Legalshield Independent Associate- Alex Pobiner

12/24/2023

Happy Holiday Season to all my family and friends and all in the world.

As things get busier and events are happening and life grows in different directions.

Please stay aware of what’s going on around you.

Please find below some information to take into account. There are TONS of fake posts, hackers, scammers, and bots here on Facebook.

Here is some info and insight to help you stay protected now in the holiday season and going forward.

Unfortunately, bots and scammers have developed numerous methods to create fake Facebook profiles on the platform. Here are some common techniques:

**1. Stolen Identities:**

* **Real identities:** They steal personal information and photos from hacked accounts, data breaches, or social media. They then create fake profiles using this information, making them appear more believable.
* **Synthetic identities:** They generate fake names, email addresses, and photos using AI-powered tools. These profiles may seem real but lack genuine connections or social context.

**2. Automated Account Creation:**

* **Scripts and bots:** Scammers use automated scripts and bots to programmatically create large numbers of fake accounts. These bots can bypass Facebook's registration measures and generate fake profiles quickly.
* **Virtual machines and proxies:** They use virtual machines and proxies to mask their location and device information, making it harder for Facebook to detect them.

**3. Third-party Services:**

* **Black markets:** There are underground black markets where scammers can buy pre-made fake accounts with verified phone numbers and email addresses. These accounts are often more sophisticated and harder to detect.
* **Social media services:** Some companies offer services that create fake social media followers, including Facebook profiles. These services are generally against Facebook's terms of service but can still be exploited by scammers.

**4. Exploiting Facebook Features:**

* **Loopholes in verification processes:** Scammers may find loopholes in Facebook's verification processes for phone numbers and email addresses, allowing them to create fake accounts without valid credentials.
* **Friend requests and groups:** They use fake accounts to send mass friend requests to real users and join relevant groups. This increases their reach and legitimacy in the eyes of potential victims.

**5. AI-powered Techniques:**

* **Deepfakes:** Some advanced scammers are using deepfakes to create realistic videos and images for their fake profiles, making them even harder to identify.
* **Natural Language Processing (NLP):** They may use NLP tools to generate automated messages and comments on their profiles, making them appear more active and engaging.

**Remember:**

* Be cautious of new friend requests, especially from accounts with very few friends or those with generic profile pictures and names.
* Check user bios and activity for inconsistencies. Real profiles usually have a natural flow of posts and interactions.
* Be wary of deals or offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers often use fake profiles to lure victims into scams.
* Report suspicious activity to Facebook immediately. You can report profiles directly or use the "Something's Wrong" option on posts and comments.

By staying vigilant and understanding how scammers operate, you can protect yourself from falling victim to fake Facebook profiles.

Please stay safe out here and have a happy and healthy holiday season and wonderful year ahead.

God bless you all 💜😁🙏

05/19/2017

Anyone who is interested in learning more about Legal Shield and ID Shield you are welcome to come tomorrow to our Super Saturday Event here in South Florida:

South Florida Super Saturday
May 20, 2017


Registration: 9:30a EST
Event Time: 10:00a - 2:00p EST
Guest Speaker: Mr. Mark Eldridge

He has experienced a high level of success during his business career with over 27 years experience widely recognized as action-oriented, dynamic business leader. Inspirational Speaker, Author, and Entrepreneur.

Was the Co-Founder & Chairman of an Internet Marketing Company listed in Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing businesses in America.

Co-Author best selling book, “How to Position Yourself as The Obvious Expert™”

REGISTRATION: 9:30AM
BRIEFING: 10:00AM (Invite Your Guests!)
TRAINING: 11:00AM - 2:00PM

GUESTS are FREE.

Directions:
Marriott North Ft Lauderdale
6650 North Andrews Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

(I-95 and Cypress Creek W)

Please let me know if you plan to attend so I can have our team meet with you and get you all set up.

Thanks and looking forward to seeing you there.

05/10/2017

You have car insurance to protect your car, and you have health insurance to protect your health...but what do you have to protect your identity?
Please comment below

04/20/2017

This is one of the main reasons I got involved in this industry, to protect people.

