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This
Month's Focus:
Reporting a Loss
 Over
the years, I’ve spent a lot of time teaching, researching and
writing about the latest scams, cons and schemes. I’ve shared
volumes of information on protecting your home, traveling safely
and safeguarding yourself against thieves, conmen and bad guys.
However, as important as it is to know how to avoid being a
victim, it’s equally as crucial to know what steps to take if
your personal information is compromised due to a loss or theft.
Whether it be a loss or a theft, there is a
specific set of steps that needs to be taken to protect your
information. These steps are effective whether you’re reporting
the loss of a laptop or a wallet.
1. After the
usual retracing of steps and notifying third parties such as
hotels and cab companies, immediately report the loss to the
local police department where the loss occurred. When making the
report, make sure you have as much detailed information to pass
along to the authorities as possible. This includes item
descriptions, brand, model and serial numbers, if applicable. If
the loss includes electronics such as computers, cameras, cell
phones, etc., remember that any insurance claim you make will
always require a police report.
2. If the
loss includes credit, bank or atm cards, immediately notify your
bank and card companies. You are not liable for charges that you
did not incur as long as you report the loss within a reasonable
time. Check the theft and loss policies of your bank and credit
card companies.
3. Losing a
laptop, PDA or smart phone is particularly unnerving due to the
amount of personal information that they usually contain. If
this occurs, change your email, financial, work and purchasing
passwords and account settings as soon as possible. These
passwords are like keys to your personal information. If you
lose your keys, change the locks.
4. If in the
event that your personal and financial information is accessible
to a stranger or even a thief, assume that your data has been
compromised. Although you can’t change all of your banking as
easily as changing passwords, you can monitor your credit for
any anomalies. You can either pay a service for you, or you can
choose to save a few bucks and do it yourself. Every credit
bureau must legally offer one free credit report per year.
Additional reports come at a cost. Many take advantage of these
free reports by rotating the free credit applications at each of
the bureaus every few months.
Whether you are the victim of theft or you just
inadvertently left your smart phone in the cab on the way to the
airport, it’s never easy to accept that someone else has your
stuff let alone your personal, financial or business
information. Before you’re forced to face the trauma of dealing
with a loss, know in advance what your options are, and where to
turn for support and help in getting your information back in
order.
Previous
Articles:
Holiday Shopping Safety Tips
 It’s
that time of year again. The days are shorter, the weather is
turning colder and the music heard at the mall are songs
like “Santa Baby” and “White Christmas.” Bad guys are out and
about year-round, but it’s during this time that they know
people have their minds on other things and not on what is
important, safeguarding themselves.
Before you head out
with credit cards in hand, here are a few timely tips that may
keep the Grinch or anyone else from stealing your Christmas
joy.
1.
When keeping packages in your car, place them in the trunk
or in an enclosed area and out of sight. Nothing says “steal me”
more than a bag from a high-end electronics store on the front
passenger seat.
2.
This time of year sees us participating in that
ever-so-enjoyable parking lot ballet for a space close to the
door. That much coveted space may not only more convenient but
safer for you and your valuables. There aren’t many people close
enough to pay attention to a couple of suspicious lads trying
the doors of a car parked way at the bottom of the lot. Consider
giving yourself those few extra minutes to find a spot close to
the door or at least under bright light.
3.
Ladies, consider carrying your purse or handbag under
your winter coat. A thief or purse snatcher can’t steal what he
can’t see. If you carry your handbag outside of your coat,
consider a purse with a sturdy strap and a good zipper closure
and KEEP IT CLOSED. A running bad guy needs only a second to get
your cash, credit cards, ID, etc.
4.
Recently, there was a rash of thefts at a local grocery store
chain of wallets and personal items that were left unattended in
the seats of shopping carts. The thieves were eventually caught
but only after victimizing a dozen people. Ladies, never leave
your purse unattended. Walk through any supermarket and you will
inevitably see a woman not only leave her purse open and in the
seat of the cart but turn her back on it or walk away to
retrieve an item. In my career as a police officer, I’ve taken
countless theft reports from victims who told me “I was only
gone for a second.” That’s all it takes.
5.
Men, consider carrying your wallet in your front pants
pocket or inside coat pocket. Pick-pockets don’t like to get
personal or face-to-face.
6.
When using your card at the ATM or the checkout, block the
keypad with your body or free hand to keep someone behind or
beside you from getting your PIN number. A favorite scam of
thieves is using a cell phone camera to take a picture of the
numbers on the front of a credit card while memorizing the PIN
as it is entered. They now have all they need to go shopping
courtesy of the victim.
7.
