Posted by Jennifer Maffeo on Thu, May 17, 2012
Let's outsmart cyber frauds with some easy-to-learn detective skills.
Welcome to the second part of our series on maintaining Cyber Security for yourself and your business. Yesterday, we went over the most common cyber fraud attacks and email scams that have been plaguing the internet recently.
Today we will go over more ways to detect and avoid cyber fraud in an effort to protect your financial information.
HOW TO AVOID CYBER FRAUD
1. NEVER Provide Personal Information Through A Link or Phone Number Provided in a Suspicious Email -
As discussed in Cyber Security Part 1: Be Aware of Cyber Fraud and Email Scams: rather than following a link within an email, make it a point to always type the entity's website name directly into the address bar or search for the legitimate website through a browser like Google or Bing. You can also find the business contact information on your statements or any official correspondence from the company. This way you can make sure you are logging onto the business website directly and not through a phony website.
2. HTTPS is Best -
Whenever you are providing financial information specifically, take a look at the address bar and make sure the first five letters of the web address say "https" as opposed to just "http". HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure and signifies that the information you provide will be secure and encrypted so that it will not be intercepted by a third party.
Think you can tell the difference between a fraudulent and real website? Take this test to see if you are as perceptive as you think...
3. Call the Bank or Entity Directly -
If you get an email and you are concerned of it's authenticity, call the bank or entity directly and tell them about it. They will be able to look up your account and verify if there is more information needed.
4. Only Open Attachments From Known Senders -
Files sent from unknown senders may contain viruses.
5. Be Aware of Scare Tactics -
Scammers will create a sense of urgency to encourage you to act quickly without thinking your decision through. If you are suspicious, slow down, think and trust your instincts.
Have you ever been a victim of Cyber Fraud? Leave a comment on our blog and tell us what happened and how you handled the situation...
Thank you for reading our blog and if you are concerned about the risk of Cyber Fraud, contact Mackoul & Associates at (516) 431-9100 and ask how you can protect yourself or your business.
Don't forget to enter our contest where you could win a "Spring Mystery Basket" by visiting our Social Media Networking page and joining one or all of our social networks!
Posted by Jennifer Maffeo on Wed, May 16, 2012
Cyber Fraudsters, Hackers, Internet Criminals- Whatever you prefer to call them, they're always coming up with new tricks to swindle unsuspecting businesses and people out of their hard earned money.
A few weeks ago, I got an email from Chase Bank saying to "update my account information" through clicking a link within the email. The email looked so convincing that if I actually had a Chase account, I might have fallen for this one. After submitting the suspicious email to Chase's fraud reporting email address at abuse@chase.com, they responded quickly and confirmed that it was fraudulent.
This type of scam is called phishing and as the FBI describes it, "a fraudster poses as a legitimate entity and uses e-mail and scam websites to obtain victims’ personal information, such as account numbers, user names, passwords, etc." Because these fraudulent websites and emails can look shockingly similar to authentic ones, always be suspicious if you receive an email or text claiming there is a problem or question about any financial accounts you may have. It is always good practice to log into any accounts you may have through the official business website by typing the web address into the browser address bar rather than through a link provided by email.
Take a look at the situations below and make sure that you don't fall for these emails when they appear in your inbox (call me a red-hot target but I've received all of these emails in the past month)-
- Emails From Banks or Financial Entities Asking For Account Information-
If you receive an email from a legitimate bank asking you to provide account information, be sure to call directly or type the web address in yourself rather than clicking a link within the email.
- Emails From Delivery Services (Like FedEx and DHL)-
According to the FBI, legitimate delivery service providers neither e-mail shippers regarding scheduled deliveries nor state when a package is intercepted or being temporarily held (FBI.gov). If you are concerned, call the delivery service directly.
- Emails From Airlines-
If you have not scheduled a flight with the emailing airline, delete and disregard the email. If you do have a flight scheduled with the emailing airline and they want you to provide your personal and financial account information, go directly to the official website by typing the web address in the browser address bar if you have actually scheduled a flight rather than through an email link.
You may also be interested in:
The Top Internet and Email Scams in 2012
All of these situations could lead to a breach in financial information which can be debilitating to any person or business. Bottom Line? If you are cautious enough you can try to avoid falling for these cyber fraud attacks and email scams by logging into accounts directly through the business website instead of by clicking a link in an email.
If you are concerned about the risk of Cyber Security, contact Mackoul & Associates at (516) 431-9100 and ask how you can protect yourself or your business from Cyber Fraud.
Posted by Jennifer Maffeo on Thu, May 10, 2012
At Mackoul & Associates, we feel that nothing can brighten your day like the chance to win big.
After we wrapped up our contest last month, people were practically knocking down our doors for us to run another one. So now, without further ado, we are officially launching our "Spring Mystery Basket" contest where a lucky person will win a basket stuffed to the brim with various Spring goodies.