04/18/2017

7 Tips to Protect Yourself from Phone Scammers
March 18 2017
Protect Yourself from Phone Scammers

Across the country, phone scammers continue to steal millions of dollars from individual taxpayers. Typically, the thieves pose as IRS officials who harass their victims into making payments and divulging personal information that can be used for identity theft. In fact, the scam – which has “targeted 300,000 people” according to WFAA in Dallas – is so serious that the IRS has even developed a dedicated website for reporting such calls.

“The key thing for taxpayers to remember is one simple fact: the IRS will never contact you by email or phone to request sensitive personal information,” says Matt Kidder, a Licensed Private Investigator with Kroll, the global risk mitigation leader that powers IDShield. “And they will certainly never threaten you with immediate arrest, demand payment via a pre-paid debit card, or ask for credit card numbers over the phone.”

Thieves have also been known to use similar tactics to steal credit card numbers, frequently by using robo-calls that state that your debit card or credit card has been locked. The automated messages then prompt you to enter your credit card number and information to unlock your card. These scams – sometimes referred to as ‘vishing,’ since they are phishing attempts that occur via telephone voice messaging systems – prompt you to surrender private information that will be used for fraud. Much like all scam calls, they may carry dire threats or too-good-to-be-true opportunities.”

“Never provide your card number or any other personally identifiable information over the phone unless you are the one who made the call,” says Kroll’s Kidder.

Some automated calls are perfectly legal, such as calls from candidates running for office, legitimate charities asking for donations, or reminders from businesses with which you have a relationship such as your bank or healthcare provider. However, be wary of sales-related automated calls from companies that you have not given consent to receive. Many of these calls are scam-related, according to Kidder.

“Most scammers try to heighten the recipient’s sense of urgency by either stating they will lose access to something valuable like a bank account or credit cards if they don’t respond quickly, or they will gain a benefit like a free grant from the government if they provide personal details to activate it,” says Kidder. “The caller will ask you for personal or financial information, they will ask you to wire money to them for any reason, and if you refuse their request the caller will begin to make threats against you such as arrest, lawsuits, etc.”

If you get an automated call/voice or text message, remember the following advice:

1. Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers often have the capability to mask their call information, which is known as spoofing.

2. Don’t share your personally identifiable information (PII). If you are already doing business with the company represented, they should already have all of your information.

3. Don’t react too quickly. It’s very important to remain calm, even if you think you are about to lose a service or if you think a punitive action is about to be taken.

4. DO NOT press one or wait on the line for a live person – these scam operations do not acknowledge the Do Not Call list and your response may lead to more scam calls.

5. DO NOT call back the number provided or click on any website hyperlinks. Instead, independently verify that the message was sent by a legitimate source by visiting the company website, calling customer service directly, or some other form of contact, as long as it is initiated by you.

6. Your service provider may be able to block the incoming telephone number, but keep in mind there are limitations to this service – scammers frequently use multiple numbers, and there are many telephone scams running at any given time.

7. You should report your experience to the FTC directly on their website. For scams involving the IRS, you should also use the IRS’ own form here.

Overall, Kidder’s advice is simple: “If you find yourself in any of these situations, DO NOT release any personally identifiable information; hang up.”

To learn more about how to protect yourself and your family from identity theft, call me today so I can help you get and stay protected. 754-333-0806

04/18/2017

Know Your Rights as an Airline Passenger
April 17, 2017

The recent viral video of an airline passenger being forcibly removed from a flight sparked outrage and debate from consumers around the world. Both U.S. and Canadian air travelers do have some legal rights and protections for common issues such as lost luggage, getting bumped from a flight or tarmac delays. Before you travel it is important that you understand your rights. If you need any legal assistance contact your LegalShield provider law firm.

Involuntary Bumping – If you are bumped from a flight due to overbooking and the airline is unable reroute you to arrive at your destination within an hour of your originally scheduled time, you are entitled to compensation. If you are not rerouted to arrive within 1 to 2 hours of your intended arrival time you are entitled to the value of your ticket up to $650. If your arrival time is not within 2 hours of your originally scheduled arrival time (4 hours for international flights) you are entitled to double the price of your ticket up to $1,300. If you are rerouted through a different airline all expenses and additional charges must be covered by the airline. These rules only apply on overbooked flights and do not cover standard delays and cancellations.

