As people begin to plan and start vacations as the summer months approach there are some things that you should think about with regards to preparing your home for when you leave. Make sure that your neighbors know that you are going on vacation and how long you will be gone. Ask a neighbor keep an eye on your home and grab your mail and newspaper for you so that they don’t pile up. You can also put your lights on timers so that it looks like you are home. Another thing that does help and probably over looked is trimming back your landscaping so that there are less places for people to hide. Something else you could do is spending the money on a live in house sitter. At least this way someone will be there if anything goes wrong.

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One of the unfortunate side-effects of technological improvement in communication is that unscrupulous criminals can now victimize innocent people in both physical and electronic ways. You need to be alert for both kinds of harm in order to protect yourself from damages.

Physical Mail Fraud

Mail fraud involves the use of the federal postal or communication systems in order to carry out an attempt to defraud innocent persons. In mail order fraud the victim (as buyer) has provided money to an alleged seller, say, through themail or that the underlying order will be fulfilled for delivery via the US Postal Service. In the event that no delivery ensues, then a case for mail order fraud forms.

It’s critical that the victim provides mail fraud reporting to local post office officials so that they can turn the matter over to their mail fraud investigative unit, which aggressively pursues convictions where evidence supports such an action. In a typical mail fraud report, the US Post Office investigative team catalogues the documents supporting the underlying fraud scheme. The documents will be used in order to prove the intent to defraud.

Suspicious Packages

If you receive a suspicious letter or package that you do not recognize or it doesn’t have a return address, follow these safety precautions:

1. Handle the package or envelope with extreme care; don’t shake or bump it.
2. Isolate it immediately. Move it to a secure place, away from people and pets.
3. Do not open, smell or touch it. If you notice a powder or residue, don’t taste it; immediately wash your hands and other body parts that may have been exposed with soap and water.
4. Contact your local sheriff or police department.

If you suspect a package or other container may be a bomb, evacuate the premises immediately. If you suspect radiological, biological or chemical exposure, do not handle the object. Shield yourself, other people and pets from further exposure by evacuating the area immediately. Do not try to resolve the problem yourself by disposing of, disarming or otherwise trying to reduce the threat of the unknown object. Special police and fire teams are highly trained for this kind of activity and should be called right away.

Electronic Mail Fraud

Email fraud reflects unauthorized entry into personal or corporate networks, taking over an email address and then sending out messages purporting to be from the true owner operator of that email account or address. Email fraud typically originates as a request for service or a query regarding outgoing email messages. In certain instances an email is associated with identity theft. The key to unraveling an email fraud is to establish a “back tracking” electronically, where the procedure includes either reading the hard drive of the corrupted PC or via internet “cookies” which record the steps taken and origins of the email fraud perpetrator.

To avoid becoming an email fraud victim and to ensure potential convictions to those persons who would defraud you, you need to install security system software or utilize encryption software to deflect email fraud attacks. The success of email fraud depends entirely on commandeering your passwords, logons, PIN numbers, or other access codes which you may have casually left open.

Other email frauds are direct and personal, more like physical mail fraud. In these cases someone claiming to be from an entity you usually trust (your bank, doctor, school, etc.) sends you a request or reminder that asks you for personal information. NEVER send your social security number, bank account information or any other private, personal information to anyone by email without making sure the request is legitimate and the line secure. Less insidious, but more seductive, are emails from someone promising you a prize, money, a free trip that “you may have already won”—if only you’ll send back private information, money or other people’s email addresses. DON’T BE FOOLED!

Children, teens and the elderly are favorite targets for this kind of fraud, so make sure that everyone in your household who uses email is aware of how to be careful and alert in any of their online activities.
Enjoy safe communication by staying alert and being cautious in both the physical and the electronic worlds.