When walking in the mall or in the store parking lots,
Avoid being too encumbered. Someone weighed down with lots of
packages makes a good victim. When walking to your car, always
have year keys ready. Statistics show that 85% of crimes that
occur at a shopping area happen in the parking lot. Having your
keys in hand limits your time in the lot. Follow your instincts.
If you are uncomfortable about walking to your car, ask security
for an escort. That’s what they are there for.
8.
Try to avoid using mall and store restrooms. Many are
victims of theft who set their packages down on the floor of the
stall. Snatching bags from the adjacent stall is quick and easy.
It’s not so easy to chase your stolen bags from that sitting
position. Same rule applies to dressing rooms as well.
9.
After making your purchase, never keep the receipt in the bag.
If your purchase is lost or stolen, so is your proof of buying
that item along with your credit card information in some cases.
10.
Most credit card data capture devices are now set up so that
they do not print your card number on the receipt. Some
merchants, however, still use older machines that print out the
entire card number. Notorious for this are many restaurants,
especially Chinese eateries. If the “Merchant Copy” has your
credit card number printed on it, never leave it unattended at
the table when you leave.
11.
Lastly, know the store’s return and gift card policies. Some
places charge a hefty restocking fee on items returned. Also,
that $50 gift card may only be worth $35 six months from now.
Although these things may not be crimes, if you get stung, they
sure will feel like it!
Have a happy
and crime-free holiday!
Halloween Can Be Spooky
Without Safety Being Scary
 Halloween
is a time of costumed witches and ghouls collecting candy and
treats. Whether your trick-or-treaters are stalking the
neighborhood or attending a community party, there are a few
things to remember to help kids stay safe and secure. We’ve
heard many of these before as these tips are timeless but once
again, child safety never gets old.
What Parents Should Know:
1.)
When picking a costume for your child or making one at home,
ensure that it fits properly. Pants, dresses and capes that are
too big present a tripping hazard.
2.)
If the costumes are dark in color, consider placing a reflective
tape and a flashing light on the sides or back so your child can
be seen in the dark and reflect in a vehicle’s headlights. Those
bend-to-activate, disposable light sticks work great.
3.)
If a costume comes with a mask, make sure that your child can
see clearly through the eye holes and that they have good
peripheral vision as well.
4.)
If your child is carrying a prop such as a knife, scythe, etc.,
make sure that those items are soft or flexible enough that if
fallen on, will not cause any injury. Metal or home-made wooden
props are usually a bad idea.
5.)
Plan the trick-or-treat route with your child and make sure that
they stick to it.
6.)
Provide your child with a flashlight containing a new set of
batteries.
7.)
Small children should never be permitted to go out alone.
8.)
When accompanying children, have a cell phone to use in the
event of an emergency or problem.
9.)
Consider giving your kids a filling pre-trick-or-treat meal.
This may keep them filled enough with the good stuff so they’re
not tempted to snack on the goodies along the way.
What
Kids Need to Know:
1.)
Never eat any of the candy until an adult is able to inspect the
treats.
2.)
Whenever possible, stay in a group and avoid going
trick-or-treating alone.
3.)
If alone, never go into any houses, buildings or cars for a
treat.
4.)
Avoid short cuts through dimly lit areas such as the woods and
alleys. Stay in well-lit areas only.
5.)
Always remember the rules about strangers and getting into cars
without parental permission. DON'T DO IT!
6.)
Only trick-or-treat at the houses that have a porch light on.
What
the Homeowner Should Know:
1.)
When handing out treats, have them at the front door or on the
porch. Don’t expect kids to enter your home.
2.)
Have the porch and sidewalk area well lit and clear of
obstacles, defective stairs or bunched up carpeting. Little
ghosts trip easily.
3.)
Avoid having porch candles or candle lit sidewalk luminaries.
Costumes and clothing can be flammable.
4.)
If you have pets, especially dogs, make sure that they are
contained in an area away from the trick-or-treaters. You may
think that your dog doesn’t bite but the Spiderman and the witch
at the door may be frightened.
Lastly, keep your own pets in mind. Whether you’re going
door-to-door for treats or you’re handing out the goodies at
your house, remember that chocolate is poison to cats and dogs
and may even be deadly to them in any quantity.
Have a
Happy & Safe Halloween!
The Pros and Cons of Carrying Firearms, Stun Guns
and Defense Sprays
I
am often asked what people should carry to defend themselves.
The options run the gambit from pepper spray to firearms, so
here is how I break it down.