Tarmac Delays – Almost every frequent flyer has a horror story about sitting on the tarmac for hours. There are limits to how long you can be delayed on the tarmac for reasons other than, “safety, security and air traffic control.” Domestic flights are limited to no more than 3 hours, while international flights are limited to 4 hours. You are entitled to updates on your flight status every 30 minutes, bathrooms must be available and food and water should be provided for any delay lasting more than 2 hours.

Delayed or Cancelled Flights – Unlike involuntary bumping, there are no federal requirements for how airlines manage passengers on delayed or cancelled domestic flights. This means the airlines set their own policies. You may check the airline’s terms and conditions to learn more about their specific policies. International travelers may be covered for, “reimbursement under Article 19 of the Montreal Convention for expenses resulting from a delayed or cancelled flight.” You would file a claim directly with the airline for reimbursement. If your claim is denied you may have additional legal options including small claims court. Contact your LegalShield provider firm to determine the best course of action for your matter.

Extra Fees and Taxes – Airlines must “prominently disclose all potential fees on their websites” for meals, baggage, cancelling or modifying reservations. Ticket agents should also refer customers to the latest fee information including both fees and taxes.

Lost or Damaged Bags – Lost luggage is another travel story that is all too familiar. If your bag is lost the airline must refund any baggage fees. The airline is also required to compensate your for, “reasonable expenses for loss, damage or delay in the carriage of passenger baggage.” The airline may not compensate you for fragile items or poor packing. Also, there are set limits on an airlines liability, so carefully consider the transportation of particularly valuable items. If the contents of your bag are damaged take photographs of the damage right away. If you need assistance negotiating compensation for lost or damaged luggage or contents, call your LegalShield provider law firm.

Canadian Travelers – Canadian air traveler’s rights are subject to the airline’s tariff. The tariff, a contract with passengers, lays out both the passenger’s rights and responsibilities, which should be reasonable and fair and applied to all passengers in the same manner whenever possible. The tariff should be easily accessible on the airline’s website and in their offices. Tariffs do vary by airline so it is important to review the information that pertains to your specific carrier. For more information visit the Canadian Transportation Agency’s website.

U.S. Department of Transportation – U.S. travelers can review the Department of Transportation’s, “A Consumer Guide to Air Travel” to learn more. If you have any legal questions contact your LegalShield provider law firm.

02/27/2017

I wanted to share this with you to help everyone stay safe out here.

This is the IRS list for scams:
(Link to original site reference at bottom of post)

Dirty Dozen
The Dirty Dozen represents the worst of the worst tax scams.

Compiled annually, the “Dirty Dozen” lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers may encounter anytime but many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their returns or hire someone to help with their taxes. Don’t fall prey.

For a summary of the IRS 2017 "Dirty Dozen" List of Tax Scams see IR-2017-37. For a detailed description of each scam, please refer to the list below:


IRS Committed to Stopping Offshore Tax Cheating — Avoiding taxes by hiding money or assets in unreported offshore accounts remains on the 2017 “Dirty Dozen" list. See IR-2017-35.

IRS Warns Against Frivolous Tax Arguments — The IRS warned taxpayers against using frivolous tax arguments to avoid paying taxes. See IR-2017-33.

IRS Warns of Abusive Tax Shelters on 2017 List of Tax Scams — For the third consecutive year, the IRS places abusive micro-captive insurance tax shelters on the “Dirty Dozen.” See IR-2017-31.

IRS Includes Falsifying Income Scam in 2017 List — The IRS warned taxpayers to avoid schemes to erroneously claim tax credits. See IR-2017-29.

IRS Annual “Dirty Dozen” List Includes Falsely Padding Deductions — Avoid the temptation to falsely inflate deductions or expenses on tax returns, the IRS warned. Doing so may result in paying less than is owed or receiving a larger refund than is due. See IR-2017-28.

Excessive Claims for Business Credits Makes the IRS “Dirty Dozen” — The IRS warned that taxpayers should watch for improper claims for business credits. See IR-2017-27.

