ECONOMIC RESEARCH GROUP

MEETING

April 16, 2008

 

 

Today we met at our alternate site i.e. the San Mateo Elks Lodge with thirty-two of our members in attendance. Chairman Tom Keefer called the meeting to order at noon and asked if there were any guests present. He continued by advising us that his travel plans would prevent him from chairing the next two meetings but he had asked both Mort Levinson and Bill Schinagl to fill in for him during May and June. No other business was brought up and the luncheon proceeded.

 

After lunch Ray Mauss got up to introduce the Speaker Nancy Sargent. He directed everyone’s attention to the First Republic Banks magnifier at each place setting which was a gift from Nancy so that we might better read the fine print some of the agreements we are at times asked to sign. Nancy Sargent is the Manager of the Preferred Banking Department of the First Republic Bank and is concerned with Security Fraud.

 

Nancy’s talk centered on the ways we as individuals could protect our identities from being compromised. First to limit the amount of information you carry in your wallet and to never give personal information to solicitors over the phone. Social Security numbers are a prime target of thieves and one of the most asked for forms of identification. Mailbox thefts are also high on an ID thief’s list of targets. They do not take all your mail but seek only financial data. One solution is to get a postal mailbox or a secured (locked) box if your mail is delivered to a street side mailbox. Best to be aware when financial mail such as bank statements or credit card statements are due. Call your bank or credit card company if items are late or not delivered. Also keep copies of your credit cards and the phone numbers for customer service. There are also services provided by some that will monitor your credit use and keep your card information available so if there is a problem you need only to alert the service and they will notify all your credit issuers.

 

Questions were received by Nancy and satisfactory responses given.

 

Ray, thank you, for bringing such a knowledgeable person to speak to us.

 

Our next meeting will be held on May 21, at Dominic’s Coyote Creek.

The Speaker will be Marc Hershman who will entertain us by speaking about local politics. Marc is a past Mayor of Millbrae.

 

Your meal selection will be Tri-Tips of Beef or Shrimp Louie. Call Bob Way at

345-7014 if you haven't signed as yet.