Self Defense and Security Blog

Happy New Year. Where did 2008 go? It went like a flash.

Thanks for your support this past year, and making 2008 such a success for us. We hope to continue in 2009 with the same trend. Check back with us often here on the blog for interesting articles and tips, and don’t forget to check out the website often to see all of the new items that we add during the year.

We hope that everyone has a safe and prosperous 2009. Stay safe….Be prepared….Don’t be a victim.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is more than just a “family problem” — it is a crime!  In California, and many other states, it is a crime for any person to threaten, beat, sexually assault or otherwise harm another person, even if they are married. Battering is not exclusively a crime against women, but they are the majority of victims; thus this article is primarily directed to the battered wife or woman.  Although we have few statistics on the incidence of domestic violence, we do know that:

• Approximately 30 percent of female homicide victims in the United States are killed by their husbands or boyfriends.

• Females are much more likely than males to be killed by their spouse.

• Domestic violence affects at least one out of every four American families.

Why do they stay?

The most frequently asked question concerning a battering situation is why does she stay? While reasons range from children, love, guilt, fear, pride, embarrassment, financial dependence — or a combination thereof — it is very possible the woman may be locked into a violence cycle.

Three-phase theory of family violence

The family violence cycle consists of three phases: the tension-building phase, the acute-battering incident and the loving reconciliation.

• Tension-Building Phase

During this phase the woman senses her mate’s increasing tension. He is “edgy” and perhaps challenges her and tells her she is stupid, incompetent, etc. The woman may internalize her appropriate anger at the man’s unfairness and experience physical effects such as depression, tension, anxiety and headaches. As the tension in the relationship increases, minor episodes of violence increase, such as pinching, slapping or shoving.

• Acute-Battering Incident

The tension-building phase ends in an explosion of violence. The woman may or may not fight back. Following the battering, she is in a state of physical and psychological shock. The man may discount the episode and underestimate the woman’s injuries.

• Loving Reconciliation

During the last phase of the family violence cycle, both parties have a sense of relief that “it’s over.” The man is often genuinely sorry for what happened and is fearful that his partner will leave him. He apologizes and may “shower” her with love and praise that helps her repair her shattered self-esteem. He tells her he can’t live without her, so she feels responsible for his well-being and guilty for her actions and blames herself for what led up to the abuse.

Crime and Violence Prevention Center • California Attorney General’s Office

Increasing spiral of violence

Once violence has begun, it continues to increase in both frequency and severity. Understanding the psychological consequences of her violent relationship can help the woman take power and choose constructive alternatives, as well as aid those who intervene to help her.

If you become a victim of domestic violence

• Call the police or sheriff.

• Make sure you are safe from another beating. Whenever you believe you are in danger, leave your home and take your children with you. Also, take important papers such as your birth certificate, vehicle registration, etc.

• Get medical attention. Don’t try to treat yourself; you may be injured much more seriously than you realize.

• Seek assistance. Whether or not you file charges against your batterer, you may need to talk to a professional about your situation. Contact your local battered women’s shelter, women’s support group or victims’ assistance center.

• Save all the evidence (proof) you can. (You may even want to take photographs of your injuries.) Whether or not you file charges now, you may later change your mind and will then need proof that you have been assaulted.

A way out

Everyone has the right to be safe from threats and beatings — but you must take that first step. Once you recognize that it isn’t your fault and it is possible to change your situation, seek the help you need to correct your situation.

Help available

If you need help, look in the yellow pages of your telephone directory.  Remember that your local police and sheriff’s departments exist to help you. You should always have their numbers handy for an emergency situation. Other sources of help and/or referral are the Salvation Army or your private physician or attorney. Also, look in the yellow pages under “Attorney Referral Service”or “Legal Assistance” or “Bar Association” if you have a low income and need a lawyer.

• Despite many concerns, some now argue (and we agree)that it is actually safer to buy online than buying over the phone or handing your credit card over to someone in a shop(as long as you are purchasing from a legitimate vendor). This is because if the online payment is handled properly, your banking details will be “encrypted”, which means they cannot be viewed by anyone other than those handling the transaction - usually the banks.

• If you’re still unsure, Card Watch, the UK banking group that works with the police and retailers to stop credit card fraud, offer the following “top ten tips” when buying online:

• 1. Make sure your web-browser (that’s the software that you use to view websites, most commonly Internet Explorer or Netscape) is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring. These options are not always automatically activated when your computer is set-up, so check your manual or the “Help” option.