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I was doing some research and thought that you may find this interesting,

According to the FBI, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation. (September 2011). Crime in the United States, 2010. Retrieved (03-06-2012), from (http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2010/crime-in-the-u.s.-2010/tables/10tbl23.xls), states that in 2010,

• Robbery: Commercial House (a non dwelling unit) 39,705 offences, of all robberies 13.2% consist of Commercial House’s with an average loss of property valued at $1,858.
• Burglary: Non-residence (store, office, etc.) 495,749 offences, of all burglaries 26.1% consist of non-resident locations. With an average loss of property valued at $2,070.
• Larceny-theft: Buildings, 607,927 offences, of all thefts 11.3% consist of thefts from buildings, with an average loss of property valued at $1,406.

 

Gaylord Security is one of the largest authorized dealers for ADT in the world today. ADT has been providing business security for over 130 years and presently monitors more businesses than all other security companies combined. ADT helps protect you through 5 channels of protection, and these include:

• Burglary and Crime Prevention- The first layer of prevention is your exterior perimeter. By placing signs and stickers outside your business helps to prevent criminals from targeting you.
• Police- There is a button on your keypad that is designed for emergency response. Note: you do not have to wait for a break in to occur to alert the police. If there are situations of people loitering or suspicious activity, that could be enough to trigger you to summon the police.
• Medical- There is also a button on your key pad that will alert a medical response in cases of a medical emergency.
• Fire- Also on the key pad is a button for your local fire department. Even if you cannot get to your key pad in the event of a fire, as soon as our smoke detectors go off a signal will be sent from ADT to your local fire department and help is on the way.
• Ambush- The only way to get around your security system is if someone forcibly has you turn off the system. If someone is waiting for you when you arrive at your door and orders you to disarm the security system, no one will know your situation. However, ADT is going to provide you with a simple code that visibly turns off the system while in reality it is signaling ADT that you are in a hostage situation. At this point, you are priority one and ADT is alerting all proper authorities to come to your rescue.

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Unfortunately, we hear all too often about children getting their hands on guns or at the very least coming in contact with them. There are too many stories about kids bringing guns or weapons to schools. Devastating consequences have occurred because of children not being educated enough and have access to these weapons.

A father in Castle Rock decided that enough was enough. After all the horrifying stories about children being hurt or killed he decided to take an idea of a gun safety program to his children’s school. The administration embraced the idea and the father worked with an existing program that was developed by the National Rifle Association.

The program did not take a stand on gun ownership but it simple taught children what they should do if they ever came in contact with a gun. The program has come up with a very simple slogan for a child to remember: “Stop, don’t touch, leave the area and tell and adult!”

I know for myself, I’m now interested to inquire at my children’s school to see if there is such a program in place and if not I want to get involved to create one. Gun ownership is really not the issue. Its keeping our children educated and safe when it comes to them.

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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I thought it would be important to give you some safety tips. If you decide to light candles, make sure you put them out before leaving the house or going to bed. Also, make sure you know if the person you are spending valentines day with isn’t allergic to certain flowers, food, or chocolate. It is also important to note that rose thorns can cause minor injuries and lilies are not good to have around if there are pets in the house.

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Parenting wired kids can be difficult—especially if you didn’t grow up with the same technologies. The Internet is an increasingly important place for children to learn, work and play. But it also presents challenges for parents, teens and younger children, especially considering the anonymity that can disguise users in cyberspace. You can help your child avoid online pornography and encounters with predators, hackers and others who would exploit children by establishing rules for Internet use, and making sure the rules are enforced.

