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Identity Theft:::
Identity theft is when an unauthorized person uses your personal information to assume your identity to commit crimes like fraud and stealing. When someone steals your identity that can wipe out your bank account, establish utilities such as phone service, contact your creditor and change the mailing address, apply for and receive loans in your name and on your credit report and open new lines of credit with lending facilities or other credit card companies.
To prevent identity theft you should: Use passwords on all credit card, bank and phone accounts; Never keep PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse; Never give out your personal information over the telephone or internet unless you initiated the contact or you know for sure who you are dealing with; Never give out your social security number except as may be absolutely necessary; Never carry your social security card; Never use your social security number as your drivers license number, request an assigned random number; Always periodically check your credit report with each of the three major credit bureaus.
Be sure that all internet connections are secure https:/ before conducting business with a company using your credit cards. Be sure to update your virus protection regularly on your home computer. If possible it is recommended that you use some type of firewall protection on your home computer.
For additional information, please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-438-4338 or visit them online at www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
Property Crimes/Protecting Your Property:::
In almost half of all residential burglaries, thieves get into your home through an unlocked door or window. Make sure that every exterior window and door has a deadbolt lock. All sliding glass doors should have a wooden or metal rod placed in the inside track to jam the door. Don’t hide keys in planters, under doormats, mailboxes or other objects near the door. Leave an extra key with someone that you trust and you could go to in case you lock yourself out.
If you have moved into a new home, have the locks re-keyed. The best locks are not effective on thin or flimsy exterior doors. All exterior doors should be solid wood or metal. Make sure doors fit securely in their frames and that the hinges are on the inside. Install a wide-angle viewer in every entry door so that you can see who is there without opening the door.
Burglars many times look for certain homes that are better targets than others. To better protect your home from opportunity, consider the following:
- Keep your yard well maintained and newspapers picked up at all times.
- Keep shrubbery trimmed back so that it does not block the view of windows and doors from the street.
- Light porches, yards and entrances.
- Motion sensor lighting is best or lighting with timers to burn continually throughout the night.
- Keep your house number clearly displayed so that emergency services can identify your home.
- Keep some interior lights and radios on timers to create the illusion that someone is at home.
If you have items of great value or live in a remote or isolated area, then a home alarm system is an excellent choice. Alarms are not fool proof and care should be taken when selecting a company to install a system in your home.
Always make a record on the serial number of all items of value and take photographs of them. Place these numbers and the photographs in a safe place like a safety deposit box. Stolen items can not be listed in the state or national databases without some type of serial or owner applied number. If an item of value does not have a serial number, please contact the Sheriff’s Office to learn more about the owner applied number requirements.
Travel Safety Tips:::
Contact your local law enforcement agency about your travel plans and how you may be reached in the event of an emergency. Ask them to check on your home while you are away. Let relatives know your itinerary. Make arrangements for someone to check your house while you are away and be responsible for your home alarm system, if you have one. Place a stop on your mail and newspaper deliveries. Make sure your yard is mowed while you are away.
Plan ahead. Allow extra time for all travel events. Remember that increased security measures take longer times at airports. You should arrive at least one hour before flight time. Contact the airlines for items that are not allowed.
Don’t carry too many credit cards. Take only cards that are necessary for the trip. Do not carry your social security card. A photo identification card, like your drivers license will be needed for many travel situations. Be sure that your social security number does not appear on your drivers license or other forms of identification. Keep emergency contact numbers for your credit cards in a separate location so that you can call them in the event they are stolen.
Watch out for staged mishaps, like someone bumping into you or spilling a drink. Often it’s a ploy to divert your attention while a pick-pocket grabs your wallet or other valuables.
Carry your purse close to your body, or your wallet in an inside front pocket. Consider wearing a money pouch under your clothes.
Never leave your bags unattended or behind your back where you cannot see them.
Keep a separate record of the contents of your checked luggage. Keep anything of value in a carry-on that stays with you.
Avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewelry, and luggage that might draw attention. Your aim should be to blend in with the crowd.