• 2. Check to see that you are using the most recent version of your web-browser as it often includes better security features - up-to-date versions can be downloaded free from the Microsoft or Netscape websites. If you have a different browser or use on-line services such as AOL or CompuServe, contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or software supplier to find out how to activate their security features.

• 3. Before purchasing from a website, make a record of the retailer’s contact details, including a street address and e-mail address. If these details are not available on the website, consider going elsewhere to buy.

• 4. Do not enter personal details unless the security icon is displayed (this is a small padlock that normally appears at the bottom of your browser when you begin your transaction over the Internet). You can click on the padlock to see if the retailer has an encryption certificate. This should explain the type and extent of security and encryption it uses. Only use companies that have an encryption certificate and use secure transaction technology. The address of the page where you enter personal details should also start https://.

• 5. If you have any queries or concerns, telephone the company before giving them your card details to reassure yourself that it is legitimate.

• 6. Print out your order and consider keeping copies of the retailer’s terms and conditions and returns policy. Be aware that there may well be additional charges such as postage and VAT when purchasing from outside your country. When buying from overseas always err on the side of caution and remember that it may be difficult to seek redress if problems arise.

• 7. Check statements from your bank or card issuer carefully as soon as you receive them. Raise any discrepancies with the retailer concerned in the first instance. If you find any transaction on your statement that you are certain you did not make, contact your card issuer immediately.

• 8. Ensure that you are fully aware of any payment commitments you are entering into, including whether you are instructing a single payment or a series of payments.

• 9. Never disclose your card’s PIN number to anyone, including people claiming to be from your bank or the police, and never write it down or send it over the Internet.

• 10. If you have any doubts about using your card, find another method of payment

It’s a scenario familiar to any business traveler. Your airline flight was delayed, the cab line at the airport was endless and check-in was a mess. Jet lag has struck. It’s very late, you’re tired and you have a breakfast meeting with a key client at 6:30 AM. You grab your key, avoid the bellman and head to your room to collapse into bed. Stop. Take the next 5 minutes to perform these safety, security and cleanliness checks and prepare for the next day. These “how to’s” will save you time the next morning, they could even save your life some day. This can also apply to holiday travel while we stay in hotels during our visit to Grandma’s house for Christmas.

1. When you enter your room prop the door open, turn on the lights, and check the closets, bathroom, under the bed and behind the drapes. Mistakes do happen and sometimes someone else has been assigned to your room. This happens more frequently in suites with adjoining bedrooms that can be sold as separate rooms. Or there could be a thief. In any case, don’t close the door until you are sure the room is empty.

2. Check that the connecting doors, windows and sliding doors are locked. In general, avoid first floor rooms with sliding doors.

3. Once you lock the door and attach the safety chain, check the diagram on the back to review the nearest exits and mentally plan your escape route. Look out the door to check that the exit signs are illuminated. If the lights are out, be helpful and contact the front desk to let them know. The few seconds that it takes to review the exit information can save your life in the event of a fire, earthquake or other emergency. Just do it. FYI, most fire engine ladders can only reach up to the 6th floor.

4. Be sure that the heat or air-conditioner, lights, phone, radio and television are working. Turn on the shower and sink to check the water pressure and temperature. If they aren’t working, switch rooms now. It’s not worth waiting for someone to fix the problem, especially late at night.

I was walking down the street the other day and a guy asked me if he could use my cellphone. Wow, what to do? I thought quickly, “battery’s dead, I’m sorry dude”. That was a close one. I was wearing my cell phone stun gun on my belt. It looks just like a cellphone, but it’s really a disguised stun gun.
They are small, they look real, and are easy to carry in a place that is accessible should you need immediate protection. No digging deep in your pocket or purse, it’s there on your side, or even in your hand!
There are two models that I’d like you to take a look at. First there’s what we call the Pretender cellphone stun gun. It’s a powerful 950,000 volt thug-eater. It packs a huge punch for its small size. It has a built in very bright 12 LED flashlight also. The Pretender Cellphone Stun Gun has safety features built in also to prevent accidental discharge. It uses 3 CR2 batteries (that ARE included). The pretender also comes with a free holster for easy carrying.
The second is the Stunmaster 800,000 volt Cell Phone Stun Gun. It is well disguised. According to Jim Mackesy, undersherriff with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, “Stun guns have been around for quite some while, but, I have to admit I haven’t seen one as well disguised as this one is.” It makes it easy for you to surprise an attacker. That’s your best tactic in an attack situation. The Stunmaster 800,000 volt Cell Phone Stun Gun has a built in 100 decibel alarm, a bright flashlight, and a disabling wriststrap in case you are disarmed, it cannot be then used against you. Batteries and case are included.
Take a look at these. They are the perfect tool for staying protected without looking like it.