1. Firearms: Unless you have extensive weapons training, I never
advise carrying a gun. Let me be clear: I am not anti-gun, I
just think they do not belong in the hands of those who don’t
understand the responsibility that comes with them. If you carry
a gun, be prepared to use it. Any hesitation due to a second
thought, lack of proper training, etc. can and usually will
result in an unintended victim getting hurt. Not to mention the
liability that the firearm itself brings to an environment where
there are children.
2. Stun Guns: Stun guns are fairly small, hand held devices that
produce a current of electricity in the range of 20,000 to
150,000 volts. Considering that the normal household appliance
voltage is about 120, these can be a powerful and dangerous
thing to carry with you. These units will, for the most part,
knock down most approaching attackers if all conditions are
right. For example: If the assailant is wearing heavy clothing,
the affect may be greatly diminished. Another thing to consider
is the fact that these units are “contact” weapons. You must be
close enough to physically touch the intended target. Consider
someone coming at you with intent to do you harm, how close do
you want to get?
3. Sprays: There are three basic types of chemical self-defense
sprays:
CN – Now somewhat outdated,
it was used by the military and police departments in the 1960’s
and 1970’s. More a vapor than a gas, these “tear gasses” or MACE
have proven to be ineffective at times especially on those under
the influence of narcotics and alcohol. Mainly because of their
broad availability at one time, these products are on the
market.
CS – An irritant that
affects the mucus membranes in the nose and throat, it is
slightly more effective that CN gas, but like CN, can cause
severe problems to anyone in the area due to its toxicity. Both
are also ineffective against dogs and many wild animals due to
their lack of lacrimal or tear producing glands.
OC – Commonly known as pepper spray, OC, or oleoresin
capsicum, is the choice chemical agent of law enforcement and
defense experts alike. A strong irritant, OC is effective
against both humans and animals because it affects the skin,
eyes and breathing passages. It is fast acting and doesn’t
require a “direct hit” on its target for a result. The cost is
fairly low compared to many other gasses, about $10 for a small
keychain sized unit and has virtually no lasting consequences.
As for my recommendation, I suggest the OC or pepper spray. It
is easy to use, cost effective and a great deterrent to both
human as well as dog attackers. It fits easily in a purse,
briefcase or glove compartment and it requires no permit.
Perhaps the best sell of all is the fact that if a child gets a
hold of it, it will produce no more than an irritating burn. Not
a chemical or electric burn as CN gas or a stun gun, but one
that’s been compared to rubbing your eyes after cutting a hot
pepper or tamale.
No matter what you choose for self defense, remember its
purpose: SELF PROTECTION. A citizen has the right to use any
force necessary to protect or defend themselves BUT they also
have an obligation to flee to safety if possible and not
confront danger. That is a job for the police.
Keep It Hidden and Keep It Safe
 Thefts
from vehicles are statistics that are difficult to track. Not
classified as vehicle thefts or stolen cars, they are considered
property crimes and are usually lumped in with other crimes such
as home burglary, robbery, etc. The fact is that in 2009, police
departments in Allegheny County alone reported over four-hundred
thefts from locked vehicles and in most cases, the thefts
weren’t random with thieves hoping to get something after
breaking in. The victims left valuables out in the open for the
bad guys to see.
Over
the course of the 2009 summer, the Allegheny County police, who
patrol the parks, took dozens of reports from victims who had
valuables taken from their cars at the Wave Pool lots. In
addition to these calls, the City of Pittsburgh Police as well as
Port Authority Police Department answered dozens of calls from
those who were victims in the area’s Park and Ride Lots and
other public parking lots and garages.
Among
the items reported stolen most frequently include cell phones,
GPS units, cameras, portable DVD players, MP3 players, and radar
detectors. According to a study conducted by a major insurance
carrier, thefts from locked vehicles have increased 22%
nationwide since 2005 even though thefts of vehicles themselves
have not significantly changed. Most of these thefts occurred by
perpetrators breaking a vehicle’s window, commonly known as
“smash and grabs”.
Of
course the best way to keep your valuables safe is to limit
their availability to those who want what you have. For example:
Keeping your GPS unit in your vehicle only while on a trip or
when it is needed to drive to an unfamiliar area. If you don’t
need it… don’t take it. If, however you do need to keep
electronics and valuables in your car, here are a few
suggestions that may help keep you from becoming a victim.
1. When away from your
vehicle, always roll up your windows and lock all doors.
2. Keep all of your
possessions out of sight. This includes not leaving items on the
Seats, open consoles, cup holders, etc.
3. When removing items from
view, don’t forget to remove all evidence as well. This includes
power cords, mounting brackets, suction cups, etc. Remember, the
rings left on the windshield by the suction cups of your GPS
mount telegraphs that there is a high ticket electronic device
in the vehicle.