General tips for parents:

• Learn everything you can about the Internet. Have your children show you the sites they visit, learn chat room lingo and acronyms that chatters use (see list below). Know what other Internet functionality your child may have access to like instant messaging, chat, e-mail and other text messaging. (Visit www.cybertipline.com for a quick lesson.)
• Establish approved Internet time and territory. Make it clear to children what sites they can and cannot visit, what hours they may use Internet, and with whom they may communicate.
• Keep the computer in a common area of the home, such as a living room or family room, where adults can easily monitor online activity.
• Discuss the importance of telling you or a trusted adult if something ever makes your child or teen feel scared, uncomfortable or confused while online.
• Consider safeguarding options like site blocking, filtering and monitoring. Enter these keywords into any search engine to learn more about software and browser settings that can help you control where children and teens go online. Know how to set parental controls and check the browser’s history files.
• Show your children how to turn off the monitor when something makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.
• Make sure you are aware of any other places your child may be using the Internet, such as a friend’s house or the library.
• Talk to your children about what personal information is and why they should never give it out.

 E-mail safety: 

• Check the e-mail your children receive for appropriate content. All too often, e-mail addresses are “harvested” by unscrupulous marketers; the resulting “spam” messages frequently contain adult content.
• NEVER post your child’s e-mail address in any directory.
• Don’t “unsubscribe” on unwanted, un-requested or unsolicited e-mail. Don’t sign up for free offers (remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is!).
• Don’t forward e-mails to everyone in your address book.
• Make sure children only exchange email with people they know and only use chat areas you supervise.

 Tips for children and teens:

Print these requirements and post them near the computer in your home after discussing them with your family: 

• Don’t give out personal information: name, age, address, telephone number, parent/guardian’s name, and school name/address.
• Do not respond to mean, offensive, threatening or unwanted email or instant messaging.
• Choose a screen name that doesn’t identify you as a young boy or girl.
• Don’t share your password with anyone (except a parent/guardian)-not even your best friend.
• NEVER agree to meet with someone you don’t know. Remember, people online MAY NOT be who they say they are.
• Tell your parents, a teacher or trusted adult if you read or see something online that makes you uncomfortable or if someone threatens you or suggests you meet.

Here is an excellent resource that offers free, multimedia Internet safety presentations tailored for specific audiences – parents and communities, tweens, teens, and younger children. www.netsmartz.org

Internet Chat Acronyms:

AFAIK As far as I know

AFK Away from keyboard

ASL Age? Sex? Location?

BB Bathroom break

BF Boyfriend

BRB Be right back

CUL8R or CULR See you later

HW Homework

IDC I don’t care

KOTC Kiss on the cheek

LOL Laugh out loud

LYL Love you lots

LYLAS or LYLAB Love you like a sister (or brother)

OMG Oh, my God

POS Parent over shoulder

SN Screen name

TMI Too much information

Vigilance is your most important defense against Internet danger—pay attention to what your children are doing online and make sure they know you’re there!

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Children, the elderly and people with physical disabilities have the greatest risk of experiencing a fall and also of suffering a serious injury as a result. But you don’t have to be a child, a senior or a disabled person to feel suddenly dizzy or weak and therefore suffer a fall. Anyone can fall because of carelessness, stress, poor vision, or a loss of balance due to the side-effects of drugs or alcohol. While the actual fall may result in nothing more than a bruise or slight cut, falling against a hot stove or hitting one’s head against a hard object can cause a serious injury.

The statistics are alarming: every five hours one older person is killed by an accidental fall in the home. Thousands are seriously injured every year – for many this leads to a long term reduction in their quality of life. Also, injury from falls is a common reason for children to be admitted to the hospital, with children under 9-years-old being the most susceptible to accidental falling and resulting injuries.

With awareness and pre-planning, most of these falls can be avoided. It makes sense to follow some simple safety precautions no matter who lives in your household:

