Why is it such a big deal though? Yes, it’s an inconvenience, but lose your wallet just cancel your credit and debit cards, right? WRONG! You have to think about ALL of the things your wallet possesses and how each and ever thing in your wallet can be a risk in the wrong hands.

Club cards, whether it’s a store loyalty card or any one of the numerous discount cards we carry, all run the risk of having your personal information attached. Remember when you filled out the quick form to obtain that card? Name, address, phone number… and now you use it in conjunction with your credit/debit card each time you are at that store. Don’t depend on the retailer to secure the ease of retrieving your information from that card. Discounts are great, but the more your information is out there, the higher your risk.

Your checkbook… One check out of your checkbook lists your name, address, bank, routing number and account number. Talk about a shopping spree! Leave those checkbooks at home.

Your credit and debit cards may request your zip code at the gas pump or cashier machine, but that information was obtained from your license or checkbook so there’s no stopping a thief with that security method. Think about it, out of all the times you use your credit card, how often are you asked for photo ID?

Your Social Security card… No one should be carrying this one around or even giving the number out to anyone. Social Security numbers are used in a wide variety of ways that will cost you major hassle if compromised. We’re not just talking the Social Security Administration. We’re talking issues with the IRS, Department of Labor and even the Department of Homeland Security.

Your Driver’s License… Rest assured, it will not be used for buying beer. With your license in the wrong hands you risk landing on “Go Straight to Jail, Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200”. Your identity can be used in any number of situations that all point straight back to you as the offender.

Insurance Cards. This may be the most important thing you TAKE OUT of your wallet. There is absolutely no reason to carry these cards with you. If you need reassurance on that, visit your local ER and check out the large sign posted informing you of your Patient Rights. In an emergency, you will be treated, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. You can provide your insurance information later. Same goes for doctor visits, they only need your insurance card on file. They do not ask to see it at each visit, although you may start noticing more medical facilities requiring photo ID at each appointment. This is caused by the growing rate of medical identity theft. If someone gets ahold of your medical identity and uses or alters it in anyway, you can be facing a number of life threatening situations.

So what should you carry? As little as possible on a day to day necessity basis. Your license and one credit card, if needed, otherwise stick to cash. Lighten your load and reduce your risk.

Stacey Jimenez, CITRMS

Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist

860-367-8584

Summer road trips have been a popular and economical family choice for decades. A recent article from CNN Money notes that 59% of Americans are planning a trip this year, up several points from 51% in 2010 (American Express Survey).

Even though more Americans are ready for a vacation, they are still not planning to venture too far for from home. The article notes an estimate from AAA automotive group, that 88% of the 34.9 million Americans who travelled during the Memorial Day weekend, did so by car. So while people want to get out this summer, they are still looking for affordable, close-to-home vacation destinations.

With more people on the road this summer, there's no better time to have a legal plan in place for your family. Whether you're headed across the state or across the country, you always have your Pre-Paid Legal Membership to rely on. When your family is on the move, any number of legal issues could arise, such as: a car accident, a speeding ticket, or an issue with the place you're staying.

With a Life Events Legal Plan…, there's peace of mind in knowing that if an issue arises, you have timely access to experienced attorneys when you need it.

Click here to view the original posting of this article.

How are those a “cause”? If you look within your community there are countless programs for women in need. Abuse centers, shelters, support groups, young mother programs… Women alone are a “cause” and while I may be an independent woman, successful and able to stand on my own two feet, my daughter along with many other young girls and women are not, yet. Many times, as women, we put everyone else first and neglect ourselves. Changing that pattern of neglect is a “cause”. By cycling with my daughter I am teaching her to take care of herself and take time for herself to find and preserve her inner strength, because with that strength she will succeed and be able to independently stand on her own two feet. Developing leaders for the future generation is most certainly a “cause”.

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s Women’s Ride exists to promote cycling for women. The ride has grown in popularity and attendance over its 10 year existence and sees an increase in the multi generational riders each year. We saw many mother/daughter riders at this year’s event. The event also promotes the many other women specific events, rides and classes the Bicycle Coalition of Maine coordinates.

The truth of the matter is… If you want a strong, vibrant community, then you must find and promote a way to instill strength within all the people of that community. This is a “cause”.

2011 10th Annual Bicycle Coalition of Maine Women’s Ride VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

A chilly day, but it was a great event. Part of the 5K walk included a stroll through the Aquarium and Old Mystic Village.