STAYING SAFE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

• Even though you are rushing and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you. If possible, park your car in an area of high pedestrian activity. Avoid remote areas.
• Lock your car and close the windows, even if you are only gone for a few minutes.
• Loose change is a meal for a street person; they will break you window for small change.
• Your cell phone can be sold and reprogrammed and is a sought item of theft.
• A laptop computer will keep a drug user in a high state, at your expense
• Lock your packages out-of-sight in the trunk. Place your valuables in the trunk before you get to your destination, not after, the thief may be watching.
• Be sure and lock your car, many opportunists simply look for unlocked cars.
• If waiting for a ride from a friend or public transportation, do so in busy, well-lit places.
• Consider security film for automobile’s windows.
• Always report a theft to the police.
• Teach your children to go to the store clerk and ask for help if you become separated while shopping. They should never go to the parking lot or the car alone.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible; and if the credit card receipt has carbons, ask for these too. Notify issuers immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen, or misused.
• Be extra careful with purses and wallets. They may become targets for crime in crowded shopping areas, at bus stops, and on public transportation.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• At home, be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes. Leave lights and a radio or television on so the house looks occupied. Do not put large displays of holiday gifts in view of your windows or doors.
• If you go away for the holidays, try to keep your home appearing “lived in”: Get an automatic timer for your lights. Have a neighbor watch your home and pick-up your newspapers and mail.
• If you use lights on your tree, make sure that they are in good working order.
• Immediately mark your new gifts with your driver’s license number, and note all serial numbers, keeping records in a safe place.
• Remember to be a good friend and neighbor this holiday season: Share these tips with others in your family and neighborhood. Also, why not get your neighborhood together and go caroling. Do not forget the elderly and other people who might be especially lonely during the holidays. Soon, you may wish to form a neighborhood watch group. People helping people, that’s what it is all about!
• And lastly, when hosting a party, find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests; and when going out drinking, please remember: Don’t Drink and Drive.

Encountering explosive devices/substances are
potentially life threatening. The smallest devices,
however plain or innocuous in appearance, have the
potential to injure, maim, or fatally wound.
Generally, explosive substances come in many
shapes and sizes and are classified as either “safe” or
“dangerous.”
“SAFE” Explosive Substances:
• “Safe and Sane” fireworks;
• Emergency highway flares/fuses; and
• Fixed ammunition and “blank” or saluting cartridges of less
than .50 caliber.

There are different signs that a person can look for which might indicate a
possible explosive device.
• Foreign mail, airmail and special delivery
• Restrictive markings such as confidential, personal, etc.
• Excessive postage
• Hand written or poorly typed addresses
• Incorrect titles
• Titles but no names
• Misspellings of common words
• Oily stains of discoloration
• No return address
• Excessive weight
• Rigid envelope
• Lopsided or uneven envelope
• Protruding wires or tinfoil
• Excessive securing material such as masking tape, strings, etc.
• Visual distractions
If you believe that the suspicious package may possibly be a bomb, consider the following: Bombs can be detonated by a variety of methods including the slightest touch. In any suspicious object is located, the device should not be touched or disturbed
under any circumstances. Immediately evacuate the location and notify the police from a neighbor’s house or a business. Only conventional telephones should be used as cellular telephone transmissions have the potential to detonate a bomb. If a suspicious item is found that might be a “bomb”, call 911 immediately to request assistance and clear the area. It is imperative that individuals observing suspicious and/or unfamiliar devices take the following precautions:
-DO NOT TOUCH OR HANDLE THE DEVICE
-STAY AWAY FROM THE DEVICE
-IMMEDIATELY CALL THE POLICE

What should a community member do if they find a suspicious item that might be a “bomb”?
Community members should not move or touch the suspected item, they should immediately call 911 to report it.
Explosive devices can be contained in almost anything. Small bombs have been disguised in everyday type of items. Bombs can be detonated by a variety of methods including the slightest touch. Therefore, if any suspicious object is located, IT SHOULD NOT BE TOUCHED OR DISTURBED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

What should a someone do after receiving a telephonic bomb threat?
Immediately call 911. Patrol officers will respond and give advice regarding bomb threat procedures and options, as well as complete a “Bomb Threat” report. Bomb threats represent a serious and deadly situation that can quickly turn tragic. The destructive potential of even a small device must be seriously considered. Any person that receives a bomb threat over the phone should immediately evacuate the location and notify the police from a neighbor’s house or a business. Only conventional telephones should be used, because cellular telephone transmissions have the potential to detonate a bomb.