How Do You Enter This Awesome Contest?
- Visit our Social Media Networking page by clicking the button below:
- Join one of our Social Media Networks by clicking the link for Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, review us on Google or subscribe to our blog, log in and like or follow us.
You may be interested in reading:
How to Follow a Company on Their Linked In Page
- With each Social Media participation, you will receive one entry to the contest (Join all 4 social media networks and review us on Google, and you get 5 entries!).
Thank you for your continued support of our online community and good luck to all. Feel free to post the contest on your Facebook wall or to share with your Linked In connections or Twitter Followers. May the best man or woman win!
Stay tuned to our blog for the winner to be announced on June 14, 2012.
From Your Friends and Colleagues at Mackoul & Associates, Inc.
Posted by Jennifer Maffeo on Thu, May 03, 2012
"Insuring luxury homes at the top market tier can be a tricky business because these homes boast not only fine luxury features and extraordinary craftsmanship, but are often finished with rare antique materials [...] Drive by appraisals and typical assessments just wouldn't work."
(Chubb Vice President Mark Schussel
as quoted in Luxury Home Digest)
It will take more than your standard Homeowners Insurance policy to adequately protect your upscale property and the treasures found inside. There are only a few insurance carriers that understand this market and have the skilled appraisers necessary to assess your high-value assets. Fortunately, Mackoul & Associates has access to provide you with this Luxury Home Insurance.
Our underwriters can help build a comprehensive yet simple plan assessing the worth of your home and any antiques, collectibles, jewelry, and fine arts to ensure that they are properly covered in the event of major damage or loss due to fire or any other unpredictable disaster.
Unique Highlights include:
- Guaranteed Rebuilding Cost
(matching the building quality
of your home)
- Contents Replacement
(without deductions for depreciation)
- Landscape Coverage
- Damage Caused By Domestic Pets
- High Deductible Options
(to reduce your monthly payment)
Optional Policy Enhancements:
- Equipment Breakdown Coverage
(to cover sophisticated electronics)
- Green Rebuilding Coverage
(allows you to restore, repair or replace items with environmentally friendly materials)
- Extensive Flood Coverage
(that goes far beyond most federal flood program benefits)
At Mackoul & Associates, Inc., our extensively trained underwriters are waiting to walk you through the insurance process to make sure that the right amount of coverage is in place for your upscale home. If you would like to know more about Luxury Home Insurance or other policies available, we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
When insuring your home, what is your biggest concern? Please comment at the end of our blog article by clicking here.
Thank you,
Kate Maniscalchi | kmaniscalchi@mackoul.com
Mackoul & Associates, Inc.
Personal Lines Underwriter
Direct: (516) 690-8041 | Office: (516) 431-9100 | Fax: (516) 431-4641
www.mackoul.com | info.mackoul.com
Posted by Jennifer Maffeo on Mon, Apr 30, 2012
Want to know the latest and greatest information about a company you're interested in? Follow that company on Linked In to receive timely messages about company news, job postings, new products and services, etc.
Following a company on Linked In will give you access to their "virtual bulletin board" which houses the information they've set up to appear. At Mackoul & Associates, we set up our Linked In Company Page to make announcements by connecting our blog articles to our page, we display descriptions of our products and services and we connect with our employees and colleagues that have Linked In accounts.
Why follow a company? It is a convenient way to receive information. For example, during Hurricane Irene we were able to send helpful messages to our clients about evacuation routes and how to prepare your property to keep safe and avoid hazards. Also, our clients may want to follow our page to learn about tips to "Spring Clean" their buildings or learn about our products like securing your family's financial future through life insurance. If you don't have time to look at the company updates, you can ignore them. But when you do have time, a fast way to get updates is directly through your account on Linked In:
Step by Step Directions: How to Follow a Company on Linked In:
- If you don't have one already, create a personal profile on Linked In by entering your resume information and selecting a photo of yourself.
- Next, Click on "Company" in the navigation bar and then "Search Companies" in the menu that appears as shown in the picture below:
- Type in the name of the company you would like to follow in the space provided and click "Search" (as shown in the photo below):
- If you type in the company name correctly and the company has a Linked In Company Page, their page will appear. Click on the company name to be directed to their profile as shown below:
- You will then be directed to their Linked In Company Page. Once here you can follow the company by clicking the button in the upper right hand corner as shown in the photo below:
There are many ways to utilize a business Linked In account and we encourage you to join us on this fantastic social media network! It provides another way to give and receive information in a place that's convenient for your audience. If you have any questions regarding your Linked In Company Profile Page, feel free to email me at jmaffeo@mackoul.com. Have a great day!
