive compliments. Instead of saying “You’re excellent at…,” focus on how hard they are trying. A couple examples are: “I like watching you work so hard at learning. It means a lot to me that you don’t give up,” or “I appreciate how helpful you have been today.”
In other words, praise them for their effort, not for their expertise.
Next time your student does make a mistake, they will see your praise as being genuine, and not feel like they are not good enough. Experts say try and use compliments sparingly to reinforce activities, otherwise you may encourage a child that only works hard for praise, not for doing their best at a task.
Sources:
https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/florida-teacher-starts-day-complimenting-students/story?id=35259600
https://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/school-bullying.html
https://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/effective-praise-compliments-students.shtml
by California Casualty | Safety |
You’re driving along, paying attention to the traffic around you when suddenly a sight catches your eyes. Could that be what it seems to be? You look again and yes, it’s an electric road sign with a catchy or humorous message.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. In 2014, more than 3,100 people died and 431,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. Research finds drivers 15-19 years old were involved in the greatest number of distracted driving crashes, but more and more adults are also using technology behind the wheel.
While it’s a serious problem, some states are using funny or out-of-the-box messaging to discourage dangerous and distracted driving.
If you haven’t seen them, take a look below.
Iowa has been very active in alternative messages to help drivers pay attention:
Arizona is also known for their pop-culture messaging to dissuade drivers from choosing the wrong path behind the wheel:
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has also used some eye-catching signs:
Even Utah is resorting to some off-the-wall signs, inviting the public to submit messages for their “Message Monday” program, which has produced:
While there is some debate on how well the funny signs work, they are making safe driving a much talked about issue, often shared on social media.
Distracted driving is a real and deadly problem. Reading an average text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. If you are driving 55 miles per hour, that’s like traveling the length of a football field blindfolded.
That’s why it’s imperative that drivers:
- Not text while driving
- Prevent passengers from loud or distracting behavior
- Avoid using cell phones while driving
- Don’t eat or drink behind the wheel
- Be aware that navigation devices and other electronic devices can cause dangerous distractions to drivers
- Wear seat belts, obey traffic laws and keep alert to traffic around them
California Casualty is committed to preventing distracted driving. We’re a founding member and continued partner of the Impact Teen Drivers program that provides proactive, peer-to-peer messaging and education about the dangers of distracted driving. Learn more about the effort at www.impactteendrivers.org.
California Casualty can also protect you from distracted drivers. Contact one of our advisors today to make sure your auto insurance is up-to-date at 1.800.800.9410 or visit www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Nominate a Hero |
Christa is one of many that give the real definition of a hero. She has been a nurse for many years and works in pediatrics. Her unique story starts with social media. Christa turned a curse into a blessing, not only for herself but for a young lady too. After a falling through with the first attempt at donating , She was searching for a new kidney . Due to illness, the young lady was taken off the list.
Ironically, Christa was not just a perfect match, but in fact the only match in the country. Christa had recently survived a house fire and car wreck. She decided to become an altruistic donor in hopes that the donation chain would save more lives. Since Christa was a match, she chose to donate her kidney.
Beyond a remarkable story, Christa is a mother of two, and grandma (also known as “Ya Ya”) of a seven-year-old. Christa knows American Sign Language, learning Spanish, and teaching both to her granddaughter.
by California Casualty | Safety |
Child safety seats save lives. Protecting infants while riding in a car isn’t just a responsibility, it’s the law. Every state in the nation requires children up to three years of age to be secured in car seats, with booster seats required for most children up to 10 years old. Keep in mind that the risk of injury in a crash is reduced 45 percent if children are properly restrained. But how do you know which do the best job of cocooning your most precious cargo?
Consumer Reports has identified the five best car seats for your baby. All five performed well in new front impact tests that simulated a 35 mile per hour crash and scored well for ease-of-use. The new testing procedure is said to provide parents with the information needed to more easily compare the safety of seats designated for infants.
The recommended car seats are:
- Chicco KeyFit and KeyFit 30
- Combi Shuttle
- Cybex Aton 2
- Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air
- UPPAbaby Mesa
Since the cost of these seats range from $150-to-$300, Consumer Reports lists others that cost slightly less but still perform well overall:
- Safety 1st Comfy Carry Elite Plus
- Graco SnugRide 30 Classic Connect
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also does extensive testing for their booster seat best picks for parents and grandparents. However, anyone who used the 2014 IIHS ratings should know that two of their best booster seat recommendations are now not recommended. The IIHS warns that initial testing on the Eddie Bauer Deluxe Highback 65 and the Safety 1st Summit 65 did not detect issues with the positioning of the shoulder belt. You can see their list here.
When you get the proper car seat, there are some other important facts to keep in mind:
- Nine out of 10 child car seats were found to be installed incorrectly
- Nearly half of all child car seats are not compatible with motor vehicle seats
- Many parents move their children out of booster seats too early
- Families continue to use old unsafe seats or ones that have been recalled
When installing a car safety seat you should:
- Always do so in the back seat, using the center most position
- Make sure to use the correct seat for your child’s age and size
- Keep infants in rear facing seats
- Secure the seat so it moves no more than one inch from side to side
Just as you want to do everything you can to protect your children, make sure you also have the best auto insurance protection with the discounts you deserve. Contact a California Casualty advisor today for a no- hassle policy review and comparison at 1.800.800.9410 or at www.calcas.com.
Sources for this article:
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/04/5-best-car-seats-for-your-baby/index.htm
https://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/childsafety_laws.html
https://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/child-boosters/best-bets
https://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeats/Car-Seat-Safety.htm
https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/12967-researcher-42-of-child-car-seats-not-compatible-with-vehicle-seats