What should someone say to a caller when he/her warns of a bomb at the location?
When a bomb threat is called in to you, attempt to keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask him/her to repeat the message and be sure to record every word spoken. If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, you should ask him/her for this information. It is a good idea to inform the caller that the building is occupied and the detonation of a bomb could result in death or serious injury to innocent people. As you attempt to keep the caller on the line, listen for any particular background noises such as motors running, background music, and other noise, which may give a clue as to the location of the caller. As you are gathering information about the caller write down as much information as possible (see bomb threat checklist). When the police arrive at
your location, be prepared to give an accurate description of the caller’s voice. As the caller speaks, listen closely to the voice quality, for any regional accents, and for any speech impediments the caller might possess.

What should someone do if they receive a suspicious package in the mail?
Explosive devices can be contained in almost anything. Bombs can be constructed to look like almost any item and can be delivered in any number of ways. Most bombs are homemade and are limited in their design, only by the imagination of their maker. Letter and package bombs are not new. While the latest incidents have involved political terrorism, such bombs are made for a wide variety of motives. The particular form of these bombs varies in size, shape, and components. They have electric, nonelectric, or other sophisticated firing systems.

Report anything suspicious to the authorities. There are no penalties for being too careful. These days, you never know. Don’t be a victim.. Be Prepared.

Black Friday…Cyber Monday…Broke Tuesday!

This time of year brings out the shopaholic in all of us. It also brings out the hackers and e-theives in droves. According to the people who keep track of this kind of thing, more identities are stolen on Cyber Monday than any other day of the year.

Protect yourself from identity theft by taking a few precautions.

Buy from reputable websites. Don’t buy from the sloppy little site just because they have the cheapest price on something, do your homework and investigate a little bit and find out what you can about the business before you purchase something.

Don’t surrender any information that isn’t absolutely necessary. Most reputable e-tailers won’t make non-essential information mandatory on the checkout page.

Be sure that the website checkout page is secure before entering your credit card information. Be sure the URL of the page starts with “https“, “s” standing for secure.

Periodically check your credit report. I believe as a resident of the US, you are entitled to one free copy of your credit report every year. You can keep an eye on your situation and may be able to head off trouble before it finds you when you’ve decided to make a big purchase. You can also add flags to your credit report requiring the credit granters to ask for more identification before granting credit. This may alert you to some fraudulent activity before it gets started.

To sum it up, be careful, be prepared, and don’t become a victim.

Finally, we’re back online. Our store was burglarized on Friday night(Sat morning). We had a mess to clean up and much glass to replace. The fool was after cash (ha ha) from the cash drawer. He got a bunch of loose change.

The reason that I mention it is that we got some great surveillance video of the whole thing. Without having the cameras, we wouldn’t have any idea what happened (besides the obvious), or we wouldn’t have anything to show the police. We had two day night cameras pointing at the entry door that captured the whole thing in color even in the low light of 4am.

We are sellers of this stuff, and we are believers in this stuff and we are users of this stuff. It works and it just may help identify this thief and keep him from burglarizing someone else down the road.

These cameras will work in your home or business, or anywhere that you can connect them to a PC. Take a look at them for yourself and protect your property from idiots like this.

We spent late night Tuesday and early morning Wednesday in the hospital emergency room waiting area. If there ever was fodder for a tv show, it’s happening nightly there. It’s no wonder all of the medical soaps do well.

There were car wrecks, broken bones, just plain old illness, stabbings, you name it, but the best one was a guy who came in because his eyes were burning and he couldn’t see. He was wandering along the street downtown staggering because of his blindness and someone brought him in.

Come to find out, he had been hit with some type of pepper spray. He was disoriented, and having trouble catching his breath. He was screaming about his burning eyes (he was actually cursing profusely).

Just about what I’d expect to see. Pepper spray is a great form of self defense. It does major damage. Although not permanent, it is enough to really mess someone up if they were to attack you. It’ll get you enough time to get away from the scene and to safety.

I’m not jumping to conclusions at all, but I’d say score one for the good guys here! Someone was prepared and didn’t become a victim.

Take a look at all of the ways that you can equip yourself with a pepper product. There’s bound to be one that will fit your lifestyle.