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The article that inspired the trip. Sugar River Trail

Trail Review: The trail is open to quads and dirt bikes. All were respectful of our presence, but it was evident that not all the riders respected the upkeep of the trail. Not too much damage though. There is also a lot of loose sand areas making cycling difficult and the balancing a little tricky as your tires slide out from under you. I would not recommend riding the trail with a younger child or a tow-behind. Even with the sand and the occasional holes from the motorized traffic, the views were worth it all.

Being a single mom of three is no easy task, but we are a team and as such, we succeed. On the walls in my office you will find many things reminding me and demonstrating to my children what the real values in life are. Here is just one of the things you’d see…

When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

A message every adult should read, because children are watching and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I  immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I can always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who is sick, and I learned that we all have to help and take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give up your time and money to help people that had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you though I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grew up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that some times things hurt, but it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, “Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.”

…

So today I leave my office cluttered, my house in need of tidying, the lawn un-mowed and my truck in need of a Spring cleaning. Because today, I want them looking and knowing that family time is the most important thing on our list and that everyday I am Mom, first and foremost.

Happy Mother’s Day!!

2am Wake up call

3am Departure

4:41am Train ride

6:47am Arrival in NYC / Grand Central Station

7:30am In line / Manhattan

8am START

8:41am Traffic Jam at Central Park

10:07am Queensboro Bridge

11:44am Brooklyn

1:48pm Staten Island / Finish Line

6:01pm Back at Grand Central

8:16pm Back in New Haven

9:00pm Traffic Jam

9:46pm  HOME, Finally

It was an insanely LONG day but… What a ride! The day was awe-inspiring. From the train ride down to the train ride home, we met great people, heard incredible stories and were able to experience New York City in a very up close and personal way.

In all my 32 years, even being a native of New England, I have never spent any time in NYC. As a child, I visited the American Museum of Natural History on a field trip, I have been to Yankees Stadium multiple times throughout my life, but never have I spent time on the streets of NYC.

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Right from the start, the day was a brand new adventure filled with firsts for both me and my daughter, Cassie. Neither of us had ever been on a train, seen Grand Central Station, walked OR rode a bike through the streets of NYC, pedaled down the cobblestone of a virtually empty Wall Street, cruised freely down the FDR on bicycles, raced through Central Park weaving in, out and around a massive crowd of cyclists, been cheered on by New York City residents as we passed through their neighborhoods, been serenaded by local entertainment artists set up on corners, seen a grown woman ride a pink Hello Kitty bike in stilettos, experienced a rest stop in the park with an atmosphere of a NYC block party where we danced to Old School tunes as we grabbed some snacks, been encouraged by a little lemonade stand entrepreneur on the side of the road with a boom box playing the timeless inspirational classic, Eye of the Tiger as we rode by. Nor had we ever been so quickly sobered than when we saw the heart felt signs of gratitude on the bikes of a Japanese couple, or by sight of the New York City skyline with full knowledge of what was missing.

We spent the day gazing at and pointing out the sights, entertaining ourselves by playing games on our bikes while we rode, laughing and giggling at the crazy helmet and bicycle decorations, dancing to the music along the streets and in the parks, enjoying the beautiful weather and swimming in complete overstimulation from the entire experience.

At the end of the day, Cassie boarded her first ferry when we sailed from Staten Island back to Manhattan, where we cycled along the cab filled streets from Battery Park back to Grand Central Station with a few side track adventures allowing us to see Chinatown and Wall Street. Getting lost has never been so exciting.

It was simply an experience we will relish in our memory for years to come.

My daughter, Cassie, only 10 at the time, was in need of a similar awakening. Her personality displayed a lack of self-esteem, but even more concerning was the absence of desire.  With much coaxing and coaching, she successfully tackled our first organized event, enduring wobbly legs, tear-filled moments, and overcoming the instinct to quit. Reluctantly, the next week, we set out for another organized event. Still recovering from the week prior, moments of weakness arose, but toward the end she caught her second wind, and even after crashing, she finished strong. Ride after ride, her confidence grew and cycling became an outlet and an adventure. It was clear she had connected with herself and learned that she could succeed as long as she put her mind to it.

Our season was a success in many fashions. We each experienced personal growth and developed a bond, not only with our own spirits, but between mother and daughter.