• Install sturdy handrails on both sides of staircases.
• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent toddlers from climbing up and falling down the steps.
• Open windows from the top, not the bottom, to keep children from falling out; screens are not strong enough to hold even small children.
• If you suffer from osteoporosis or have an unsteady gait from multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or any other disorder, use a walker or a cane for added support.
• Install grab bars in tubs, in showers, and near the toilet. Use nonskid rubber mats or rubber stickers in bathtubs and shower stalls.
• Mark the bottom step with high-visibility tape, different color paint, or some other highly visual marking.
• Install photocell night-lights in your hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and near the staircase so they light automatically when it is dark.
• Remove scatter rugs or be certain they are securely taped to the floor or have a nonskid backing. Air-dry bath mats so the rubber backing doesn’t crack.
• Clear staircases of toys, shoes or other clutter.
• Wear shoes and slippers with non-slip soles; don’t walk up or down stairs in stocking feet.
• Wipe up all spills immediately. A dab of butter, a grape or a wet piece of lettuce can turn a floor into an ice rink, with potentially disastrous results.
• Relocate or tape down extension cords and telephone cords that might make someone trip.
• Be sure all floor surfaces are not slippery. After washing them, block them off from traffic until they are totally dry.
• Window guards should be installed in children’s bedrooms and other rooms where children spend time. Window stops that permit windows to open no more than four inches are alternatives. Keep furniture at least three feet away from windows. Remember: a screen is not a support device; it can pop out and allow the child to fall.
• Install an ADT Home Security System with Two-Way Voice, so that if you or someone inside your home falls, you will be able to speak with an ADT emergency dispatcher from almost any room in the house in order to get the help you need quickly.

Don’t forget to make consistent efforts to avoid falls that can happen outside the house. Especially in winter during icy and wet conditions, make sure walkways and driveways are clean and salted—keep sand, salt or cat litter near every doorway in case extra traction is needed. When carrying bulky packages or bags, never block your line of sight! Make more trips with fewer bundles and be slower, but safer. In all seasons, be sure to wear appropriate footwear for your outdoor activities—it’s particularly easy to sprain or twist a foot or ankle on pavement, outdoor stairways or city brickwork, so be prepared with safe shoes even when your destination calls for something more formal. (You won’t look any better in a cast!)

When your outdoor activity includes bike riding, be sure to wear a bike helmet to help to protect your head and brain from injury. Bike helmets are very important for both children and adults. Also, be sure to wear a helmet, wrist pads, elbow pads and knee pads to protect against injury while roller-blading or skate-boarding.

Whether indoors or outside, always take time to assess your surroundings and make sure of your safe footing and balance. Don’t take unnecessary risks just because you’re in a hurry or distracted.

For young or old, healthy or frail, a little caution goes a long way toward preventing the many injuries that can be caused by accidental falls.

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As the days grow shorter and the weather grows colder, some criminals take a rest; during late fall and early winter, assaults and car thefts typically show a marked decrease. However, the incidence of shoplifting and identity theft increases sharply. Winter criminals simply can’t wait to get their hands on those shopping bags you look away from when you reach for your keys. And they’re on the lookout for any chance to get hold of your ATM card, your credit card numbers, your wallet or your jewelry. What they’re hoping is that in the bustle and rush of activity, you’ll stop paying attention just long enough for them to give themselves a holiday treat—YOUR STUFF!

Studies show that the frequency of crime, as well as the type of crime likely to be committed, has a lot to do with the weather. For instance, the fewest burglaries occur in winter—though some professional robbers do use the cover of earlier and longer dark to mask their crimes. And vandalism typically runs rampant in the fall. During spring, most people turn their thoughts to love–of each other, their gardens, the warm air—but many criminals turn their thoughts and actions toward simple assault! Spring is a great time for weddings and a good time for the bad guys to practice random brutality. In summer, crime really heats up: this is when most violent crimes, including rape and murder, tend to be committed.

How can we use this information? It can remind us to be aware of our surroundings no matter what the time of year or color of the sky may be.

Sure, summer slows down our defenses—we leave windows and doors open, wear lighter clothing, may not always have a phone with us, and might relax outside with a drink or two–not thinking that our lighter security creates an opportunity for crime.
And in winter we’re so wrapped up in our hats and scarves, rushing from place to escape the cold, that we barely notice what’s around us—much of our peripheral vision and our attention have been put on hold until the thaw!