ELDER ABUSE

Neglect
Rita Young is a confused and incontinent 91-year-old woman who is cared for by her granddaughter. On one occasion she was found in saturated adult diapers, and on another, she was restrained with ropes around her waist and had several small cuts over her eye. While the granddaughter appears to care a great deal for her grandmother and tries hard to meet her needs, Mrs. Young requires around-the-clock care. Her doctor stated that she needs nursing home care. Adult protective services staff investigated and successfully placed Mrs. Young in a nursing home.

What You Can Do:
We all have the right to be free from abuse and neglect. If an elderly person you know is being victimized, it is important for you to take action to stop it. Without intervention, abuse almost always escalates. Because victims are often reluctant to report, an elderly person’s well-being may depend on you to recognize and report suspected abuse. Together, we can be a lifeline.

Reporting Elder Abuse:
Reporting suspected elder abuse is simple. Call the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman or local law enforcement to report abuse in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home or board and care home. Abuse occurring anywhere other than a long-term care facility should be reported to the county Adult Protective Services agency (APS). But, if you suspect abuse that seems to be life-threatening, don’t hesitate. Call the police or sheriff’s department. They will notify any other agency which may need to be involved.

Don’t let this happen to your loved one. Keep your eyes open. Report anything suspicious.

It’s a High Tech Business
The Associated Press touted the headline, “Judge unplugs 2 teens who hacked into U.S. computers.” The two teens, ages 16 and 17, hacked into government and military computers apparently just to prove that they could. The punishment – three years probation that
excludes the teens from possessing a computer and modem, 100 hours of community service and $4,100 in reparations.
The term “hacking” means breaking into a computer system or network. These two teens broke into government computers. Imagine the type of personal and financial information that our government collects! More shocking is the military information that is accessible to hackers. What happens next? Is all information stored on computers vulnerable? Maybe. If you are connected to the Internet and have a Web page, you can be a target for hackers. Many government agencies, including the military, as well as businesses and home computer owners take great precautions to keep hackers out of their sensitive information. Encrypting files is the easiest and most common method of securing information before sending it over the Internet. Quite simply, encryption software scrambles the information. With the proper code,
the intended recipient’s computer can then unscramble it. Unfortunately, for every prevention method consumers employ, there is a “genius” out there trying to defeat it. The Back Orfice program, for example, was created to attack online users without their knowledge. If someone is using the Back Orfice program, they can literally infiltrate your computer while you are online. Once in your computer, the perpetrator can look at all your files and even delete files – again, while you have absolutely no clue that this is happening. This possibility brings up a question that every computer user should ask, “What type of information is on my hard drive?” If you have personal and
financial information on your hard drive, that information may be vulnerable. Consider storing personal and financial information on disks instead. Once the information is stored on disks, put the disks in a fireproof safe.
BUSINESS SAFETY
It is wise to consider people who may work for you and have access to your company computers as potential liabilities. It isn’t always the unknown people who cause irreparable damage to businesses. Often, information theft comes from within the ranks.
Fred Jones has a problem. An employee with administrative access to the company’s computer system suddenly quit and went to work for a competitor. Fred suspects that this employee stole proprietary information (sensitive company information) and took it to his new employer. Did Fred’s former employee commit a crime? And if he did, how can Fred, or law enforcement, prove that the former employee committed the crime of theft?
What do you think about this hypothetical situation? Did the employee commit a crime? Some say yes, some say no, some say maybe. The big unanswered question: did Fred have any type of written company policy pertaining to computer access and the storage of data? This is key. If you own any type of business and utilize computers, you should have a solid, written policy regarding computers. Without an acknowledged policy, it would be difficult to convict an employee of theft. Additionally, theft is not the only thing you need to worry about. Should your employee steal personal information on other employees or clients and that information is used to commit crimes, you may be held liable in civil court if you did not take reasonable measures to safeguard that information. Business owners, take note: create and implement a computer-related policy. Make sure that your employees read the policy and acknowledge it in writing. Preventing computer crime in a business doesn’t stop at creating a policy.
If you own a small business and are computerdependent, secure the information on your computers. Use the following crime prevention tips:
1.Conduct thorough background checks on all employees, including temporary help. If you need assistance, contact a firm that specializes in conducting background checks.
2. Do not allow temporary staff access to sensitive data.
3. Require employees to use passwords that are a combination of letters and numbers. These passwords should be kept confidential and changed often.
4. Initiate a company policy on backing up computers once a day. Secure all back up tapes or disks in a fireproof safe.
5. Secure client and personnel information. Access to this information should be limited.
6. Use surge and anti-virus protection on all computer systems.
7. Remove all data from the hard drive before disposing of computers.
8. Ensure that every computer operation can be handled by at least two trusted employees.
9. Adopt written procedures for Internet usage by employees. This discourages downloading inappropriate material and viruses.
10. Purge old records and information properly. Shred or erase the information so it cannot be used by others.
11. Adopt a zero tolerance approach to high tech criminals. Insist on prosecuting and pursue all civil remedies.
The $400 check looked real. The bank called and notified you that it was a fake. What happened? Your employee followed all of the check acceptance procedures and you even okayed it. The check looked real…
Another hypothetical situation, but businesses are being swindled out of merchandise through this means at an alarming rate. It is the world of high technology crime and the bad guys are working diligently. Computer-generated personal checks, money orders, food stamps and traveler’s checks are being manufactured on home computers and being passed off to the business community. For the bad guy, start-up costs are minimal, and many times, the bad guy uses stolen credit cards or fictitious checks to purchase the computer equipment. As a business owner, how do you know if the check is real or fake? Calling the bank to verify every single check is not an option, so it is up to you and your employees to weed out the bad ones. This can be extremely difficult since the majority of fake checks have a valid bank account number, and check verification machines will accept and endorse the document. The problem is that the account is good, but the name on the check does not go with the verified account.The account number was stolen and placed on the fake check. Additionally, fake picture identifications are also produced on home computers that match the checks. With all of this going on, how does a business owner combat this invasion of fake documents?

