A REview of PPLIC: Is it Really a Scam?

Is PPLIC Really a Scam?


Note: This is an update of my previous post about PPLIC being a scam insurance company. From what I've learned, they clearly are not a scam company. It's just that some agents used some deceptive marketing tactics in the past. 

Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions by people who read this blog is whether PPLIC or Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company, Inc (not to be confused with Prudentiallife Plans Inc., a pre-need insurance company) is a scam insurance company or not.

What is a Scam?

Consumer Fraud Reporting defines a scam as a "confidence trick, confidence game, or con for short (also known as a scam) is an attempt to intentionally mislead a person or persons (known as the mark) usually with the goal of financial or other gain".

The insurance agent who approached me was clearly misleading with her marketing tactics. However, this does not mean that PPLIC in general is a scam company. Upon digging a few online documents in the Insurance Commission Official website, PPLIC is actually listed number 19th in their authorized and licensed insurance companies in the Philippines.

In a meeting with Rod Estrera, the Assistant Vice President & Head, Corporate Communication of PPLIC, he explained to me that these agents are actually constantly being evaluated by the company to see who among them actually adhere to the company's selling strategies as some of them try to mislead prospective clients. The company actually does not tolerate the misleading questions by its agents and he made it clear that agents should ask whether you are interested in insuring your family's future instead of the silly introductory question, "Do you have a credit card?".

Is it Secured to Insure with PPLIC?

When I first wrote about PPLIC being a scam insurance company, the assumption was based on the marketing approach which I experienced when I bought an insurance policy from them. I didn't know they were 48 years in the business already. I didn't know they were actually included in the list of authorized insurance companies by the Insurance Commission.

All I know was that I was tricked into listening for almost a couple of hours when it thought the presentation was only going to last 45 minutes.

I know that what concerns most policy owners is whether the company could truly deliver its promise.

1. 48 Years in Service

The company has been in the business since 1963, which makes it a 48-year-old insurance company.

2. True to its Promise

In their Philippine Prudential Times Special Anniversary issue, I've got to see several policyholders who actually claimed their benefits. I've included a copy of the said page so you may take a look at it for yourself.

3. Superbrands

PPLIC is actually one of the few companies awarded with the Superbrands recognition. These are the strongest brands in the Philippines and the world, augmented by the expert insights of the Philippines Superbrands Councils consisted of some of the most respected people in the Philippine media, marketing and communications industries.

I know, we've been told by the agents who approached us before but there it is, along with many other trusted brands in the Philippines and outside of the country. It's a seal which signifies its strength and dedication to its customers.

I want to keep my blog to be unbiased and open to both sides of those who are concerned. I want my readers to hear, or rather, read the company's side as well. From what I've learned during the meeting with the company's representative, the company actually has nothing but pure intent to serve its clients. It's just unfortunate that it's got some agents who tarnish its reputation and resort into deceptive or misleading marketing tactics and it is something that they do NOT tolerate.

If you're still experiencing any of these misleading approaches, you may get in touch with their Customer Service through the following contact information:

Customer Care Hotline: (02) 902-2300

E-Mail Address: mypolicy@philprudentiallife.com

Globe Mobile No.: 0917-57-PPLIC (77542)

Smart Mobile No.: 0908-88-PPLIC (77542)

Corporate Web Site: www.philprudentiallife.com

If you've got questions about your policy, you may also get in touch with them through Facebook and Twitter.

How to Add Facebook Comments without Disabling Blogger Comments on Blogspot

Adding Facebook Comments on your blog could work wonders. With over 800 million users and counting, you will help increase the interaction and feedback on your blog. So I played around with my Blogger blogs today and decided to enable the Facebook comments without the need to disable the existing comments from Blogspot. 

How to Create an App for the Facebook Comment Connect

You may skip this step and proceed to the next step if you've already created an app and have a unique app_ID for your blog. 

1. In order for you to activate the Facebook comments on your blog, you would need to create a comments box with Facebook Connect. You may create the app here and get an APP_ID for your website. Once you've done an app for website, be sure to take note of the APP_ID.

Adding Facebook Comments Without Disabling the Blogger CommentsBefore you make the necessary changes on your blog, be sure to save a copy of your existing template by opening the following: Design ->Edit HTML and check Expand Widget Templates. At this time click on Download Full Template and save a copy of your template. It is best to save a copy of your existing template so you could easily revert the changes made.

