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
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 phishing@irs.gov. 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.
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.
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:
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.
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
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 phishing@irs.gov. 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.
It’s one of those days: you woke up late and you are running behind. As you head outside to start the car, you find it’s covered in ice. The extra 15 minutes it will take to scrape and warm it up are going to make you late for work or school. While it may not help today, these essential winter hacks might make your life a little easier the next time another cold front sends temperatures plunging across the country.
Autos:
Spray a mixture of two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water on a windshield to instantly de-ice it (and also unstick frozen windshield wipers)
Use WD 40 in to prevent frozen key holes
Thaw frozen car door locks and handles with hand sanitizer
Park your vehicle with the windshield facing east to help defrost it when the sun rises
Use kitty litter or car mats to provide traction if you get stuck
Put plastic bags over unheated side mirrors overnight to keep them ice free
Place a blanket or sheet on the windshield to keep it ice free overnight
Cover wiper blades overnight with old socks so they will be ice and snow free in the morning
Around the House:
Coat snow shovels with non-stick cooking sprays – the snow will slide off easier (this also worked on the plastic sleds my daughter and I used for sliding down hills faster)
Slip old bread bags or sandwich bags over socks to make them water proof
Use closet shoe organizers for gloves and scarves
Take lukewarm showers to battle dry skin
Place tin foil on walls behind radiators and space heaters to reflect more of the heat back into the room
Leave the oven door open after cooking – the residual heat will add warmth to the house
Run ceiling fans clockwise to push warm air down to living areas
Open curtains and blinds on sunny days to let the sun warm your home
Put hot water bottles or warm pans on cold sheets to warm them before you hop in bed
Place a tray with pebbles inside the doorway to drain icy, wet shoes and boots to keep floors cleaner and drier
Use a solution of two parts rubbing alcohol and one part hot water to safely remove ice from outside steps and sidewalks
Oh, and for those of you living in more temperate climates, keep these handy in case Mother Nature throws one of her occasional frozen curve balls and you’re stuck in a personal scene from the movie Frozen.
What winter weather hacks do you use? Share them with us so we can pass them along too.
You don’t need any hacks to make sure you have insurance to protect your auto and home; just call a California Casualty advisor today for a policy review or comparison at 1.800.800.9410 or visit www.calcas.com.
Protecting our children is a concern for every parent. For many of us, how to keep our kids safe once they get a driver’s license is a real dilemma; we want the safest vehicle that we can afford but often our budgets are limited. Thanks to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, finding a safe vehicle at a reasonable price is a little easier.
Using crash test data, the IIHS has released their latest list of recommended vehicles for teen drivers. There are about 150 vehicles on this year’s list with the majority of them costing under $10,000. All of the “Best Choice” vehicles have good ratings in the Institute’s moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, and if they were rated by the National Highway Safety Administration they had 4 or 5 stars. For the first time this year’s list also included pickups.
The Best Choices were broken down by size, model year and price. The following are the top three in each category (except pickups which only had two):
Large cars:
Volvo S80, 2007 and newer (price $5,800)
Ford Taurus, 2010 and newer (price $10,900
Buick LaCrosse, 2010 and newer (price $11,300)
Midsize cars:
VW Jetta Sedan and Wagon, 2009 and newer (price $5,600)
Volvo C30, 2008 and newer (price $7,000)
VW Passat Sedan, 2009 and newer (price $7,300)
Small SUVs
Honda Element, 2007-11 (price $6,700)
VW Tiguan, 2009 and newer (price $7,900)
Subaru Forester, 2009 and newer (price $9,000)
Midsize SUVs
Volvo XC90, 2005 and newer (price $4,600
Subaru Tribeca/B9 Tribeca, 2006 and newer (price $6,000)
Dodge Journey, 2010 and newer (price $8,700)
Large SUVs
Chevrolet Traverse, 2011 and newer (price $13,500)
GMC Arcadia, 2011 and newer (price $15, 400)
Buick Enclave, 2011 and newer (price $16,100)
Minivans
Dodge Grand Caravan, 2012 and newer (price $11,600)
VW Routan, 2012 and newer (price $11,800)
Toyota Siena, 2011 and newer (price $13,200)
Pickups
Toyota Tundra Crew Cab (double cab), 2007 and newer (price $12,200)
Ford F-150 Crew Cab (super crew), 2011 and newer (price $16,800)
The list has a secondary tier of “Good Choices” priced under $10,000 that have less than perfect crash test ratings.
*See the entire list of recommended used vehicles for teen drivers here.
The IIHS also urges parents who don’t find a suitable vehicle from the list to seek a midsize or larger car, SUV or minivan with the most safety features they can afford. They also recommend:
Young drivers should stay away from vehicles with high horsepower
Bigger, heavier vehicles protect better in a crash (no minicars are small cars made their list)
ESC traction control is a must
Keep in mind, adding a teen driver will increase your auto insurance rates, in some instances more than doubling them. Here are some tips to help manage those insurance costs for teen drivers:
Purchase cars that have modern safety features
Take advantage of good student discounts
Enroll in a defensive driving course
Try to cut their driving miles by carpooling or using mass transit
Stick to lower horsepower vehicles
Find an insurer who treats teens as responsible drivers
California Casualty also understands what it is like to have a new driver. Like parents, we have a commitment to the safety of teen drivers. We’ve partnered with law enforcement agencies, safety groups, educators and concerned parents to create and fund Impact Teen Drivers, an intensive campaign to inform young drivers about the dangers of distracted or reckless driving. The nonprofit provides training and powerful tools to help engage teen drivers and change their attitudes behind the wheel.
Every young driver should have the best insurance possible. California Casualty offers some of the best teen driver rates in the industry, along with good student discounts. Make sure your student driver is fully protected by calling a California Casualty advisor today and talking through your options at 1.800.800.9410 or by visiting www.calcas.com.