The following steps will help protect you and your company:
1.Review your check and credit card acceptance policies. Many businesses and banks have started to require a thumb print on all checks. Some businesses feel that this
practice may inconvenience their customers, and it is a controversial practice. The decision is yours.
1. Train your employees to check identification when a customer is using a credit card.
2. Employees should also make sure that the account number on the credit card matches the account number printed on the credit card receipt. Obviously, you won’t be able to spot every fake document, but alert employees can make a difference. Producing counterfeit or forged checks is not the only way criminals may
affect your bottom line. The bank calls to inform you that your company’s account is overdrawn, but your records indicate there should be more than sufficient funds left in the account. An investigation reveals that several substantial checks have been cashed which look identical to yours with what seems to be your signature
on them. However, the check numbers do not match your records. Welcome to desktop forgery. Criminals have learned that many companies, small and large, routinely pay small billing invoices without checking their records to see if the product or service was ordered or received. If they send a fraudulent billing invoice in a small amount for some vaguely described product or service, there is a good chance it will be paid. But they are not interested in cashing the check. They are interested in scanning the check into their computer, making a duplicate copy, changing the payee and the amount. They may make several or several hundred copies and you won’t know anything
until you receive a call from the bank or receive your monthly statement. Encourage your bookkeepers to track all invoices, whether large or small.

Don’t be a victim…Be Prepared….

Identity Theft
With interest rates at an all-time low, the Smiths decided to refinance their home. They contacted their local banking institution and started the necessary paperwork. They ordered their credit report and were shocked to find that they had three credit card accounts with delinquent balances. They had never applied for the credit cards and the outstanding balances totaled over $20,000. The nightmare started.
The Smiths soon learned that they were victims of identity theft. They began the very long, tedious process of clearing their credit. Adding to their grief, the refinancing of their home was also delayed. The Smiths were, therefore, victimized again because they missed out on the lower interest rates.
Sounds unbelievable, but it could happen to you! Think about your daily activities. You go to the grocery store and write a check. What type of information is on your check:
name, address, telephone number, driver’s license number, social security number? Wait a minute! Take that social security number off your personal checks. In fact, your social security number should be your most protected information. If a thief has access to your name and social security number, that information can be used to open fraudulent accounts. Innocent people have discovered utility, department store and other credit accounts opened in their name and it is usually accomplished using a stolen social security number. Do not give out your social security number unless it is absolutely necessary. Many forms have an area for the social security number, but you should question why the number is needed. A social security number is needed for loan/credit applications and certain other financial transactions. But the video store and car rental agency certainly don’t need it. Be aware that your social security number is not necessary for check cashing or credit purchases. If you are asked for this information, ask to speak with the store manager to verify the need for this information. Aside from guarding your social security number, guard all your personal information. Do you receive pre-approved credit applications in the mail? What do you do with them? Throw them in the trash? Think again. This mailer contains your name, address, and perhaps other personal information. If you carelessly toss it in the trash, a dumpster diver can use this information to steal your identity or pass it on or sell it to someone else. Your mailbox is an excellent source of information. Many thieves wander through neighborhoods looking for “easy” mailboxes. These are unlocked mailboxes that are usually adjacent to the curb or affixed to a house. A red flag indicating outgoing mail is an invitation to a thief. What’s in your outgoing mail? A Visa payment? A card and a check for your nephew’s sixteenth birthday? Checks that a thief can easily alter. Additionally, if you are mailing credit card payments, the thief now has not only your personal checks, but also your credit card account numbers. He can then fraudulently charge items to your account without your knowledge. Remember that personal information is easy to obtain.

