National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA): Safety Tips Using Portable Generators

Portable electric generators can offer many benefits when a long-term electrical outage occurs due to a storm. However, if generators are not used properly things can turn deadly.

Carbon Monoxide deaths associated with generators have spiked in recent years. Running a generator in a closed garage or using a generator improperly are only two reasons why safety is key. Click on the image for NFPA’s tips on using a portable generator.

   

NFPA - Generator Safety use tips

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Tax-Related Identity Theft

The IRS uses your Social Security Number (SSN) to make sure your filing is accurate, complete, and that you receive any money due to you. Identity theft can affect how your tax return is processed. An unexpected notice or letter from the IRS could alert you that someone else is using your SSN.

The IRS does not contact taxpayers by sending emails, text messages, or using social media to ask for personal or financial information. If you get an email that claims to be from the IRS, do not reply or click on any links. Instead forward it to phishing@irs.gov.

For more details to avoid becoming a victim, or if you are a victim, click the image below.

FTC- Tax related ID Theft

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Inaccurate Credit Reports Found In 2013 Study.

The FTC recently completed its fifth national study on the accuracy of consumer credit reports. The agency found that one in five people surveyed found at least a single error on at least one of their credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. After completing the dispute process, the good news was that some people saw improvement in their credit score. A higher credit score means you are not as much of a risk and in turn, means you can get credit or pay less for it. Consumers are encouraged to check their credit report annually.

The time it takes to request a credit report is minimal and you can get them for free. Click on the link for more details from the FTC. 

FTC- Reports

Facebook: Website Hacked Into January 2013

Facebook was the recent victim of a sophisticated cyber-attack discovered in January 2013. In this incident, a virus or malware was installed on employee’s laptops. In a blog entry posted by Facebook Security on Feb. 15, 2013, the company said it found no evidence that Facebook user data had been compromised. For tips on protecting your personal data on social media sites click on the image below to watch an ABC News special regarding this topic.

ABC News - Facebook data comprised

Michigan Attorney General: Warns Consumers Against Buying Cars Flood-Damaged by Superstorm Sandy

Attorney General Bill Schuette has issued a consumer alert advising Michigan residents to exercise caution before purchasing their next used car to avoid being scammed into purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle. The warning comes amid an influx of flood-damaged vehicles on the national automotive market in the wake of Superstorm Sandy's devastation. For additional details, click the link below.

MI AG's website