Once you have a back-up of your existing template, you may now proceed to this blog for further steps.

Have fun with your Facebook and Blogger commenting system!

Think Before You Click - Finance Edition

GMA's Think Before You Click campaign  admonishes close to 30 million Filipinos online to think twice before posting anything on the internet. Just as character Erica Albright on The Social Network movie said, "Internet's not written in pencil, [Mark], it's written in ink", everything we post online are archived and could be used against us. 

While it may take years to build a reputation online, it could only take a single tweet or blog post to ruin it. What we post could influence the way other people think and how they perceive us. The question is simple, "When potential employers search your name on Google, are they going to like what they will see?"

In support of the said campaign, I created a finance edition. May the following reminders help us to become more vigilant and more careful of what we post online or click online.

1. Online Scams and Get Rich Schemes

When something seems to be too good to be true, then it probably is. Before you sign up for any program, be sure to thoroughly research about it. Do not just take anyone's word about it. Testimonials from their website and even your own relatives could not save you once you realize that a program is a scam. You are solely reliable for your actions and purchases both online and offline. Before deciding on joining any program, do a background check. Think twice before you click on that Buy button. Since scammers are innovating and taking advantage of the advancements in the technology, you may want to take a look at how they use charities to scam people and the top 10 online scams and perhaps one of the most common scams that most people fall into is the au pair scam.

2. Online Purchases

Being causes when clicking and joining online schemes are not the only ones that we must be careful. We should be careful of the seemingly normal activities we do such as online games as we might become like the 12-year-old FarmVille user who runs up to £900 debt.

3. Links
The internet can become a great resource of various knowledge and studies. However, it can become a place wherein rumors spread so fast. It can become a place where viruses and harmful programs that aim to destroy a system and even a person's reputation can become easily spread. Be careful when clicking links as the next link that you may click may lead to getting your account or system hacked. It may cost you money, or even your reputation.

Below is an infographic of famous celebrities who accounts were hacked. Series of tweets and updates were sent out from their accounts which aim to tarnish their reputations. Practice precaution by being careful with what links you click and by regularly changing your password.

Scammers Using Charity to Fool You

What are Charity Scams?

While people are becoming more vigilant and cautious these days just to avoid being fooled, scammers keep on revising their schemes and doing pretty good at adopting to these changes too. One of these schemes is using charity aka as charity scams. Banking on the generous human nature of many people, scammers use calamities and causes to extract donations from their victims when in fact, the funds don't proceed to causes that they promise. 

How to Spot and Avoid Charity Scams?

Charity scammers' most commonly used approaches are by calling, emailing, mailing and even knocking on your doors. They often sprout and come out right after a calamity or disaster by taking advantage of people's sentiments towards the unfortunate event and solicit for donations. You may avoid getting duped by these charity scammers by verifying their identities and affiliations and double checking on their claims. Don't just easily believe in what the fundraisers say. You may also check other tips on how to avoid charity scams here. 

Below is a classic example of a charity scam letter which I've just recently received and let's check the most commonly used methods and approaches by charity scammers. 

1. Generic greeting

Since scammers simply blast emails to thousands of email addresses they've gotten their hands into, the greeting doesn't necessarily include your name which is the first giveaway that the email is obviously sent to thousands of many other email address. 

2. Generic domain names for email address

The email is from rossellarites@excite.com. The domain name is a generic website for creating emails, much like Yahoo! which is an easy giveaway that the person is not really whom she claims to be. 

3. Unverifiable identity

When you search on a person's name on Google, there are not much search results that support of the person's identity like social accounts of blog. Let's say the person is anti-social and doesn't blog, but in today's time when it looks like everyone's sharing, and sometimes over-sharing, I doubt it. 

4. Providing another email address/number/address/phone number

Giving another contact channel is one of the most commonly-used tactic by scammers as it helps them to trim down or filter those who are receptive or interested with their approach. You will then be included in their next level of approach as you have just shown an interest in their introductory tactic. The first email is just a test to gauge your level of interest while the next email address is where "warm contacts" and by responding, you only prove to these scammers that their first approach is working on you. 

Those are just some of the most commonly used tactics not only by charity scammers but by almost any other scammers. You may want to take a look at other examples of scams, au pair scams in particular on my previous blog post. 

Top 10 Online Scams

BBB has just recently released an infographic of the Top 10 Online Scams to serve as a warning to everyone that there are many people out there who would use people's lack of information just to extract some funds so beware, be aware. You may also want to post other samples of scam emails so you may help warn others. 