Consider the following safety tips that will help prevent you from becoming a victim of identity theft:
1. Shred or tear up pre-approved credit card applications, and other mail with your social security number, bank account and credit card account numbers before throwing
them into the trash.
2. Never throw mail with personal information into trash bins at post offices.
3. Do not leave information with personal and financial information in your vehicle.
4. Review bank and credit card statements each month for fraudulent activity. If anything is amiss, immediately report the problem to your bank or credit card company.
5. If your bills do not arrive in a timely manner, contact your creditors. Your bills may have been lost in the mail or stolen.
6. Before giving out any personal information to a company, ask how the information will be used and whether it will be transferred to third parties (mailing lists).
7. Periodically, order your credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies and check for accuracy.
8. Do not leave receipts at the ATM machine and gas pump.
9. Limit the amount of credit cards and personal information that you carry in your wallet. If you have old credit accounts that you don’t use, cancel the accounts and
cut up the cards.
10. Do not carry your social security card in your wallet. Memorize the number.
11. Do not write credit account numbers on checks or the outside of envelopes when paying bills.
12. Be extremely careful about divulging personal information such as place of employment, employee identification number or mother’s maiden name. These are key components in identity theft.
13. Buy a shredder, and use it.

If you become a victim of identity theft, take a stand!

Contact law enforcement and complete a crime report. Report the theft of your credit cards or numbers to the fraud units of the three major credit reporting agencies* and ask that your accounts be flagged. Add a victim’s statement to your report (up to 100 words) that includes a statement such as “ … my ID has been used to apply for credit fraudulently. Contact me by telephone to verify any and all credit applications.” Find out how long the fraud alert is posted to your account and extend it if necessary. This fraud alert is not a guarantee that your credit is safe. It is a precaution. Continue to monitor your credit reports. If your social security number has been used in an identity theft, it is imperative that you notify the Social Security Administration Hotline as soon as possible. Next, contact all creditors with whom your name has been used fraudulently – by phone and in writing. Send all corrspondence by registered mail. This will establish documentation of your efforts. Keep all receipts of expenses and document the amount of time that you spend clearing your name. Ask creditors for replacement cards with new account numbers for the accounts that have been used fraudulently. Ask that the old accounts be processed as “account closed at consumer’s request.” Creditors may request that you fill out and notarize fraud affidavits. In California, the law does not require that a notarized affidavit be provided to creditors. A written statement and a copy of the police report may be enough. After you have taken these steps to protect yourself or re-establish your good credit, check your credit reports again. This is the only way to determine if someone has taken your identity. Many victims have no idea how their identity was taken, but they will always remember their wasted time, the many telephone calls to creditors and police, and most of all, the invasion of their privacy.

Is it over yet? Maybe. Maybe not. Even though you may have spent hundreds of hours restoring your good name, your personal information could have been sold to someone else. Inaccurate information may still appear on your credit report in the future. That is why you need to check your credit reports on a regular basis. Don’t rely on law enforcement to make this problem go away. Often, the identity of the perpetrator is unknown. Some cybercrooks do not use your personal information to commit identity theft themselves – they obtain the information and sell it to others who do. So, even if law enforcement makes an arrest in your case, your personal information may still be out there waiting for the next thief to steal your identity. The bottom line is this: be careful with your personal information.

In the next part, we’ll look at hacking and business fraud. Don’t be a victim…Be Prepared.

I told you a few days ago that this new administration will be the most active anti-rights group yet. The gun control crowd is already giggling behind their hands like little girls just thinking of the grand time they are going to have taking away our rights to protect ourselves.

Obama’s prospective cabinet members are being required to answer a series of questions regarding their past. One question stands out to me as peculiar…Question #59 asks if they or any member of their household owns a gun, and then it asks what it is used for, and if “it”(the gun) has ever caused any harm.

Let me chase this rabbit for a minute. Guns don’t hurt people, people hurt people with guns!

Now, for the sake of repetition, I’ve already said in past posts that you had better get your equipment now before it’s against the law to own, possess, keep, buy, trade or even think about having a weapon to protect your home and your family. This will not be limited to assault rifles or to pistols. This will eventually broaden into stun guns, pepper sprays and the other non-lethal means that some people carry around.