Posted by Jennifer Maffeo on Thu, Apr 26, 2012
Plan ahead with LIFE INSURANCE to protect your family's financial future.
Low-Cost Term Life Insurance is now available through Mackoul & Associates by the Legal & General America companies: Banner Life Insurance Company and William Penn Life Insurance Company of NY.
- 10, 15, 20, 30 Year Term Coverage Options
- Competitive Pricing
- Guaranteed Level Premiums
- Backed by Outstanding Ratings:
- A+ (Superior) A.M. Best financial strength rating
- A+ (Strong) S&P financial strength rating
- Offering MediGuide America's Medical Second Opinion Program (completely free with all policies)
Examples: A 35-Year old female can buy $500,000 of 10-year term life insurance for as little as $14.00 per month. A 45-year old male can buy $1,000,000 of 20-year term life insurance for as little as $101.06 per month.
At Mackoul & Associates, Inc., we are happy to walk you through the process of making sure that you have the right insurance coverage. If you would like to know more about you Life Insurance options, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you,
Dominic Andreno | dandreno@mackoul.com
V.P. Life & Health Insurance
Direct: (516) 690-8032
Mackoul & Associates, Inc.
Office: (516) 431-9100 | Fax: (516) 431-4641
www.mackoul.com | info.mackoul.com
Now Legal & General America isn't just insuring lives, it's hoping to save them.
Policies in approved jurisdictions now include a valuable benefit. It's the only life company to offer MediGuide America's Medical Second Opinion program...and that means you share this exclusivity. It's absolutely free...only from Your Company For Life.™
Legal & General America life insurance products are underwritten and issued by Banner Life Insurance Company, Urbana, MD and William Penn Life Insurance Company of New York, Garden City, NY. Banner products are distributed in 49 states and DC. William Penn products are available exclusively in New York; Banner does not solicit there. The annual male and female term life insurance premiums are based on preferred plus, non-tobacco rates, or preferred tobacco rates as shown to the left. OPTerm® 10 and OPTerm® 20 are renewable and convertible, level death benefit, term life insurance policies with level premiums during the initial guarantee period. Premiums increase annually thereafter. OPTerm 10 issue ages 20-80, 20-70 WA only. OPTerm 20 is issued ages 20-70 non-tobacco classes, 20-65 tobacco classes, 20-62 in OR only and 20-60 WA only. Requires underwriting approval. Two-year contestability and suicide provisions apply. OPTerm policy form RT-97 and state variations. $65 policy fee included. MediGuide Second Opinion is offered and administered by MediGuide America. Policy form MMGR (12-09) and state variations. Available only in approved jurisdictions. Rates as of 11.1.2011. LAA1808 11-282
Posted by Jennifer Maffeo on Wed, Apr 25, 2012
"Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made."
- Robert N. Rose
If you're a true boater, you are probably chomping at the bit to get your boat back in the water if you haven't already done so. A few warm and tempting days can spread cabin fever- enticing you to dream about getting yourself out on the sea. Before you do put your boat back into the water, it is a good idea to make sure your Watercraft Insurance policy is up to date. Click the button below to get more information or a quote for insurance on your boat or watercraft.
Why Should You Insure Your Boat or Personal Watercraft?
Just like the balmy winds of a perfect boating day, Watercraft Insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that you and your boat or personal watercraft are protected legally and financially for the following:
- Theft or Vandalism
- Accidents- you'll be covered to fix or replace your boat and depending on your policy, you should be covered in case an accident results in bodily injury to another person.
- A watercraft insurance policy protects you and your passengers from medical expenses resulting from an accident in your boat.
*Also depending on your policy, water skiers who are injured while skiing behind your boat may also be covered.
- You will be protected against expenses resulting from an accident caused by another boater who is uninsured.
- Damage- Make sure your policy protects your watercraft (including your motor, trailer and equipment) against damage caused by specific perils including coverage for fire, wind, hail, or other weather related occurrences.
Here at Mackoul & Associates we'd love to get you and your watercraft ready to go. Call us to insure your boat, personal watercraft, cabin cruiser, sailboats, pontoons, jet boats, ski boats, runabouts, jon boats, bass boats etc.
For a quote or more information click here or call us at 516-431-9100, we would love to help you start your summer off right! Don't forget to ask about discounts for holding multiple policies with us.
Posted by Jennifer Maffeo on Wed, Apr 18, 2012
Record breaking warm weather? Check.
A lack of rain? Check.
Windy conditions? Check.
A winter with barely any snow? Check.
It all checks out for drought conditions in the Northeast. The resulting dry ground can increase the likelihood of home fires and brush fires in your area.
