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Cyber Monday TPG

Cyber Monday TPG

Most holiday shoppers look forward to the steals and deals on Cyber Monday! In recent years, Cyber Monday shopping has outperformed Black Friday deals. Just as shopping online has become more sophisticated, so have the criminals who want to steal your information or scam you out of your hard-earned dollars.  According to Aura, an online fraud protection service, 75 percent of Americans experienced some type of online holiday scam last year. During the season of giving, many people fall victim to criminals who try to prey on their emotions or for too good to be true offers. In addition with inflation taking its toll on American households, many are looking for incredible deals on gifts, however, we recommend that you make sure those deals are legitimate. 

We offer these tips to avoid holiday scams when you shop online: 

Make sure you’re shopping only at reputable stores that are well-known name brands:

We can’t stress enough that you check the URL you are using to shop. Most well-known merchants have taken extra steps to ensure safe shopping online such as encrypted payment systems and password options to create accounts. However, criminals love to use luxury brand names to entice you to shop their links. These items are more than likely fake. For example, if you see designer handbags on Instagram, for prices way below market prices, nine times out of 10 they are fake. The person selling those items only wants your money and information. You probably will never receive the merchandise. 

Make sure the charity that you’re donating to is reputable: 

As we stated before, online criminals love to prey on people’s emotions, especially during the holiday season. If someone on social media is asking for your donation in a private message or in their status, be sure to do your research on the charity they’re raising money for. Charity Navigator is a great source to use to check to see if the charitable organization is legit. You can even check the charity’s 990 IRS filing to see how much money they spent on administrative costs versus actual services they are raising money for. 

Never shop on public WIFI: 

You’re sitting in a coffee shop with your computer or phone, and you remember that you need to purchase that last-minute gift, so you open your laptop or phone and start shopping. Experts warn that unless you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), it’s never safe to shop on unsecured WIFI. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) also recommends that you stick to shopping with credit cards and not debit cards. You’re only responsible for $50 of the fraudulent activity on a credit card whereas the opposite is true if you use a debit card; and you could be responsible for covering hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges. 

Name brand phishing emails or text messages with fraudulent links:

Criminals love to mask name-brand sites and send texts or emails that are unsolicited to unaware victims. Many of these emails and texts will claim that you have won a prize and that you need to click a link to claim it. Aura recommends that you never click links in these emails or if you do, check the URL to ensure that it is a legitimate link from the company you know. Most companies require that you “opt-in” to receive texts and emails from their company. Never ever give your name, address, phone or financial information to any company asking for that information over a text or email. 

Fake package delivery attempt: 

AARP also states that criminals are sending fake emails that packages are being held pending delivery. Most of these emails ask the receiver to click a link to give contact and payment information. You will want to check to make sure when you get these emails that they are taking you to the delivery service and not a site to capture your information for a scam.

Protect your finances:

After you have made a purchase online, check your receipt against your bank account to make sure that the amounts match. Norton suggests that you check your online bank account daily and keep track of the dollar amount of your purchases. If you see any fraudulent activity, report it to your financial institution immediately. Your financial institution will freeze your bank account and debit card by locking them, so that the criminals can’t make any more purchases. You may want to file a police report, especially if you fear that your identity has been stolen. 

These are just a few of the tips we’re offering to help you stay safe this holiday season, especially when shopping online.  

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The Prewitt Group Welcomes New Hires 1

The Prewitt Group, a trusted name in risk management since 1974, has grown into one of the largest insurance firms in the Southeast. Our service and dedication to our clients remain steadfast. We uphold our brand promise in everything we do – to shield our clients from danger, risks or unpleasant experiences by using the strength and expertise of our firm. As we continue to dedicate our vision and values to our clients, we are happy to announce that we are growing again.  We are thrilled to announce  the following members that have joined our team: 

Diana Kelly — Marketing Rep: 

Diana works closely with producers, account managers, clients and carriers to get insurance coverage for new and renewal business.

Melissa Williams — Personal Lines Account Manager: 

With 22 years of experience as a Personal Lines Account Manager, Melissa is responsible for quoting new and existing business, helping with policy changes,  assisting clients with billing and with any issues they may have with their policy to ensure that the client is properly covering their assets. 

