Insurance Fraud - The Dumb Criminal Chronicles

One of the greatest challenges insurance companies face is the ferreting out of insurance fraud. Wherever there is a chance that someone can get paid for submitting a fraudulent claim, there are also stupid people who are willing to give it a try.

Here are some recent examples. The names have been omitted to protect the stupid:

1. Arson (I like this story because of the restaurant's name.)

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL: Two men were arrested and charged with insurance fraud after a 2008 fire at Wakey, Wakey Eggs & Bakey. The fire was set in the kitchen after the restaurant closed on May 5, 2008, and caused over $200,000 in damages.

One of the owners was arrested and charged with arson and filing false insurance claims. Mr. T., a contractor, was also arrested on the same charge. The building's owners had just evicted the restaurant owners for defaulting on the rent.

2. Dumb Insurance Adjusters...there are a bunch of them.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: A Maryland woman pleaded guilty to writing company checks to herself and depositing the money into her own checking accounts while she was an insurance claims adjuster.

A woman pleaded guilty to one count of felony theft over $500. She was sentenced and ordered to pay back over $16,000 she had stolen from Nationwide Insurance Company between September 2006 and September 2007.

3. Hometown Insurance Fraud...I missed out on all the fun.

KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN: Grand Rapids, Michigan is known as the Furniture City, and is getting a reputation as a hub for medical research. But now it's become the Michigan Mecca for insurance fraud. Three of the top Five insurance fraud cases in Michigan in 2009 were committed in Kent County.

The top case was perpetrated by a dermatologist who bilked Medicare and other health insurers for over $2 million. He is in prison serving a 10-year sentence for double billing and charge for work he did not perform. The doctor owned a Tudor mansion on Reeds Lake, which he tried to sell for $7.7 million, and it was recently auctioned off by the bank for $1.75 million.

Next case involved an 80-year-old man who paid a former employee to torch his business so he could collect over $300,000. Third is an Alpine Township man who was sentenced in August to at least six years in prison for selling $40 counterfeit insurance policies to almost 500 people.

Insurance fraud is serious business, since claims paid on fraudulent claims cost ALL of us higher premiums. It's no different than shoplifting at a retailer. Stores simply add the cost of their "shrinkage" to the cost of the goods you and I pay for. Report any suspected insurance fraud to the police. And know that most of the time, criminals get caught.

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Austin's Annual Charity Event with KVET

In my travels around the country while building my business I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the greatest community volunteers in our nation. I never missed an opportunity to meet community leaders and learn all I could about every market my company franchised in. One event in particular was a standout; the Austin's Annual Charity Event with KVET.

Part of my mission statement in my company was always to give back to the communities we serve and to be a community based company. I urge all business entrepreneurs to think like this. We are always interested in ways we can help the communities that our team serves. It is for that reason I joined 10's of thousands of others in the Austin Charity Event. When President Bush suggested that all American's put in their 2000 hours, that was not lip service, he meant it. So when we found out that KVET of Austin, Texas and the Highland Mall were putting on this event, we decided to find out which charities were their to receive the many Texans who came to volunteer their time and what our local franchisee could do to help, how we might offer our services or time to help the community.

I wanted to personally thank the Program Director at KVET, a Channel Communications Station and M. Darlene Corum the Retail Marketing Coordinator for Highland Mall in Austin for organizing an event, which every single community in the nation should put on at least twice per year. Who was there; all the local charities, which serve the community day in and day out. As many know funds are in short supply now as the economy has not fully arrived at its natural strength, there is less money to go around.

We talked with some of the most potentially devastating issues of the near future with the spread of AIDS and other serious illnesses. There on hand was a very knowledgeable group of people with Interfaith Care Alliance. We talked with Violet Leos, the Community Resource Director for the Austin Girl Scouts and volunteered our car wash fundraiser services. We made sure to point out that we did not want to replace their number one fundraiser The Delicious Girl Scouts Cookies (especially Chocolate Mints), but if they needed help in a car wash fundraiser to give us a call since I run a carwash business.

Other National Organizations with big local Austin representation were the Salvation Army, always out in force during the holidays, The United Way promoting their seasonal Angel Tree, United States Marine Corp's "Toys for Tots" program and Safe Place for domestic violence and sexual abuse victims. Our company has been active with the Safe Place groups in AZ and NV.

We were very happy to see the Austin State School, which helps mentally retarded adults in training, social services and medical care, this is so important that we do not forget them in our society. Also next to them was the Austin Children's Shelter, which provides emergency shelter and high quality care and a hope for the future for our abandoned kids in the Austin Community. Speaking of Kids, a great program called Insure-a-Kid was present helping kids who need health care insurance, and we would personally like to thank Michael Dell, Founder of Dell Computers for his extremely active role in getting this one off the ground. This is an incredible program and it is our belief this should be duplicated whoever possible, great program, good people and inspirational story of leadership and creativity in the midst of adversity, WOW.

Children's Advocacy Center was there talking about what is being done about something no one wants to talk about, child abuse cases and it's effect on kids. Very heavy subject and extremely dedicated people, a real tear jerker and they are there for the kids and were actively recruiting volunteers and promoting awareness.

Real everyday family issues were there in force also, including; Literacy Austin, teaching people to read, write and speak English; Live in the Game, providing fifth grade girls with adult female mentors; RIF-Reading Is Fundamental, motivating kids to read books; and Capitol Area Homeless Alliance, a day shelter for the homeless and yes the Bush's have volunteered to work in the food lines before and the people there made it clear Austin is serious about find the necessary means to help those people on the street transition into both employment and housing. Also on scene was Lone Star Equine Rescue, which helps improve the lives of equines throughout Texas and neighboring states.

We would like to tell every one how great it was to see Americans sign up to volunteer and do their part, to put in their 2000 hours. And we too felt proud volunteering our team to car wash fundraisers to help the kids groups. We are all in this together; we should never forget that. I urge every American and every small business model to seek out ways you can give back to your city or town and promote an ownership type community. You will be leading by example and doing what's right for the betterment of mankind and the future of your community. Volunteer and even if your town does not have such an awesome event, seek out ways to help. Maybe you can organize all the non-profit service clubs in your town and get others to volunteer too. Think on it.

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Rick and John Show.mpg

Rick Aguirre and John Tenney cutting up and having fun. East Orlando stuff.

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Dangerously Ditching Insurance

With the recession affecting everything from mortgages to the price of food, many are looking to quick-fix solutions and assessing their finances in order to help their finances go further. According to research carried out by one of the UK's leading banks, many are choosing to cut corners in an effort to save money, but whilst it may save them a little, the impact on their credit rating could be potentially dangerous.

Many are now choosing to cancel certain insurance policies in an attempt to put the funds towards bills and other expenses, but by doing so they risk putting themselves at risk, and in some cases getting rid of crucial cover due to financial difficulties.

There are certain insurances where cover is mandatory - such as third party, fire and theft on car insurance and buildings insurance for homeowners. By choosing to cancel these aspects of your policy, you risk invalidating further claims and applications in future.

One of the most affected policies is that of buildings insurance, with some homeowners choosing to cancel or reduce their level of cover on their policies. However, by doing so they run the risk of invalidating their mortgages - as buildings insurance is one of the main legal requirements required to secure a mortgage.

Worryingly, numbers of life insurance policies are also being cancelled, or the level of cover changed, which could be disastrous should something happen to the policyholder, leaving them out of pocket during their time of need.

If you're worried about your finances and are looking to reassess your financial situation, it's best to take the time to assess your finances and also look into switching your current policy, seeking advice if you're still not sure.

With a wide variety of policies to choose from - including life insurance and buildings and contents insurance - you could save yourself some much needed money by taking the time to research different policies.

Look into perhaps reducing some aspect of your current policy without straying from the mandatory aspects, and also consider increasing the excess on your policy, as this could help to bring down your premium.

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The Necessity of Pet Travel Insurance

If pet insurance seems frivolous then initially the thought of pet travel insurance can seem ludicrous. But you'd be remiss to think that way, traveling is an invitation for chaotic and unforeseen scenarios, and pets tend not to react very well with these things! If you think you can simply take your pet on vacation every time and not worry about it then perhaps you should read on.

Traveling with your pet is extending the boundaries of your relationship, often in a way that will be new and confusing to your pet. From the safety of your home your pet Chihuahua might know not to chew up your shoes or pee on the floor, but this is hardly the same thing while traveling abroad. Also keep in mind your pet
will be stressed out and will not understand what is happening.

3 Reasons Why You Need Pet Travel Insurance

First of all you have no idea how your pet will react to a different humidity, different weather, different insects and animals and perhaps even different food. There is a myriad of respiratory and stomach problems these different conditions could cause. The point is that it is quite easy for your pet to be ill, and what happens if you have to seek out a vet while traveling? What if you have to take your pet to the vet once you get back for a vaccination or some sort of treatment? You're already strapped for cash after all of the ordinary vacation expenses.

Secondly, the overwhelming stress your pet is going through can cause it to misbehave. Even if your pet doesn't misbehave, imagine it vomiting or having diarrhea in your hotel room and having to pay damages. This can add up quickly in any number of ways.

The final point I'll make is that there may be occasions where you can't take your pet with you where you're going. Maybe you're taking a specific tour that doesn't allow animals, or planning on eating out at a fancy restaurant. If you need someone to watch over your pet this can be costly to find someone you trust. If you had pet travel insurance you probably could have covered each of these individual problems!

I hope you can see now why it's important to take another look at something you may have originally written off. Pet insurance and pet travel insurance have both been taking off in popularity throughout the last thirty years, and it's because they are both valuable and necessary.

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Tips on Claims For Hurricane Insurance

If you have been affected by a hurricane and suffered the resulting damages, you need to file for claims from your insurance company for reimbursement of all of your damages. To do this, first of all you need to know what your insurance plan covers and what it does not. What is your share of stakes towards the damages? During this turbulent time, a few pointers on filing claims for damages from the insurance company will give you a clear understanding.

Initiating filing of claims

1. Your insurance company needs to be intimated as soon as you find damages, say to your automobile. Insurance companies have staff working in the claims department 24 hours a day. If you have rental car coverage on your policy, they will immediately schedule a rental car for your use. This is done in lieu of the fact that although there are not as many car claims as property claims during a hurricane, rental car companies may experience a shortage of available cars. Acting immediately will save one the pressures of being stranded without transport.

Taking photographs of the damaged property will help the insurance company assess your damages quicker. It may take the company time to get to your damaged property in a hurricane hit area. In the mean time, you have the responsibility to prevent further damage to your vehicle or property. Simple measures like covering broken windows on the vehicle or sheeting holes on your house roof will keep away straying animals and prevent rain from causing more damage. Do only what is reasonable and safe, taking caution not to put oneself at risk.

Losses need to be documented

2. The best claim tip would be to take a video tour of your home, recording all your belongings after having taken a policy. Or, you could do this manually, by making a paper note of the items at home. This will ensure no items are left out when the claim is made. Make a note of inconspicuous items like bed linens, vacuums, etc.

Many polices include food-spoilage coverage in a homeowner's policy. This policy covers all losses with regard to food items like condiments and foods stored in the refrigerator and freezer. The set limit is $300 to $500 per appliance. Make sure to include that amount in the claim. These reimbursements will help in recuperating from heavy losses incurred.

Claims made for Reimbursement

3. File all receipts of purchases carefully and keep them easily accessible. Most homeowner's insurance policies cover hotel expenses. Miscellaneous items like food, toiletry, medicines, entertainment items like books and movies should be covered as well. Receipts for all these purchases have to be produced to make a claim. Keeping in mind that only a reasonable amount will be reimbursed, one would do well to stay away from spending exorbitantly on clothing and other accessories. While trying to derive the maximum benefit from an insurance policy, it is to be remembered that an insurance policy only reimburses to an extent, and not the entire purchased amount.

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7 Best Pubic Relations Companies to Work For

Let's face it, the public relations industry is as about as competitive as it comes isn't it? And what is the one asset that a PR firm has to have in order to get its fair share of the market? Talent, human talent. You can have the slickest technology in town but with out the slickest people you're doomed to mediocrity. So it's not surprising that PR firms focus on finding, and keeping, the best talent in town. From an employee perspective, here's a list of the best public relations companies to work for according to the PR industry publication The Holmes Report.

Best of the Best Carter Ryley Thomas

For starters, this agency has a corporate culture that focuses on respect for the individual, a balanced life between work and home, shared responsibility and a "We work" mentality making workplace relationships that are the envy of the industry. And then there's the fact that this company is one of the very few that is entirely employee owned. That's right, everyone from the founder to the clerks are owners and no one owner can have more than a 17% share of the stock. When you're working for your own business you can do remarkable things.

Number 2 The Horn Group

This agency takes a more traditional approach to keeping employees with what Working Woman cited as "eye-bulging benefits" including paid health, dental, life and long term disability insurance. They also culture an environment of respect, innovation and professional development.

Number 3 Citigate Cunningham

Like vacations? This PR firm offers 3 weeks paid vacation in the first year and a six week paid sabbatical after four. Schedules are designed around the employee and include telecommuting. They can also offer a four day 10 hour work week. The facility has a gym, emergency child care space and a kitchen full of free snacks and sodas.

Number 4 Fitzgerald Communications

Training and professional development are what distinguish this PR firm from the rest. Entry level employees are put through a "boot camp" where they are introduced to every facet of the company and have a chance to mingle with C-Level personnel. For their seasoned employees they have a mentoring program that won accolades from Inc Magazine

Number 5 Cone

Cone, noted as one of the big-ideas PR firms places heavy emphasis on training as well investing 120 hours of training per employee per year. Tuition reimbursement programs are available as well. Couple that solid foundation in industry knowledge with liberal benefits, bonuses and 3 ½ weeks of vacation in the first year and you can see why their retention rate is so high.

Number 6 Fleishman-Hillard

One of the biggies in the industry with sales over $100 million, Fleishman-Hillard is rated highly by employees for its professional development, adherence to ethics and its 360 degree feedback program. Being as large as it is makes it more difficult to be as flexible as the smaller niche agencies but F-H tries.

Number 7 PepperCom

Pretty straight forward here with big money and big benefits. Employees do rank the company highly for professional development particularly their unique PepperCom State University. An unusual perk is the weekly visits by a nurse to take blood pressure readings and administer flu shots.

So if you are considering a move into this field, or you are ready to abandon ship at a different agency you might want to consider investigating these best public relations companies.

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