Through the winter off-season months, Cassie started assisting me in the office and began the process of learning that details matter, hard work and determination will inevitably lead to success, leadership does not mean control, and teamwork makes the most daunting tasks bearable. The abundance of snow days and long hours in the office allowed for many discussions, including the important philosophy of always looking for opportunities to assist those who are less fortunate.

Now, with Spring in the air, she is able to apply those same concepts out on the road, as we begin our season with new excitement and a new reason to continue our journey. This year, we are combining our passions for cycling and assisting those less fortunate into one campaign and sharing both our adventures and fund-raising efforts with you. We are carefully selecting rides for a variety of Causes that we will contribute to and fund-raise for.

Below are the rides and causes we are considering thus far. Your feedback is welcome.

To learn how you can contribute with your donation, email us at info@BucacciSolutions.

1. Be suspicious of any calls or emails portraying themselves as the IRS. The IRS will never email you and will rarely take the time to call.

2. Just say NO! Never confirm your Social Security Number, bank account information or any other personal information via email or over a cell phone, even if you trust the individual. It is the interception of the information that puts you at risk. Neither email nor cell phones are completely secure.

3. Be wary of any calls asking you to confirm your tax information or employment status, even if your financial institution or current or past employer has come under new ownership.

4. Watch your mail! Tax time is highly attractive to identity thieves and those looking to commit Tax Fraud. PO Boxes and locking mailboxes are the safest routes in securing the many highly sensitive documents you will be receiving during tax season. If this is not an option, you may wish to have the Post Office hold your mail for pick up until you have collected all the documents you are expecting or simply collect your mail from your mailbox as soon as possible.

5. Tax preparer? Choose carefully and do not be afraid to ask important security questions, such as, how your information is protected in their offices during and after preparation, how long they keep a copy of your tax return, and whether they conduct background checks on all their employees and service companies who access to their facilities.

6. Online tax preparation. Be certain you are using a reputable online service with ample security features to ensure your privacy. Use caution when typing in the online service’s URL (web address). Common misspellings are often linked to fraudulent sites mirroring the real one.

7. Computer Security. Public computers are not recommended for conducting any sort of personal business. Make sure your personal computer is free of any malware, viruses or spyware prior to preparing your taxes online or with any tax software.

8. LOCK & ENCRYPT. If you keep a copy of your tax return on your computer or flash drive, password protected and encrypted is the securest way to go.

9. Pay online. If you owe money to the IRS, online is the safest form of payment. If you have to pay by check, spell out “Internal Revenue Service” and refer back to #4. Don’t just put the check in your flagged mailbox, take it to the post office or drop it in a secure blue postal mailbox.

10. Copy Machine Warning! When making copies of your return on a copying machine, be aware that many machines keep a copy of your pages in short term memory! Using copiers in public locations is not recommended.

11. SHRED! Any documents or copies you do not need. Dumpster divers are always on the prowl looking for banking information, credit card statements, mishandled Social Security Numbers and other such useful personal information.

12. Check your credit report immediately after tax time and again a few months later to ensure there has been no misuse of your personal information. Thieves sometimes wait months or even years before they begin to use it.

Stacey Jimenez, CITRMS

Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist

This memory has visited me every opening day for years, but this year it came to visit with a deeper meaning as I just returned home from a purposeful visit to Arizona. In the last 6 weeks, my father suffered two strokes, quickly forcing both him and my mother to face reality. My purposeful visit was to assist them both with this harsh onset. You see, my parents, much like the majority of Americans, have never had a Will or Health Care Proxy. For almost three years now, my parents have had access to a Pre-Paid Legal plan which provides them the ability to acquire these immensely important documents at no cost beyond their membership, but still, they had yet to fill out the 5 page form. This is not unlike many Pre-Paid Legal members who initially have all the intentions of obtaining their Will but then delay the task when faced with the many daily distractions that we all encounter.

For many other Americans, cost can be an issue when faced with the decision of paying their rent or mortgage versus purchasing pricey documents they don't plan to need in the foreseeable future. Cost, in my parents' case, was no longer and issue though, but like many, what you would think should be a mediocre task, is one of the most difficult forms they will ever complete. The form itself is quick and self explanatory, but it is the daunting task of facing the reality of death that causes the struggle or eternal procrastination of even the most sensible individuals.