Amy Price — Commercial Lines Account Manager: 

Amy offers clients professional services to help them with their day-to-day insurance needs as well as handles the Professional Liability Book of Business. 

Mallory Phillips— Junior Account Manager: 

Mallory is responsible for providing in-house customer service assistance to account managers. She assists with answering emails, uploading policies, attaching and sharing policy endorsements, documenting dialog through emails and phone calls, completing any request of the senior account manager and keeping all documents organized for easy access to account managers.

Ella Perry — Client Concierge/ Accounting Assistant:

Ella assists with meeting the needs of clients and daily tasks around the office as well as assisting the accounting department. In addition, she manages content and assists with The Prewitt Group’s social media accounts on various platforms.

We’re excited about our growth and look forward to offering the best client service, now and in the future.

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Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business has recently chosen The Prewitt Group, a Birmingham, Alabama-based risk management firm, as one of its “Top Tiger” honorees for entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional growth. The Prewitt Group is honored to be among the 54 businesses and companies selected to receive this prestigious award in the Medium Companies category, which comprises companies with revenues of over $5M to $30M.

“Top Tigers” represents one of Auburn University’s important recognition events that showcases its successful alumni entrepreneurs. Honorees are selected annually based on their total sales levels and adherence to the Auburn Creed in running their businesses. We are excited to recognize 54 Top Tigers this year, who operate businesses across diverse industries and are alumni from several different Colleges and Schools across campus, ” said Franz Lohrke, Lowder Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship and Professor of Entrepreneurship at Auburn University.

The Harbert College of Business and Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors co-sponsored this program and selected the winners based on compounded annual growth rates over the last three years. They also ranked The Prewitt Group based on revenue growth and the commitment to operate the company consistently by the Auburn Creed.

“We are thrilled to be honored and included by Auburn University and the Harbert College of Business,” said Johnny Prewitt, president of The Prewitt Group. “Auburn’s Creed is something that is instilled in every graduate, and we strive to live by it every day, in both our business and personal lives. We indeed are honored to be chosen as a ‘Top Tiger’.”

John Prewitt, Jr. (Jack) founded The Prewitt Group, formerly J.R. Prewitt and Associates, in 1974, and over the past 48 years, the agency has grown to become one of the most trusted local and national names in risk management. The Prewitt Group’s legacy has proven to be one that offers exceptional service through partnerships with a network of top-rated insurance carriers that are aligned with our mission, vision and values.

The firm is now led by Jack’s two sons: Johnny Prewitt (President) and Andy Prewitt (Vice President). This is the eighth year the College of Business has recognized businesses that have been founded, owned or led by Auburn graduates.

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For more than 48 years, The Prewitt Group has been a trusted risk management firm locally and nationally. As we continue to grow, our mission remains steadfast in our commitment to providing the best possible service for a better tomorrow. As we thrive on our commitment to excellence, we are happy to announce the new members who have joined our team:

Bryndi-Alyn Ward (Bryn) has joined our team as Receptionist and Accounting Assistant.  With her vast experience in website and office administration, Bryn is most looking forward to learning more about the accounting side of business as she endeavors to get her master’s degree in accounting.  Bryn loves spending time with her family and painting.

Sonya Maddox has come aboard as a Commercial Lines Jr. Account Manager.  Sonya brings with her over 10 years of experience in the legal field. She also has P&C insurance experience and obtained her CISR designation in 2017. Sonya said she is most looking forward to enjoying growth with a great company full of friendly associates and clients. Outside of work, Sonya enjoys making good memories with her family and friends.

Our newest Account Manager is Teresa Coats.  Coming to us with an extensive insurance background and a CISR designation, Teresa is excited to not only get to work with The Prewitt Group Team, but also getting to know our clients. Most of Teresa’s free time used to be on the golf course, but now she prefers spending precious time with her grandchildren.

We welcome them and are delighted they are here to serve and provide you with their expertise in meeting all of your insurance needs whether they are personal or professional.

