Do: Use passwords. They are the first line of protection against unauthorized access to private information. Use hard-to-guess passwords. If you have trouble thinking of a password you can remember, try this tip: Use a pattern or personal memory to form a password. For example: My son John helped me buy my computer - MsJhmbmc. Use a mix of capital letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Put a copy of your passwords with your important papers regarding estate plannin

At Brinks & Associates, we understand that the increased development in technological efficiency in the past decade has led to a growing number of people transferring information through the internet. The emergence of online banks, academic institutions, social media, and other information-sharing sites has led us all to develop a wide range of passwords and pin numbers to protect our information from internet hackers. Unfortunately, these security measures can wall out loved

We recommend that our clients check their social security personal earnings statement each year for fraud. It is possible that someone else is using your social security number, or that your employer did not report all of your earnings accurately. This statement is emailed to you after creating an account online called “My Social Security.” on www.ssa.gov/mystatement You can also call 1.800.772.1213 #LegalNewsAlert #BrinksLawFirm

Do not give out your social security number unless you have asked why it is required. Challenging the request will often mean you do not have to give out the information. Do not carry your social security card in your wallet or purse. Never give out your social security number (or credit card or bank information) to someone who calls you for that information. There are many scams along the following lines: “Mr. Smith, please verify that you live at 123 ABC Road, and that your

Many of our clients ask whether they should purchase long term care insurance. There is no single correct answer. There are five things everyone should consider. Medicare does not cover basic nursing home care. The law provides a limited benefit for skilled nursing care after a hospital stay. To qualify, a person must fall within a specific definition. There is a limit of 100 days and co-pays may apply after day 20. Medicaid qualification requires depletion or legal divestmen

DO NOT: Put anything of importance in a mailbox in front of your house with the flag up DO: Use high traffic area mailboxes with multiple pickups, or go to the post office Other Tips Buy a shredder. Take your name off magazines before giving them away. If you are going out of town, even for the weekend, ask a neighbor to pick up your mail. Do not leave it in the mailbox overnight, if possible. Look at credit card bills immediately, at least within 72 hours, to ensure they are

One way to reduce the possibility of people seeking information that they should not get (and to reduce your annoyance level as well) is to list you phone number on the national do not call registry. The website is www.donotcall.gov The phone number is 888.382.1222 If you have a senior neighbor or family member, this is a good piece of information to share as they are often the targets of phone scams. #LegalNewsAlert #BrinksLawFirm

Michigan has a bounced checks law: Do it right and you can increase the amount owed. A copy of the law is attached. Make sure you write one letter for each bounced check. Even though the law only requires a first-class letter, we recommend that you send it return receipt as well, so you have proof. (You should still send a letter by regular first class mail, because some people refuse to pick up or sign up for return receipt letters.) Make sure the letter follows the languag

Tips to ensure safe transactions. Look around before you walk up to or drive up to an ATM machine. Watch out for “shoulder surfing.” This is when someone watches you input your pin number anywhere. Do not write down your pin number. Use a pin number that only you would know. Do not use birthdays, street addresses, or anything else a thief might be able to reconstruct. #LegalNewsAlert #BrinksLawFirm

I leave for St. Paul on Monday, August 14 for my steamboat trip down the Mississippi. Follow along on Facebook! We love to hear from clients and colleagues and friends along the way. Going south with the current to New Orleans with many stops along the way. #BrinksLawFirm #Travel