Falsely Inflating Refund Claims on the IRS “Dirty Dozen” — The IRS warned taxpayers to be alert to unscrupulous tax return preparers touting inflated tax refunds. See IR-2017-26.

Fake Charities on the IRS “Dirty Dozen” List of Tax Scams - The IRS warned taxpayers about groups masquerading as charitable organizations to attract donations from unsuspecting contributors, one of the “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams for 2017. See IR-2017-25.

IRS “Dirty Dozen” List Includes Return Preparer Fraud — The IRS warned taxpayers to be on the lookout for unscrupulous return preparers, one of the most common “Dirty Dozen” tax scams during tax season. See IR-2017-23.

Identity Theft Remains on “Dirty Dozen” — The IRS issued a filing season alert, warning taxpayers and tax professionals to watch out for identity theft. See IR-2017-22.

Phone Scams a Serious Threat; Remain on the IRS “Dirty Dozen” List of Tax Scams for 2017 — Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers. See IR-2017-19.

Phishing Schemes on the IRS “Dirty Dozen” List of Tax Scams for 2017; Remain Tax-Time Threat — Watch out for fake emails or websites looking to steal personal information. See IR-2017-15.

ID Shield protected me from these scams this past year because they monitor my social security number and notify me immediately if any suspicious activity is seen with my information.

Compiled annually, the “Dirty Dozen” lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers may encounter anytime but many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their returns or hire someone to help with their taxes. Don’t fall prey.

02/22/2017

More than six million user accounts and personal records were breached in January alone. Nine major companies were compromised, including Sanrio, the owners of the Hello Kitty brand; Supercell, a popular mobile gaming company; and Popeyes Louisiana Chicken, a well-known fast food chain.

44 percent of the January breaches included stolen passwords, Social Security numbers or dates of birth. These pieces of personal information are valuable to criminals, since they may be able to sell it online to identity thieves.

This is another example why I am so grateful to be protected by the Identity Theft Protection plan from ID Shield.

If you are looking to get yourself, or your family protected just reach out to me and I will send you over the information about the plan and how to get singed up.

You don't have to be a statistic today. Get the peace of mind that ID shield offers starting at under $10 per month.

02/18/2017

Here is some information about the legal plan and Identity theft protection plan:
Any questions or comments are welcome.
When you are ready to get started just fill out the information and we can get you started to protect yourself, or your family today.

I had several issues come up that I needed to call and get legal advise for and saved me thousands of dollars by using my attorney's advice, plus the peace of mind of knowing that I have an attorney to call for any legal issue has made my life easier.

LegalShield + IDShield for New York - $15.95 plan

02/18/2017

Check out this video and tell me what you think.

Millions of North Americans are underemployed or not financially prepared for life’s challenges. If you’re one of them, know that everything can change. Watch and listen to this video right now to learn how social, economic, and technological trends are changing everything and creating a new economy...

02/18/2017

Legal Shield
Need ONE more reason to join?

