Costly NEW AREA CODE: READ AND PASS ALONG 809 Area Code.

We actually received a call last week from the 809 area code. The woman said ‘Hey, this is Karen. Sorry I missed you- get back to us quickly. I have something important to tell you.’  Then she repeated a phone number beginning with 809. We did not respond. Then this week, we received the following e-mail:  Do Not DIAL AREA CODE 809, 284, AND 876 from the U.S. or Canada.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. DON’T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809

This one is being distributed all over the US … This is pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get you to call. Be sure you read this and pass it on.  They get you to call by telling you that it is information about a family member who has been ill or to tell you someone has been arrested, died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc.  In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away.  Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls.  If you call from the U.S. or Canada, you will apparently be charged a minimum of $2425 per-minute. And you’ll also get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges. 

WHY IT WORKS:  The 809 area code is located in the Dominican Republic. The charges afterward can become a real nightmare. That’s because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You’ll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong.

Please forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam.AT&T VERIFIES IT’S TRUE:http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045<http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045>

SNOPES VERIFIES IT’S TRUE:<http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809..asp> http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-q=area+code+809&x=26&y=15&sp-a=00062d45-sp00000000&sp-advanced=1&sp-p=all&sp-w-control=1&sp-w=alike&sp-date-range=-1&sp-x=any&sp-c=100&sp-m=1&sp-s=0

 According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Approximately 33 % of all motor vehicle accidents are due to Road Rage, and approximately 67 % of all vehicle related fatalities are due to aggressive driving.

The majority of highway deaths are due to people giving in to their anger, and turning their vehicle into a weapon.

How to avoid confrontation

How can you avoid becoming a victim of California road rage? Although there is never an excuse for committing an act of violence against another human being, road rage is often provoked by a recognized set of behaviors. Avoiding these behaviors will help keep you safe on the road. Most road-rage inducing behaviors are either rude or dangerous, anyway, so you’ll also reduce your likelihood of being in accident by avoiding them. According to the state Driver Handbook, here are the most common California road rage triggers:

Cutting other drivers off.

Driving at a snail’s pace in the far left lane.

Gesturing. Didn’t your mother ever tell you it’s rude to point? Especially with your middle finger…

Using your horn with abandon. Save the noisemaker for emergencies!

Occasionally, however, even the best drivers make mistakes. If you’ve made another driver angry, do not make eye contact. They may think you are challenging them. Try to give the other car some space. Get in the right-hand lane and slow down. Road raging drivers are usually in a hurry, so if you slow down instead of speeding up they are much less likely to give chase. If you do think you are being followed, don’t go home. Following another driver crosses the line from simple anger management issues and indicates more major psychological problems. You don’t want to lead a crazy person to your front door, do you? Go to a public place, the more people the better. Then, call the police. Or, if you know where the nearest police station is, go there instead.

Sources:  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and California.drivinguniversity.com

1.Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put ‘PHOTO ID REQUIRED.’

Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent these tips to the employees in his company. (More tips to follow).

Russ and Pamela are off to Chicago for the Farmers Championship Achievement Club. Thank you to all of our clients, you helped to get us where we are!

If your wallet is lost or stolen, these are the contact numbers you will need:

1)      Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

2)      Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742

3)      Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

4)      Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

Remember to contact your bank and credit card company and as well.

Identity Theft is the top consumer complaint received by the FTC for the last 12 years!

(Source: Federal Trade Commission. Top Complaint Categories for 2011)

All of us here at Russ Holcomb Insurance wish you a happy 4^th of July!

Remember to celebrate safely, and be mindful of the dry conditions and fire hazards when setting off fireworks. 

We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday!

Holiday weekends are always a fun time for being out on the water. Homeowner’s policies usually give a little bit of coverage for damage done to small watercraft. If you are concerned about your boat having the correct coverage, please give us a call.

Enjoy your summer and please remember to drive safely, even on the water!