4. Always try to park in a
well-lit place or a high traffic location. i.e.: When parking in
a garage, avoid the remote corner and park near an entrance or
elevator where there is a lot of foot and vehicle traffic.
5. Never leave any important
documents in your car such as wallets, mail, or financial
information.
6. Whenever possible, avoid
keeping items, bags and purchases in the driver or passenger
compartments of your vehicle. For storing smaller items,
consider purchasing a portable vehicle safe. These safes work
well as they are secured to the vehicle itself such as being
bolted to the inside of the trunk. They are heavy duty, come in
many sizes and, properly installed, nearly bad guy proof. These
safes are available from a few manufacturers including Stack-on
and Winner International, the maker of the Club.
The
more you know… the safer and more secure you can be!
Home Security: Protect Your
“Stuff”
 Protecting
your home and possessions doesn’t have to break the bank
and there are many simple steps that you can take to make your
house unappealing to burglars and thieves. In any situation,
thieves want the
easy way to take something. If it appears too hard or too risky
to break into your home, bad guys are more likely to move on to
easier pickings. Here are a few suggestions that may help you
keep what
belongs to you.
1.)
Landscaping does add beauty and value to your home but the
placement of some greenery can create obstructions. Many people
have trees and shrubbery planted too closely to doors and
windows. If your view to the street is obstructed, so also is a
potential burglar obstructed. Behind a large hedge or tree, a
bad-guy could be hidden from the view of your neighbors and
patrolling police.
2.)
Check your property for items left lying about that can be
utilized by bad guys. Ladders are often left unsecured or even
extended and against the house. Ensure that there are no trees
growing too closely to the house as a short and easy climb may
give access to the second floor. If you use one of those hidden
key-type fake rocks to keep a key near a door, remember that
thieves also know what these tools look like.
3.)
Take a good look at
the locks that are on your doors. If there are glass panels in
the doors themselves or beside them, as many decorative front
doors have, be sure to use what is known as a “key in, key out”
lock and not the turn-type deadbolt mechanism. At night, remove
the key and place it near the door but not within the reach of
an arm extending through a broken window. The down side to this
system is that it does not make for a fast escape in the event
of a fire or medical emergency.
4.)
Video and camera systems are more available and do sell for less
than they did 10 years ago but peepholes are still a good idea.
The installation of a peephole enables you to see who is at your
door without opening the door itself. Just remember, if you have
children make sure that they can see through it or consider
installing a second at their eye level.
5.)
Good exterior
lighting is always a good idea. The two things that thieves and
burglars hate the most are bright lights and the sound of a
barking dog. Motion lights are great but make sure that they are
out of reach and too high to be tampered with.
6.)
If you are
considering an alarm system, remember these important facts:
Shop smart. Many, if not all alarm monitoring companies, offer
specials and discount deals. They want to sell you the monthly
monitoring service so don’t be afraid to negotiate what hardware
comes with it. Systems include door and window contacts and a
keypad. Odds are, if you ask for additional contacts or a
keypad, you may get it at no additional charge. Do your home
work and ask questions about response time as well. For this,
talk with your neighbors or the police as they can guide you.
Beware of false alarm set-offs. Many municipalities will give
you some false alarm calls but will then charge you for any
additional false alarms.
7.)
I am often asked: “I thought I heard something the other
night, should I have called the police?” My answer is always
ABSOLUTELY!
No matter where you
live, there are officers on patrol who are tasked with keeping
you safe. Never hesitate to call the police if you hear noises
or see a suspicious person or vehicle.
8.)
People also often ask me what kind of gun I recommend for home
protection. If you have children in the house or are unfamiliar
with firearms, my answer is always
“NONE.”
I have always believed that the best home defense tool has four
legs and a loud bark. Dogs are great security devices and pretty
loyal friends as well. It doesn’t have to be a big or mean dog,
just a noisy one.
These security
measures are a great start for protecting your valuables but you
also need to prepare for the worst: A catastrophic loss. I
suggest that everyone take an inventory of your household
possessions. There are computer software programs available to
help you catalogue your valuables but it’s just as easy to do it
yourself.
Record all of your
electronics including the brand name, model, serial number and
date purchased. Don’t forget your computers, printers,
telephones, cell phones, cameras and your car’s GPS. Remember
also to photograph your items and, although you may enter the
item list on your computer or burn it to a disk, print out hard
copies. Put a copy in a fireproof safe and even give a copy to a
trusted friend or relative so that a record will survive a fire.
In the event of a catastrophic loss, you and your insurance
company will be glad you kept great records. Don’t forget
jewelry, valuable collections, and precious heirlooms.
A few simple
security measures can save you an endless amount grief.
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