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As our firm continues to experience ongoing growth and in keeping with our focus on client relationship management, The Prewitt Group is pleased to announce that Scott Campbell has joined our team of risk management advisors as Personal Lines Department Manager and Risk Consultant.

Scott joins The Prewitt Group having several years of insurance experience in the Southeast market and has proven success and tenure in the risk management industry. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Finance and a concentration in Insurance.

Scott specializes in building relationships with successful individuals and families while helping craft insurance programs to best protect their most valuable assets. He places great importance on developing strong partnerships with wealth advisors, mortgage companies, and other centers of influence to help ensure his clients’ needs are properly met.

As we look to the future and an ever-expanding client base, Scott’s role as Personal Lines Department Manager supports our long-term vision of providing our clients, whether personal or professional, the most excellent experience along with an unmatched portfolio of customized insurance products. When not in the office, Scott can be found outside on the golf course or fishing.

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National Insurance Awareness Day

It’s National Insurance Awareness Day and there’s no better time than now to review your policies and make sure your business has the right coverage.  You need protection to reduce your risks against property damage caused by theft, natural disasters, loss of income, liability claims, and more. Insurance policies are the most common way to transfer risk and protect everything from employees to assets to operations. To recognize this day, we’ve included three steps business owners can follow to ensure you have the right coverage in place.

1. Set up a meeting with your risk advisor:

Sitting down with your insurance advisor and reviewing your policies is a great way to make sure you have the appropriate coverage. In-depth reviews can shed light on where possible gaps in your coverage may lie or at least prove you have adequate coverage limits. It also gives you a chance to go over things that may require a modification to your policies like new hires, products, or services.

2. Ensure employees are familiar with safe workplace practices:

Workplace injuries can amount to thousands or even millions of dollars as well as slowing down your workforce and business’s production. Worker’s compensation insurance is designed to protect your business and employees, but the ideal situation is to avoid injuries altogether. A helpful way to do this is scheduling time with your associates to review best practices for safety in your workplace.

3. Make sure the proper cyber security policies are in place.

A fast-growing problem in this modern business landscape is the risks posed by cyber security. It’s important to realize anyone can be targeted by cybercriminals and no account or business is too small to protect from a cyber-attack. The best course of action is to know what actions to take if a breach occurs; secure the business, have a plan in place, and ensure all workers know the proper corresponding protocols for preventing and responding to a breach.

These few simple steps can give you peace of mind and can help you ensure that your business has the right coverage where it counts. For any questions you may have about your business insurance coverage and to learn more about our full line of risk management solutions, please contact our team of advisors at The Prewitt Group.

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Chubb has bestowed its Cornerstone designation on The Prewitt Group. Of the approximately 2,300 personal lines insurance agencies and brokerages that work with Chubb North America Personal Risk Services, fewer than 12 percent have earned the Cornerstone designation.

Chubb is a premier provider of personal insurance and is known for its Masterpiece® products and services designed for the owners of custom and historic homes, luxury automobiles, yachts, fine arts, antiques, other valuable possessions, and excess personal liability.

“It is truly an honor to have earned the Cornerstone designation with Chubb. The Prewitt Group is committed to, and excels in, providing the best available options to our successful clients, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Chubb in the years to come,” said Brian Fleury, The Prewitt Group COO.

As a Cornerstone agency, The Prewitt Group will receive several benefits, enabling it to address clients’ insurance needs faster and more efficiently. The agency’s staff will be able to work with Chubb’s most experienced underwriters and risk consultants. Chubb will assign a claim specialist to the agency. In addition, agency employees will have preferential access to educational Chubb seminars to enhance their client service and agency management skills.

About The Prewitt Group

J.R. Prewitt & Associates was founded in 1974 by John R. Prewitt, Jr. on the basis of offering clients a wide array of risk management services including commercial, personal, life, and health, professional liability, workers compensation and bonds. In 2018, J.R. Prewitt & Associates transitioned to The Prewitt Group, one of the few family-owned agencies in the southeast serving over 4,000 clients and representing over two dozen insurance carriers. The Prewitt Group is committed to understanding the customer’s needs and delivering custom insurance solutions in order to obtain the highest level of client satisfaction. For more information on The Prewitt Group, visit www.prewitt.group.