The following is a list of some of the freedoms you choose to give away, not have taken away,
mind you, when you neglect your estate planning. A simple will is simply not enough and
expressing your wishes to your loved ones is not legally enforceable in any way. Everyone who
cares about her or his loved ones and wishes to minimize the suffering of those left behind needs
to create and maintain an up-to-date estate plan.

By neglecting to create and maintain an up-to-date estate plan, you voluntarily relinquish your
freedoms to:

1. name the people you want to be able to respond immediately in an emergency to legally step
in to care for your minor children if you are unable to do so either temporarily or permanently,
and avoid the possibility of having your children taken into child protective services and
temporarily placed in foster care until such time as the authorities can locate and approve of a
suitable alternative

2. name the people you want to permanently raise your minor children in the event of the death
of both parents and specify how you wish those people to raise your children according to your
values and beliefs

3. name the people you want to manage the financial affairs of your estate for the benefit of your
children and their inheritance, especially where they are very young minors, in the event of the
death of both parents, often not the same people you wish to physically care for and raise your
children, and avoid the potentially very expensive need for a court-appointed guardian for your
children's finances with the requisite regular reports to the court and associated accounting and
court costs which can eat up your children's inheritance over time

4. choose to whom, how, and when you want all of your assets (your home, your car, your
personal property, etc.) distributed upon your death, including at what age(s) you want your
children to receive their inheritance, which just might not be a lump sum distributed outright at
the less than fully mature age of 18

5. exclude anyone you would not ever want to raise your children but who might petition the
court and the court might otherwise permit to do so, for example, relatives who look good "on
paper" but about whom you have information to the contrary or from whose personal values and
beliefs yours diverge fundamentally

6. exclude anyone you would not want to receive distributions of your assets, for example,
family members from whom you are estranged or who might be financially incapable of
handling their own finances or have problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or be involved in
lawsuits or divorces to which those assets would be vulnerable

7 thru 15

Even though the majority of us do not want to embrace the difficult task of having to face our inevitable future, it is one we all must face with a new understanding. It is not for us that we obtain these documents, but for those that we love and that we may be leaving behind one day. With all the options out there these days, there is no excuse to not have these documents in place for our loved ones. If mortality strikes before you have a Will in place you may leave your family fishing for answers...

By: Stacey Jimenez

Source

Along with all the love in the air and joyous celebrations are thieves and con-artists praying on the unsuspecting. Swipe your credit card here, sign there, fill out this form, enter our drawing, click to open, follow this link, join our group, become a fan… the lists of ways thieves are praying on you this Valentine’s day is endless.

Showing your love on Social Media…

This year, identity thieves will likely be utilizing social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter to exploit the wide user base and easy infection rate of these kinds of sites. Because these websites are based on sharing, it is easy for the infection to spread quickly and widely among users, making them favorites amongst criminals.

Every group you join, every page you become a fan of exposes you to increasing risks of identity theft. When you Friend, Fan or Join you give the administrator of that page access to your information. This includes applications such as games, cards, gifts, hugs, flowers, drinks and so forth.

Your Secret Admirer…

While we understand your curiosity when you get an email from a “secret admirer,” it is important that you do not follow links or even open emails from sources that are unknown or appear suspicious. Cyber criminals use e-greeting cards or emails with subject lines relating to Valentines Day to get the victim’s attention, and hide malware within these messages that capture sensitive information to be used for fraud and identity theft.

Out on the town…

While out celebrating this very special day be mindful of the lurking dangers of identity thieves waiting to pray on love struck couples who have let their guard down by focusing on each other rather than the waiter, clerk or even casual passerby whose sole focus is getting their hands on your information.

Be wary of who is taking your credit card, down to the name of the waiter, waitress, clerk and so on. Ladies be mindful of where you hang or place your purse. Thieves are quick and have a plan. They do not even have to take anything to steal your information. They just need to get the information and return your belongings without you suspecting.

BE OUR SAFE AND SECURE VALENTINE. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

Something to think about...

• Do you have friends, family or neighbors visit your home?
• Do you every have service providers in your home (plumbers, electricians, contractors, cable man, etc.)?
• Do you have a cleaning service, housekeeper, personal assistant or dog walker that comes into your home?

You would not walk out of your bathroom naked to welcome people into your home, so why leave you personal information so exposed? That is what it comes down to. We need to start treating our personal information with more respect.