Modess Never Ceases to Impress - Modess UltraThin Experiment

Modess, one of the leading feminine pads manufacturer in the Philippines, never ceases to amaze and impress me. The brand knows what every woman needs. It stays with its mantra that comfort doesn't have to cost a fortune. Modess feminine pads are affordable yet they won't let any woman down. 

I was pleasantly surprised for a couple of times when Modess sent me a couple of tees with inspiring statements, "Di lang ako basta babae" and continues to inspire Filipinas through its daily empowering status updates on Facebook through its Modess Angels page.  

Then several weeks ago, I was surprised to receive its newest pad, the Modess Ultra Thin which I got by signing up for a free sample in their Facebook page. Once done signing up, I didn't really expect them to send me a small package which contains the Modess Ultra Thin pads. I thought Modess wasted its money for the courier fee when they only sent me a couple of giant overnight feminine pad that I didn't bother to take a photo. 

  photo by Leizle Demaisip which she posted on Modess Period Partner's Facebook page

Back in my mind I thought the courier fee was more expensive than a couple of pads. Then the day of testing the said "two pads" came. I was, again, surprised. The small package doesn't only contain two giant overnight pads but 8 Modess Ultra Thin pads instead! I was dumbfounded. Yet I was skeptic and I didn't buy the idea of a thin pad being able to manage heavy periods. I didn't want to be embarrassed so I brought extra Modess regular pads which I used on the first day. Then on the second day which is usually the heaviest, I don't know what occurred to me but I decided to give the Modess UltraThin pad a try.It was inevitable. I figured the time would eventually come that I have to try it, might as well on the heaviest.

It was odd.

The pad was literally barely there to the point that I panicked I might get stains. Yet I had no other choice but just leave it there.

Alright, before I confuse guy readers of this blog, let me cut the chase. Modess really never ceases to amaze and impress me because a pad that I thought wouldn't handle the stress actually did to the point that my mom immediately looked for it in our local supermarket but was disappointed she couldn't find any. I've been using Modess and have tried other leading pads but I seriously don't have any idea how they came up with such a thin pad that what seems to me absorbing as they happen - so you don't have to worry. Then I learned it has Microprotect Crystals. I have no idea what it does. All I know is that it does what it promises. It's barely there yet it provides the maximum protection which I need during the period.

Modess Ultra Thin pads may be slick and thin but don't judge a feminine pad by its appearance but by its performance.

Note: I am not in any way paid to write this. I was just literally impressed by what the product does. You've seen me do it with Olay and Damires Hills Resort because I believe in the product and impressed with the place.

Don't take my words solely, it's best if you experience it yourself.

How to Hide the Facebook Ticker

Facebook is known for making unnecessary changes - at least for the normal users. The most recent (and hopefully the last, at least let this year end without any more changes, please?) change that the social networking site has done is the Facebook Ticker which literally ticks people off. It's purpose is to simply tick you off. :) Seriously, the redesigned Facebook's Ticker 

...lets you see all your friends' activity in real-time. When you hover over an item on ticker, you can see the full story and join the conversation as it happens. Ticker updates itself as stories happen. This gives you a more complete picture of what your friends are doing, right now.

There's no escaping from this feature. You may resize it but Facebook doesn't give you the liberty to minimize it. 

You can't close ticker, but you can make it smaller by moving the horizontal bar between ticker and chat. Slide the bar up to hide ticker and make your chat list longer. Pull the bar down to show more of the ticker and hide chat.

You may, however, hide it. 

Hiding the Facebook Ticker in Chrome and Firefox

In Chrome, all you need to do is install the Hide Facebook SideBar Ticker extension. Once installed, close your Chrome browser and login once again to your Facebook account and bam, no more annoying Facebook Ticker!

In Firefox, you will need to install a user script. To do so, first install the Greasemonkey add-on and then install this user script. When prompted, restart Firefox and the ticker will be gone. Do note that this user script removes the entire right column of Facebook, including the ticker, event invitations, ads, sponsored stories, friends' photos, and so on.

There you go, hope you enjoy a Facebook Ticker-less Facebook! 

Being an Enemy of Debt

“Promises make debt, and debt makes promises.”

