With holiday season upon us, it is good to keep in mind of scams to watch out for during the holiday season.

Scams to Watch out for This Holiday Season

Hackers put a lot of thought and effort into coming up with new ways to fool the unsuspecting consumer, especially during the holiday season. Here are some scams you should watch for in the coming months.

Bogus Charity Websites
Increasingly, hackers are setting up fake charity websites to scam people with good intentions. To guarantee that you’re donating to a reputable charity, make sure the charity you're considering is registered with the Secretary of State and find out how much of your contribution will go to the charitable fundraiser and how much will go to the needy.

Fake Gift Cards
Gift cards are often purchased as last-ditch present ideas for birthdays or holidays, but they are also one of the primary ways scammers use to make a quick buck. If you see deals on online auction sites for discounted gift cards, beware -- the cards could easily be stolen, making them worthless. Make sure that you purchase gift cards from trusted, licensed vendors.

Package Thieves
It's sometimes difficult to coordinate package delivery to your home while you’re there. That's why it is has become common for thieves to follow delivery trucks around, then grab packages off porches moments after they have been delivered. To keep this from becoming a problem, ask that your package require a signature upon delivery, or have it shipped to your work address.

Credit Card Skimmers
Though this one has been around for several years, it's still widespread. Some thieves use credit card skimming devices to steal your data from ATMs or point-of-sale terminals. Always take note of the device that you’re using to pay with a card to ensure that it hasn’t been tampered with.

Stay Safe Online
To stay safe this holiday season follow this brief list of security best practices:

• Before submitting any sensitive information, look for the padlock icon in the address bar, along with HTTPS at the beginning of the URL.
• Only shop on websites that have a good reputation.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi when shopping online.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited emails in your inbox, especially when it comes to fake invoices and bogus shipping orders.

(source: By Jerry Fetty, CEO, Smart IT Services/myAGENCYcloud)

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season!

Giving back during the Holiday Season is important. So many years we rush around from store to store trying to find that one perfect gift for that special someone and we stand in long lines on Black Friday just to get the best deals. There are many of us that are fortunate just to have the opportunity to even shop for a gift. We may be able to provide for our own families and for ourselves, but there are many children out there that will not have a gift to open on Christmas morning.

The truth is that Santa Claus is not just make-believe. There are different names that he has gone by in the past and not all of them are fictitious characters. He represents the act of giving freely without the recognition, thanks, praise or reciprocation. It is being kind and generous. It is remembering the holidays should be filled with fun, happiness, love, joy and best of all…MAGIC! Santa is the energy and spirit in every one of us. We just need to have the hope that we can all bring him back to life!

Macomb Insurance Mart has decided to be a local drop off for Marine Toys for Tots. Please bring in any new, unwrapped toy to our office for donation. You may also DONATE in other ways to this organization. We believe in who Santa Claus is and what he stands for. Hopefully, you will also choose to be a part of the joy that a child receives when they wake up Christmas morning to realize that Santa does exist.

Most people believe that when they buy homeowner’s or commercial property insurance that they will be covered for any damage that may occur to their property. Unfortunately, as many people have painfully learned during recent flooding events, the normal policy of homeowner’s property insurance does NOT provide coverage for damage caused by “rising water” or flood. If you live in an area where flooding is a higher risk you can always discuss a flood policy with your agent.

Unfortunately, its bound to happen and  you don't want to get stranded.  Here's the checklist of essentials you should store in your vehicle for emergencies.

Roadside Goodies

Keep a box in your vehicle of items you may need in an emergency

We all know we should keep a spare tire that is inflated, a jack and a tire iron in case of a flat in our vehicles. But there are a handful of other items that can make your life easier in case of an automotive emergency. Some of them could even save your life!

Some of the basics center on common breakdowns. If your tire goes flat and you have a can of tire sealer and aerosol tire inflator (or a mechanical inflator that plugs into your cigarette lighter), you might be able to avoid the mess and danger of changing a tire on a busy road. If your car won’t start in a parking lot, jumper cables allow you to get help from any good Samaritan who has a working car battery. If you use remote routes, you might want to pack a charged emergency battery booster.

A plastic or rubber, snap-lid box full of other supplies can be a compact, neat way to keep emergency supplies. Here’s a quick list of essentials.

·       First-aid. Tourniquet, large bandages, medical tape, adhesive bandages, alcohol wipes, bottled water, scissors, drinking straw, blanket (Mylar if you will travel in cold weather), paper towels. Pack feminine hygiene pads, too — they make excellent bandages for bad wounds.

·       Lighting. Your kit needs a working flashlight, flares or reflective triangles, and spare batteries for your flashlight.

·       Foot travel. Pack boots or sneakers and socks in case you have to walk a distance, a coat and hand and foot warmers if traveling in cold weather, and a paper map in case you can’t get cell or internet service.

·       Self-service. Duct tape is a must in case you have to bind a bumper, mirror or other part of your car to make it drivable to a safe location. Keep a tow rope or chain in case someone needs to pull you out of a ditch or off the main road.  Pack a mini-shovel and a jug of kitty litter or ice melt.

Your glove compartment is the right place to store things you might need in reach in an emergency.

·       Escape. A knife or multi-tool will help you cut a seatbelt or break a window. Note that many vehicles also have removable headrests whose metal posts can be used to break a window if needed.

·       Documents. Keep your registration and insurance information handy in case of an accident and your owners manual for reference on roadside repairs.

·       Energy. Keep small snacks such as nuts or energy bars to tide you over if you are stranded for a long period.

·       Communication. Of course, you need your cell phone, cell phone charger, and coins for pay phones in case needed.

These are everyday emergency items. If you are planning on driving a long distance for a trip, plan your emergency kit according to the weather and locations you will travel through. Always leave a travel plan with someone you can trust and check in periodically so people know your recent locations. It will make it much easier to rescue you if needed.

If you do have an auto accident — whether single-person or multivehicle — call your  

Trusted Choice^® Independent Insurance Agent to begin the claims process. Your agent can give you excellent information on documentation needed and essential steps to take. Hopefully, you will never need your car insurance or your emergency kit, but keep both up to date just in case!

Most people do not understand what an independent agent is…

“Agents are either captive or independent. A captive agent represents a single insurer. Agents that represent Allstate or State Farm are captive agents. An independent agent represents multiple insurers.”

Independent insurance agencies, such as Macomb Insurance Mart, can offer services to customers from multiple companies. The agents can help guide you to the correct company that fits your needs. Many Insurance companies have a specific market that they are geared towards and most consumers are not aware of which company will work for them. Agencies can be a small business, similar to Macomb Insurance Mart, or they can grow into multiple locations.

Independent insurance agents can give you advice on your current policy and help you insure all of life’s changes. Many agents will do training, with their many appointed companies, to see what new products or discounts are available to the public. You do not have to call a 1-800 number to reach your agent when you have a question or concern. They can help you put your life back together after a disaster by protecting your property; they can educate and give advice on coverage you may need.