About Chubb

Chubb is the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

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Kim Hayward EOY Image

In 1999, Walter Barnett joined The Prewitt Group after a 39-year stint with the IRS. During his 22 years as an agency controller, he not only continued to acquire but also apply an immense knowledge of accounting and legal expertise. While Barnett was incredibly skilled at his job, he also exemplified what it meant to be a team player and was always happy to lend a helping hand at work, earning himself the nickname “Mr. Fix-it” around The Prewitt Group office. It is this mix of expertise, friendliness, leadership, and professionalism that lead us to rename our employee of the year award to The Walter Barnett Employee of the Year Award, upon his retirement from The Prewitt Group, and in honor of his many contributions to our agency and his friendship to us all.

The Walter Barnett Employee of the Year Award honors the achievements and celebrates associates who exemplify the wonderful qualities that Walter possesses. Kim Hayward has been a sterling example of these qualities, which is why we have chosen her to be the inaugural recipient of this award.

Since 2007, Kim has been working with The Prewitt Group carrier’s online rating platforms, rating client accounts with major carriers and working with the Core Business Unit as well as handling the Certificate of Insurance requests. She helps team leaders and account managers make sure their requests are processed as efficiently as possible while also leading the implementation of a new processing program. Kim is not only a skilled employee, but she is also someone who knows the value of being a team player. She works hard daily for both our team and clients alike. Kim does whatever it takes to get the job done and does it with such a cheerful outlook.

We are very pleased to recognize Kim Hayward as the first Walter Barnett Employee of the Year recipient. She is more than deserving of this honor. Congratulations, Kim.

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Please join us in welcoming Ashleigh Calvert, Scott Campbell, and Tracy Rathje to the Prewitt Group Family!

Ashleigh Calvert is coming aboard as The Prewitt Group’s newest marketing representative. For the past 7 years, she’s spent her career honing her skills in both the retail and wholesale side of commercial account management. Calvert is motivated by others and excited to work with her fellow Prewitt Group associates. Outside of work, Calvert enjoys hanging out with friends and family or enjoying the nearby lakes and beaches.

Scott Campbell is our newest personal lines manager/risk consultant. His experience is grounded in operations, which he gained while leading both personal lines and small business departments. He’s excited to not only get to know the Prewitt Team but also all the clients. In his spare time, you’ll find Campbell either enjoying time with his family or playing golf.

We welcome Tracy Rathje as our newest commercial lines assistant. For the past 21 years, she’s been sharpening her skills in the commercial insurance industry, spending equal time between both the retail and wholesale side of operations. Having worked with The Prewitt Group in the past, she is excited and ready to get back to helping others in her work family. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach, reading, cooking, and being around friends and family.

We are excited to welcome these three risk management professionals and are looking forward to what their future at the Prewitt Group holds.

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Cody Walker recently joined The Prewitt Group as a Risk Management Consultant specializing in construction insurance and risk management solutions. He brings a wealth of experience as a former Risk Management Counsel from one of the largest general contractors in the United States where he handled insurance coverage, claims, and contract negotiations. He brings a unique perspective by understanding insurance solutions tailored to protect construction clients from risks.

Walker has extensive knowledge and experience with providing insurance products that suit a client’s needs. He also has an understanding of the risks clients may encounter as well as experience in negotiating and managing insurance programs and claims. His knowledge helps protect construction companies from a variety of potential risks and losses. In addition, he evaluates a client’s current coverage to identify possible exposures by assessing specific contract requirements, as well as, reviewing contractual terms that are beneficial to his clients.

“Clients can rest assured that I am here to identify their current needs and provide guidance for protecting their business from loss,” said Cody Walker, Risk Consultant, The Prewitt Group. “I also offer solutions such as driver policies, improved subcontracts, and COI verification to help better manage numerous hazards. I am looking forward to connecting and getting to know clients as well as protecting them from exposure to risk.”

Walker is a graduate of Auburn University. He received his Juris Doctor from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.