Spring can be so beautiful that it fills many people with a kind of euphoria–making them drop their guard and trust when they should probably be suspicious. And fall is just cool enough and still bright enough for mischief-makers and low-level criminals to have autumn fun vandalizing our property, despoiling our cars and trampling our yards…all while we unsuspecting victims are indoors with our mulled cider and apple pie!

Here are some reminders about winter holiday safety:

• If you’re going away make sure you lock all your doors and windows, buy timers for lights around the home to make it look like you’re in when you’re out, and get a neighbor to keep an eye on your house. .
•  If you’ll be gone for more than a few days, have the post office hold your mail until you return.
• Keep presents and other valuables away from windows and out of sight. Once gifts have been opened, break up any packaging before you put it out with the recycling, so that thieves can’t see what you’ve got.
• Mark any gadgets you receive this year (i.e., mobile phones, computers, electrical items, and bicycles) with an indelible personal sign (NOT your phone or social security number!) you will recognize. In the event of theft, this helps police catch criminals and return your property to you.
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Whenever possible, take advantage of valet parking and escort services to and from large parking lots, malls, work sites, etc.
• Don’t obscure your vision or impede your walking progress by carrying too many packages at one time.
• Secure your money and identification in inner pockets or inside safely secured bags or briefcases—the convenience of having your money in an outside pocket of your coat isn’t worth the risk of losing it to a robber!
• Remember to wear skid-proof, appropriate footwear if you’ll be walking to work or a holiday gathering—save the dress shoes for indoors! This will not only ensure your safety against slips and falls, but will also equip you to run from danger if you need to.
• While you’re out, remember that too much alcohol can make you vulnerable, and seriously impair your judgment, so if you don’t drink responsibly you’re more at risk of becoming a victim of crime.
• Make arrangements to get home safely and don’t risk drink or drug driving:

Remember that a safe season is a happy season and enjoy—whatever the weather!

safety tips, seasonal crimes, staying safe during the holidays

Home safety often times involves more than just alarm systems for the home. Most parents and grandparents are aware of the need to child-proof their home. It is simple, common sense and we all do it, the baby starts crawling and we start child-proofing. We put up the stair guard and we put the covers on the outlets, we put the glass objects out of reach and we may even child-proof the cabinet doors. But what else do we need to do, keeping in mind that children are climbers, runners and investigators!

• You have some serious poisons in the house: your pharmaceuticals, your cleaning products, your paint and detergents. These are not just in your kitchen cabinets or bathroom cabinets – they are in your garage and laundry room as well. Put everything that could cause harm to the skin or body if ingested, well out of reach.
• Teach your children the basic rules of electricity. Some examples: never use metal objects to remove toast from the toaster, and electrical equipment must not be used near or fall into the water.
• Pots on the stove are an obvious hazard, so always educate your children about hot pots and keep the handles out of reach. Also remember that the fireplace can be a hazard as well as the outdoor fireplace and grill.
• This tip has to do with security, and it is vitally important. Install a bolt at adult height on the front and back doors and keep the doors bolted. You don’t want your child to run out of the house when you’re not looking, or open the door for a stranger.
• Finally, teach your child how to use the phone in case of an emergency. You want them to know their address, how and when to dial 911, and how to call a trusted friend. They need to know when each type of call is appropriate.
• Keep in mind also that some alarm systems for the home have a function that allows children to contact the police.

We recommend that every parent and grandparent add these precautions to the normal child-proofing procedures, and then let the babies have fun and play… in safety.

alarm systems for the home, child proofing, child safety

Identity theft is the fastest-growing financial crime in the U.S. and perhaps the fastest growing crime of any kind in the country.  In 2009, there were 11.1 million identity theft cases in the U.S., a $54 billion crime.  Identity theft is serious.  While some victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record.  Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports.  In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit.

What is identity theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.  The crime takes many forms.  Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name.  You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make—or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.

How do thieves steal an identity?