-Dutch Proverb

Perhaps one of the most precious gifts one could ever give to oneself, his family and his posterity is to become debt-free. Every person's situation may be different from the others and some may find it a little more difficult than others. However, things will start to change as your perspective and decisions do. 

If you and your family have been spending and borrowing money like crazy, perhaps give yourself a gift of being debt-free before the year ends. Instead of trying to scroll down a long list of gifts you wish to have or give your loved ones for Christmas or a very special occasion, why not give them and yourself a gift that is much more important - that is being debt free. 

It may not be easy, but it's definitely worth it. It may not be fancy, but the happiness and peace that you will feel would definitely be priceless. 

Now before I start sounding so idealistic, I admit we had a few share of debts in the past too. My father died at the age of 44 that we were left with debts and eventually a pile of a few more debts. It was difficult for us to pay those debts because my mom didn't really have a white-collar job or a stable income and I was studying during that time. Everyday was a struggle to survive and it seems like the only way to do so is to be in debt. 

The feeling is depending so much in debt just to survive was killing me that I decided that once I get a job after college, I would work hard to paying them off. At first it was tempting not to pay them because the money I earned could have been spent on things I never had and always wanted in the past. But that is not the design that leads to guilt-free and happy life. Right there and then and decided that I want to be debt-free and that the priceless feeling it gives is much more important that the fleeting pleasure the material things I could buy with the money I should have spent paying my debts. Since we had a meager budget enough only for our daily expenses, we had little wants in life as well and that makes it much easier for us to pay off our debt. We're not the type of people who would pay off one debt with another. We didn't want to be in the same path again so as soon as I had enough money from my savings, me and my mom decided to pay off all of our debts. Below are just some of the steps you may want to consider following so you too can start living  a debt and worry-free life.

1. Save. Save. Save

While it may sound basic, saving is still the first step that one should take to become debt-free. Where else would you expect to get the money to pay off your debts but in your savings? If you're still unsure on how you could save some money, my frugal mom has given me some tips on how to save effectively. 

2. Set a goal daily, weekly, monthly and eventually debt-free.

The battle and struggle to become debt-free has never been so important than it is now. Even great countries such as Greece are struggling with their debts but this does not mean you cannot succeed in it. The journey towards becoming debt-free would not start unless you start making goals. I remember me and my mom would sit together and discuss as to which debt do we pay off first. Just because you have a lot debts doesn't mean you have to pay them all at once. You can start paying off the ones that have been long due or maybe the smallest ones first - you decide whichever do you think is much easier for you to pay. 

3. Debt is your enemy

It is very important to abstain from any other debts during and even after paying your debts. Simple, consider debt as you enemy. Never has it become your ally. Its goal is to put you into a modern slavery that would forever put you into misery. Sell your assets if you must, reduce your expenses to cater to your basic needs and put off the wants. There are several ways to get to that road of debt-free life. 

You just need to start it now. 

Thank You EnemyofDebt.com for the Financial Peace University Kit (FPU)

Brad of EnemyofDebt.com celebrated his 3rd year anniversary last May 2011 with reader appreciation give-away and I was so blessed to be the Financial Peace University Kit Bundle Giveaway Winner and here's what I got on the package that I received last Friday!!! 

Thank you so much Brad for the great books that will definitely become great resources as I live a debt-free life :) Thanks to Sir Remy Ocampo for sending it over and making sure it the package arrives safely to me, you both rock!

Financial Peace University Membership Kit by Dave Ramsey (lifetime membership to ANY FPU!)

The “I’m Debt Free” Game

More Than Enough – The 10 keys to changing your financial destiny by Dave Ramsey

The Money Answer Book – Quick Answers to your everyday financial questions by Dave Ramsey

Priceless – Straight-shooting, no-frills financial wisdom by Dave Ramsey

Do More While the Sun Shines DaveRamsey.com t-shirt

Lead Without Limits DaveRamsey.com t-shirt

and of course the IH8 DEBT Bumper Stickers! 

 IH8 DEBT Bumper Stickers

 The Money Answer Book – Quick Answers to your everyday financial questions by Dave Ramsey

More Than Enough – The 10 keys to changing your financial destiny by Dave Ramsey

Priceless – Straight-shooting, no-frills financial wisdom by Dave Ramsey

 Financial Peace University Membership Kit by Dave Ramsey

I hope that we could all live a debt-free life. It may not be easy, but nothing is too difficult either.

I will be sharing things that I will learn from Dave Ramsey soon!