Social Security Scams: I got one of these calls last week from someone claiming to represent Social Security. Scammers are pretending to be government employees and will try to scare and trick you into giving them your personal information and money. They may threaten you or your family, and may demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other … [Read more...]

Heads up! Be sure you’re prepared for the V-I-D (veryimportant day): February 14, Valentine’s Day. Time toshare feelings of love and gratitude with loved ones andspecial people in our lives. Just a Valentine’s Day greeting,or card, or flowers will do—OR something from the jewelry store. Get on it!Here’s another “Heads Up” of a different … [Read more...]

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Here are some twists to traditional New Year resolutions that you should consider making (BUT, go ahead and keep those you’ve already made as well). Insurance: As a starter, how about reviewing your homeowner’s policy. Take a look at the key factors, such as your replacement value, deductible, loss of personal property, and … [Read more...]

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DON’T let someone take a bite out of your apple! If you use credit cards and/or debit cards, a federal law limits your liability to $50. Most credit card companies provide a zero-liability policy. Debit cards offer similar protection if you report the fraud immediately. BUT, digital payment services such as Apple Cash, Pay … [Read more...]

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS YES! The bad guys are still out to get you and it’s getting worse. We’ve talked about this before but some quick reminders. DON’T provide personal updates or your whereabouts on Facebook or other social media sites. Scammers will jump on this information to learn more about you and your habits. SHRED-SHRED-SHRED all mail and … [Read more...]

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS HAPPY AUTUMN TO ALL!Since the kids are back to school and you haven’t started your Turkey Dayplanning yet, here’s your simple October “To Do” list. ■ You’ve already completed your Earthquake Preparedness supplies, so that’s off the list. RIGHT? Check. ■ How about changing the batteries in your Smoke Alarms or buying new ones … [Read more...]

It’s September and Back to School time again (already?). Please take a minute to re-set and check some boxes on your list of things to insure your kids (and you) are prepared for the new school year. Your children should know your name(s), address, con- tact number, and where home is, in case of emergency. Also, a backup number of a … [Read more...]

“The sky is falling!” Well, not quite, BUT the Earth is certainly shaking. STOP and just take a few minutes to read the following and check your household to insure you are PREPARED for an earthquake: ■Have a verbal plan and discussion with ALL your family on steps to take if (when) an earthquake occurs. Start with an evacuation plan and where to … [Read more...]

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - IT’S RIGHT NEXT DOOR!Some years back, Niguel Shores had a neighborhood program that used volunteers known as Block Captains. These individuals were the unofficial, go-to folks that rallied neighbors to be vigilant regarding any suspicious activity on their “block” and communicate it accordingly.Thanks to Jeannie Sticher’s … [Read more...]

DON’T BE AN APRIL FOOL!Don’t be fooled by scammers online, on the phone, or in the mail trying to get your data, personal information, money, and just about anything they want. We’ve talked about this before and it isn’t going away. PERIOD. Scammers are opportunists.Whatever is in the news or being discussed on social media, they see as an … [Read more...]