For identity thieves, personally identifying information is as good as gold.  Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to get hold of your information, including:

•  Dumpster Diving: They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.

• Skimming: They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.

• Phishing: They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.

•   Changing Your Address: They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.

• Old-Fashioned Stealing: They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information.  They steal personnel records, or they bribe employees who have access.

• Pretexting: They use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies and other sources.

What do thieves do with a stolen identity?

Once they have your personal information, identity thieves use it in a variety of ways.

Credit card fraud:

• They may open new credit card accounts in your name.  When they use the cards and don’t pay the bills, the delinquent accounts appear on your credit report.

• They may change the billing address on your credit card so that you no longer receive bills, and then run up charges on your account.  Because your bills are now sent to a different address, it may be some time before you realize there’s a problem.

Phone or utilities fraud:

• They may open a new phone or wireless account in your name, or run up charges on your existing account.

•   They may use your name to get utility services like electricity, heating, or cable TV.

Bank/finance fraud:

• They may create counterfeit checks using your name or account number.

•   They may open a bank account in your name and write bad checks.

• They may clone your ATM or debit card and make electronic withdrawals your name, draining your accounts.

•   They may take out a loan in your name.

Government documents fraud:

• They may get a driver’s license or official ID card issued in your name but with their picture.

• They may use your name and Social Security number to get government benefits.

•  They may file a fraudulent tax return using your information.

Other fraud:

• They may get a job using your Social Security number.

• They may rent a house or get medical services using your name.

•   They may give your personal information to police during an arrest. If they don’t show up for their court date, a warrant for arrest is issued in your name.

How can you find out if your identity was stolen?

Monitor your accounts and bank statements each month, and check your credit report on a regular basis.  If you check your credit report regularly, you may be able to limit the damage caused by identity theft.  Unfortunately, many consumers learn that their identity has been stolen after some damage has been done.

• You may find out when bill collection agencies contact you for overdue debts you never incurred.

•   You may find out when you apply for a mortgage or car loan and learn that problems with your credit history are holding up the loan.

•   You may find out when you get something in the mail about an apartment you never rented, a house you never bought, or a job you never held.

What should you do if your identity is stolen?

Filing a police report, checking your credit reports, notifying creditors, and disputing any unauthorized transactions are some of the steps you must take immediately to restore your good name.

Should you file a police report if your identity is stolen?

The police report that provides specific details of the identity theft is an Identity Theft Report, which entitles you to certain legal rights when it is provided to the three major credit reporting agencies or to companies where the thief misused your information.  An Identity Theft Report can be used to permanently block fraudulent information that results from identity theft from appearing on your credit report.  It will also make sure these debts do not reappear on your credit reports.  Identity Theft Reports can prevent a company from continuing to collect debts that result from identity theft, or selling them to others for collection.  An Identity Theft Report is also needed to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report.

How long can the effects of identity theft last?
It’s difficult to predict how long the effects of identity theft may linger.  It depends on many factors including the type of theft, whether the thief sold or passed your information on to other thieves, whether the thief is caught, and problems related to correcting your credit report.  Victims of identity theft should monitor financial records for several months after they discover the crime.  Victims should review their credit reports once every three months in the first year of the theft, and once a year thereafter.

• Stay alert for other signs of identity theft.

•   Don’t delay in correcting your records and contacting all companies that opened fraudulent accounts.

•   Make the initial contact by phone, even though you will normally need to follow up in writing.  The longer the inaccurate information goes uncorrected, the longer it will take to resolve the problem.

What can you do to help fight identity theft?
Awareness is an effective weapon against many forms identity theft.  Armed with the knowledge of how to protect yourself and take action, you can make identity thieves’ jobs much more difficult.  You can also help fight identity theft by educating your friends, family and members of your community.  The FTC has prepared a collection of easy-to-use materials about identity theft to help inform people about this serious crime.  To learn more, see ftc.gov (Federal Trade Commission: Protecting America’s Consumers)

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