1. You don't have an up-to-date will.
2. You don't understand the difference between a trust and a will.
3. Family members challenge your parent's will.
4. You don't understand your health insurance plan or new legislation.
5. You are selected for an audit.
6. Your parents die and leave you executor of their estate.
7. You are tired of hidden cell phone fees.
8. You do not have a retirement savings plan.
9. You lose your personal identification.
10. You receive a speeding ticket.
11. You are buying or selling your home.
12. Your driver's license is suspended.
13. Your landlord raises rent in violation of your verbal agreement.
14. Your teenager is accused of shoplifting.
15. You decide to change your name.
16. Your new washing machine doesn't wash.
17. Creditors threaten to take action against you for your ex-spouse's debts.
18. A neighbor or school reports you for child abuse.
19. You adopt a child.
20. A friend or neighbor is injured on your property.
21. You need child support enforced.
22. A friend owes you money and files bankruptcy.
23. A caller demands money or damaging information will be released.
24. Your car is damaged by a hit-and-run driver.
25. You accidentally back over your neighbor's garbage can.
26. A hairdresser damages your hair with harsh chemicals.
27. Your car is repossessed unjustly.
28. You are subpoenaed or served with legal papers.
29. You are called to jury duty.
30. Your long drive off the tee injures another player.
31. You need a lease agreement reviewed.
32. Your son is injured in a football game.
33. A neighbor trips over a rake in your yard.
34. A jeweler sells you defective merchandise.
35. A car dealership gains illegal access to your credit history.
36. You are hit by a bottle at a baseball game.
37. A tenant falls down stairs and sues you.
38. You need help with credit card liability resolution.
39. You are injured when you slip on a wet floor in a public building.
40. Your livestock trample a neighbor's garden.
41. Your neighbor's dog barks for hours every night.
42. Your teenager gets a speeding ticket.
43. Your landlord enters your apartment without permission.
44. Your child throws a baseball through a neighbor's car window.
45. You don't have a Living Will or Medical Power of Attorney.
46. Your boat is damaged while in storage.
47. Your landlord refuses to refund your cleaning deposit.
48. You lose an expensive watch in a hotel and the manager denies liability.
49. A speeding car nicks your bumper when your car was parked on the street.
50. A merchant refuses to honor a guarantee.
51. You have an accident driving your friend's boat.
52. Your spouse claims a right to your earnings.
53. A record club sends merchandise after you cancel your membership.
54. You are refused service at a restaurant.
55. A property manager refuses to rent to you.
56. You are denied credit for no apparent reason.
57. An online auction goes sour.
58. The repair shop threatens small claims court for money you don't owe.
59. Your car insurance is cancelled when your teenager has an accident.
60. Your child needs special education in public school.
61. You made a sizable gift to charity.
62. Angry words result in a slander law suit.
63. You need a patent for an invention.
64. You need a copyright for your manuscript.
65. You are wrongly accused of committing a crime.
66. Your right to privacy has been invaded.
67. Your car is vandalized in a parking lot.
68. A postal carrier slips on your unshoveled walk and breaks his or her leg.
69. You have questions about escrow in a home purchase.
70. You're stopped for speeding and a passenger is in possession of ma*****na.
71. Your teenager wrecks the car and a passenger is injured.
72. You care for your elderly parents.
73. You receive disability.
74. You are cheated by a door-to-door salesman.
75. A repairman charges more than a given estimate.
76. A creditor tries illegal collection tactics.
77. An accident results in a personal injury.
78. You are scheduled to appear in small claims court.
79. Your new house has bad plumbing and a leaky roof.
80. You take a vacation and your room has a view of the trash dumpster.
81. A minor is caught breaking into your home.
82. You have a fender bender while driving a friend's car.
83. You have liability questions in launching a new business.
84. You have a question about an easement on your property.
85. Your neighbor's dog bites your child.
86. You have a property line dispute over a newly installed fence.
87. You're asked to testify as a witness to a crime.
88. You need a premarital agreement.
89. You're buying or selling a car.
90. Your child's school demands a drug or alcohol test.
91. Your bank sends a foreclosure notice after one house payment is late.
92. A retail store won't accept the return of defective merchandise.
93. A repairman won't stand behind his work.
94. A trespasser is caught poaching on your land.
95. You are leasing property.
96. You receive a letter from a creditor and it is not your debt.
97. A bank reports bad credit activity unjustly.
98. You need advice concerning a divorce.
99. You own your own small business.
100. You can't make heads or tails out of the new tax forms.
101. Your spouse uses physical force against you.

02/09/2017

Stay safe out here. Please read this and stay alert for these scams:
IRS Warns Of W-2 Phishing Scam

Helping people is important to me, especially when it comes down to guarding your banking account and personal information. I wanted to share important information about the Form W-2 email phishing scam – a widespread scheme that scammers are using to steal sensitive employee information and commit financial crimes, including filing fraudulent tax returns.

The scam typically involves a fraudster sending a spoof email to a payroll or human resources employee that appears to come from the organization’s CEO requesting a list of employees and their W-2 tax forms. Scammers may also follow up with additional “executive” requests to wire money to a specific account, the IRS said.

The IRS noted that this year, scammers are targeting a broader cross-section of organizations, including school districts, tribal casinos, chain restaurants and other corporate and nonprofit entities. Read more about the scam and how to report it.