(Photo Source: Newsday, LI)
Numerous wildfires burned recently on the east coast, including Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a State of Emergency for Suffolk County due to wildfires in Ridge and Manorville. Recent wildfires can be attributed to the drought conditions we've been experiencing in New York and the Northeast including warm weather, a lack of rain, wind, and a dry ground due to little precipitation this winter. While weather forecasters are saying we may get some much needed rain this weekend, until then you can follow the tips below to protect your family from the chance of a fire occuring on your property as well as how to bounce back if one does occur.
How to Protect Your Home From Fire:
1. Safeguard Your Property and Remove Debris-
- Make Sure Your Insurance Is Up-to-Date and Accurate- If your home is destroyed by fire, you'll want to know that you have the protection in place to help you rebuild another place to live. Fire is one coverage that is included in most standard Homeowners Insurance and Renters Insurance policies. However, the standard insurance policy you arranged last year may not take into account your recent home renovations or rising building costs. Also, a standard policy will only replace your home with standard building materials, so if you've adorned your home with custom molding, marble etc.- you should account for that in your policy.
- Have you made any upgrades or renovations since you last updated your insurance policy?
- Does your insurance policy cover the cost of you living elsewhere if your home becomes uninhabitable due to fire? You may want to check.
- Be your own best advocate and ask questions about your coverage so you don't end up short when you need help the most. Feel free to contact our Personal Insurance Representative at (516) 431-9100 to see if you are adequately covered.
- Install Direct Response Alarms- Having alarms in your home that alert your local fire department to emergencies can save you as much as twenty percent on your Homeowners Insurance.
- Gardening Debris- Rake up leaves, mow your lawn and cut back overgrown shrubs and tree branches. Pay special attention to dry debris along the perimeter of your home or property. Water your lawn and keep ground surrounding your home moist.
- Newspapers- Recycle newspapers regularly so you avoid storing them near your house.
- Gutters and Downpipes- Clean them out regularly.
- Store Flammable Liquids in a Safe Place- Store flammable liquids and paint away from the house. Face LPG gas bottle valves away from the house. Keep in mind that pool chemicals can ignite if placed near other flammable liquids, so store them separately.
- Chimney- Put spark guards in your chimney and clean your chimney every year.
- Porches- Put fire-resistant mesh screens under porches if you live in a fire-prone area.
2. Have a Back-up Plan if a Fire Should Happen-
- Mark Water Sources- Clearly mark all water sources and keep access clear for use during emergency.
- Garden Hoses- Keep them connected to outside taps and make sure they reach all parts of your home and garden.
- Supplies to Keep Handy- Buy a fire extinguisher and fire blanket and know how to use them. Keep a ladder handy that can reach the roof, plus basic tools like a rake, spade, and saw.
3. Have an Evacuation Plan-
- Emergency Kit- Prepare an emergency evacuation kit: include valuables, important documents, photos, food and water, first aid kit, pet food and any essential medication. It would also be a good idea to have a battery powered lantern, batteries and a portable radio in your kit.
- Be Prepared in the Event of a Power Failure- cordless phones and automatic garage doors won't work. Your mobile phone may not have coverage.
Taking the necessary safety precautions to protect your loved ones and home against fire will help you avoid harm and save you money on your
Homeowners Insurance policy.
Click here to get more information and see if you are adequately insured.
Click here to get a quote or to request information about Homeowners InsuranceLocal New York, New Jersey and Connecticut News About Wildfires, Brush Fires and Forest Fires:
Posted by Jennifer Maffeo on Tue, Apr 17, 2012
We are sending this emergency response message to let you know that our internal email server is down. Any e-mail sent to Mackoul & Associates, Inc. from 5 pm last night until 11 am this morning may not have been received. We ask that you please resend e-mails sent during this time so we can ensure prompt service.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience. If you need any additional assistance, please call our main phone number at (516) 431-9100.
Thank you,
Mackoul & Associates, Inc.
Phone: (516) 431-9100 | Toll Free: (866) Mackoul | Fax: (516) 431-4641
www.mackoul.com | info.mackoul.com
Posted by Jennifer Maffeo on Thu, Apr 12, 2012
Are you a Property Manager, Board Member, Developer or Vendor for a Cooperative, Condominium or Apartment Building in the New York City metropolitan area?
Come visit Mackoul & Associates at booth 1118 at The Cooperator's 25th Annual Coop and Condo Expo on April 17th from 9 am -5 pm. Get any questions answered and more information on topics such as:
- Insurance Issues
- Products and Services Offered
- Resources for Problems and Issues
Click here to learn more about the Coop and Condo Expo
When:
Tuesday, April 17th from 9 am to 5 pm
Where:
Hilton New York
(53rd Street & Avenue of the Americas)
1335 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
Booth 1118
Click Here to Register
Click Here for Directions and a Map
Below is a video provided by The Cooperator's Coop and Condo Expo website that shows a bit of last year's expo and how it could be helpful to attend: