When Talking To Yourself Makes Sense

            We are constantly bombarded with information overload and endless questions about our business and personal lives. Whether in person, on the phone, or online, the intrusions into our private lives should be met with a healthy dose of skepticism. Before responding to any queries we need to ask ourselves three basic questions: Who, What, and Why?

WHO?

            Who is asking the questions? If you initiated a call and know who you are speaking with and why, then certain questions are inevitable. For example, calling your bank about a mortgage payment will require disclosure of certain account information. Someone calling you and asking for your credit card number is a different story. Hit delete on that email about your long-lost relative’s inheritance and move on. The who asking questions should be you.

WHAT?

            We’ve all received phone calls asking questions, but what are they inquiring about? Someone conducting a survey does not need your credit card information or your date of birth. The salesperson at your door does not need payment in full before the job is even begun. However, a new bank teller may request a verification of information while you are banking and that is for your protection. What someone is asking is what you need to ask yourself.

WHY?

            Why would someone randomly call or email you with a special offer to take a trip to a foreign locale within the next 48 hours with the requirement that you pay in full by wire transfer? Is there a reason why your answering machine is full of offers for reduced rates on your car loan, even if you don’t have one? Why would your credit card company call and ask if you just purchased a new stereo system and six laptops?  Chances are the fraud protection unit is hard at work and the why becomes apparent after you’ve discovered who did what with your personal information.

 You can see why talking to yourself  really pays off !

Back in the day we used to stuff small, heart-shaped notes into tiny white envelopes and peek as the recipient unwrapped our words of love and either blushed, frowned, or threw it away. Today things are much different and we need to be careful with our good intentions. Consider this tale of love.

A gentleman was checking his email and saw a note in the Subject line which read “Thanks for your order of Valentine roses.” Knowing he had not purchased roses or any other flowers for his wife, he clicked on the email to see the entire message. Embedded within the body of text was a box that said, “Click here for questions on your order.” Concerned that his credit card account had been improperly charged he hit the button and lo and behold, a porn site filled his screen, complete with flashing colors and awkward sounds. Flustered and embarrassed, he spent a moment looking for a way to exit the site. Just then his wife walked in the room, peered over his shoulder, and one can only imagine the discussion that ensued! He was able to leave the site, but not the room, until he finished explaining what had happened. Moral of the story-don’t click on strange emails and sometimes pictures are worth more than a thousand words when you have some explaining to do!

The holidaze are over and tax season has arrived. The IRS has announced that they will not be processing any returns until January 30th this year and eager workers will file their returns and dream of ways to spend their “extra” money while others plan payment arrangements for money that is owed. No matter which category you fall in, there are safeguards to consider when dealing with income tax returns. Here are some simple tips from the IRS.

1. The IRS does not contact taxpayers via email to request personal information. Like other “phishing” scams, hackers pretend to be officials from the IRS and demand that you provide them with identifying information by clicking on a link.  The correct website info is www.irs.gov and any suspicious emails can be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov.

2. Guard your social security number. Stolen numbers are used by con artists to get jobs and to tap into your credit history. Unbeknownst to you, an employer will report the earnings from the scammer’s work onto your account and you look dishonest  for not reporting the full amount. If this happens, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit by calling 1-800-908-4490 or visit www.irs.gov.

3. Be leery of anyone calling , texting, or emailing with “special offers” to help with tax returns. Never give out any personal information and report any harassing calls to the proper authorities. You work hard for your money.  Make sure your return comes back to you!