• Do you leave mail on the counter?
• Do you leave personal information in unsecured areas such as unlocked drawers or cabinets?
• Are your household bills kept in an open obvious location?
• Do you have a safe or lockbox that is easily portable?

You lock your bathroom door. Lock up your personal information. Safes and lockboxes that are easily portable can be broken into later after they have been removed from your home. Make sure you secure them in place.

• 43% of victims knew the perpetrator (ITRC Aftermath Study, 2004).
• In cases of child identity theft, the most common perpetrator is the child's parent (ITRC Aftermath Study, 2004). (source)

How are they getting your information:

• Stolen wallets and physical paperwork accounts for almost half (43%) of all identity theft (Javelin Strategy and Research, 2009).
• Online methods accounted for only 11% (Javelin Strategy and Research, 2009).
• 38% of ID theft victims had their debit or credit card number stolen (Javelin Strategy and Research, 2009).
• 37% of ID theft victims had their Social Security number stolen (Javelin Strategy and Research, 2009).
• 36% of ID theft victims had their name and phone number compromised (Javelin Strategy and Research, 2009).
• 24% of ID theft victims had their financial account numbers compromised (Javelin Strategy and Research, 2009).
• More than 35 million data records were compromised in corporate and government data breaches in 2008 (ITRC).
• 59% of new account fraud that occurred in 2008 involved opening up a new credit card and store-branded credit card accounts (Javelin Strategy and Research, 2009).   (source)

Two great reads:

#1 The main thing is they stole our kid's identity : Short article on a couple who found the most valuable thing stolen from their home during a break-in was their children's personal information.

#2 Official Identity Theft Statistics : This site did a great job gathering the most recent information from the many research agencies out there reporting on ID Theft.

As our government recruits hundreds upon thousands of temporary workers to help with the 2010 Census, identity thieves are gearing up for a shopping frenzy.

You’ve seen the posters and heard the ads on both television and radio, “Become a Census worker and make $18 an hour” (pay varies by location). With the unemployment statistics our country is facing this is a great opportunity for many individuals to bring home a paycheck again.

The government has done an excellent job advertising and announcing the upcoming census. Many individuals have taken advantage of the opportunity and have jobs now (even if temporary), the majority of citizens have some sense of awareness of the upcoming event and identity thieves have been able to strategize how they will take full advantage of citizens who have their guard down.

As we all expect to be contacted in some way by government officials this coming year, NO ONE should let down their guard when giving out personal information.

Currently, Census workers are only verifying addresses. In March 2010, you should receive the 2010 Census forms in the mail. Workers will visit the homes of those who have not returned the forms by the April 1, 2010 deadline.

Below are some tips to remember when filling out Census forms and/or speaking with Census workers.

· All census workers carry official government badges marked with their name. You can also ask for a second identification to compare to the government badge. Never answer questions until you have seen the ID badge.

· Currently census workers are only knocking on doors to verify address information. No other information should be asked of you until March 2010 when the census forms are mailed.

· Any request for census information from the Census Bureau will be clearly marked as coming from the U.S. Census Bureau and as OFFICIAL BUSINESS of the United States.

· The Census Bureau will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account numbers, and/or credit card numbers.

· Census workers will never under any circumstances ask to enter your home.

· Census workers will never ask for any information to be submitted online or through email.

A report published by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) estimates more than 35 million data records were illegally accessed during 2008.  The ITRC also believes the number of reported data breaches occurring in the United States increased almost 50 percent, and the number could be higher...

Insider theft also doubled to account for almost 16 percent of the data breaches, with a third of the breaches caused by stolen laptops.

Along with theft or loss of laptops, hacking, accidental disclosure, employees improperly handling data, and issues with subcontractors also led to data theft.  To help try and reduce the amount of employee theft and negligence, many companies are beginning to crack down on the activities of their employees.

The center (ITRC) also found that the percentage of breaches attributed to data theft from current and former employees more than doubled from 7 percent in 2007 to nearly 16 percent in 2008...

Amir Orad, chief marketing officer for Actimize, a fraud prevention company in New York, said he has seen increased interest from an array of organizations, particularly banks, looking for technology to help them detect the potential threat from employees.

"We recently had a mid-sized institution in the U.S. that wanted to do a test of technology to help them monitor employee activities, and that ended up with two employees being arrested. That's the type of outcome we did not see two years ago," Orad said.