Get your stuff now while it’s still legal and affordable. As they put the squeeze on us as sellers, it’ll get increasingly hard to get this stuff and will get very expensive.

By the way, to see the questionaire to the prospecive cabinet members, click here. It’s great stuff….Would you qualify for a cabinet spot? Would you want to?

In part 1 yesterday, we discussed the importance of monitoring your child while on the internet. Today, we’ll get into it a little deeper…….

When You Least Expect it …Protect Yourself
The jilted ex-boyfriend had a plan. Using personal information from his ex-girlfriend, he sent a message over the Internet that lured men to her door who thought they were going to fulfill a rape fantasy. The information included her name, address, telephone number, physical description and detailed instructions on how to circumvent her security system. The woman was not harmed, but half a dozen men tried to visit her. Fortunately, the jilted ex-boyfriend was charged under California’s cyber-stalking law.
The Internet is supposed to be the information super highway, not an instrument used for violence. Unfortunately, some individuals choose to turn the Internet into their personal playground of destructive messages, threats and illicit pornography. And you’re probably thinking, where are the laws prohibiting threats and pornography? Defining Internet crime is a unique challenge; therefore, lawmakers are continually updating and introducing new laws relating to Internet safety. Because the First Amendment protects freedom of speech, there is little, at this point, that law enforcement can control on the Internet. The cyber-stalking law does not inhibit free speech, it prohibits computer-based harassment. The issue for law enforcement now becomes one of jurisdiction. Where did the crime occur? This is the first question that law enforcement asks a victim. Did the crime occur in your home because that is where the computer is located? Or, did the crime occur where the message originated from, which could be in another state or country? This is a law enforcement dilemma. ISP often cooperate with law enforcement, but it isn’t always easy to find the suspect. In fact, a hacker can compromise your Internet account and send harassing messages under your name and profile – and get away with it. The best and easiest way to prevent personal information from getting into the wrong hands is to be very selective in the information that you divulge. Use the following commonsense tips when using the Internet:
1. Do not give out your name, address, telephone or credit card numbers or other personal information, such as your
social security number, unless you are dealing with a reputable company and you have initiated the contact.
2. Think twice before submitting your personal information profile through your ISP.
3. If you decide to meet someone from online, use common sense. Meet in a busy, public place and consider taking a friend with you to the meeting.

PROTECTION AGAINST INTERNET SCAMS
The Internet has also become a vehicle for criminals to use to perpetuate tried and true scams. If it sounds too good to be true … it probably is! Have you heard this before?
Believe it! Being on the information super highway does not legitimize a get-rich opportunity. Simply type “get rich quick” in a search engine, and you are on your way to new-found wealth or a scam. Many old confidence schemes, such as pyramid schemes, have resurfaced on the Internet. The scams are the same. People are contacted via e-mail or notice a Web page touting a sweet deal. They are encouraged to invest some money, and if they can convince others to do the same, they are promised a huge return. The first few people make money, but two or three levels down, the pyramid crashes because the initiators are the ones receiving profits. Pyramid schemes focus on recruiting new members, not on selling products. In 1999, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched a sweep of the World Wide Web to locate sites that host illegal multilevel marketing scams. These sites are under ongoing investigation. Additionally, the FTC offers the following tips to consumers to guard against illegal pyramid schemes:
1. Avoid any plan that offers commissions for recruiting additional distributors.
2. Beware of plans that ask new distributors to spend money on excessive amounts of high-priced inventory. These plans can collapse quickly and also may be
illegal pyramid schemes in disguise.
3. Be cautious of plans that claim you’ll make money through continued growth of your “downline” (the commissions on sales made by the new distributors you recruit) instead of through sales you make yourself.
4. Beware of “shills” – decoy references or endorsements that the promoters pay other people to describe fictional successes in earning money through the plan.
5. Do your homework. Check with your local Better Business Bureau about any plan you’re considering, especially if the claims about your potential earnings or the product sound too good to be true. Pyramid schemes aren’t the only scams to be wary of on the Internet. There are many and they tend to recycle periodically. Beware of “free gift offers” for completing a simple survey or because you won a prize in a drawing – especially if you did not enter. These typically ask you for your name and credit card number to cover the nominal cost of shipping. Their real purpose is to commit credit card fraud.

Other tips to keep you safe online include:
1. Never send money to an unsolicited e-mail or a posting you spotted on the Web.
2.Watch out for the buzzwords: downline, matrix, network, recruitment and cell. These words and their synonyms are often used to dress-up classic pyramid schemes.
3. Never agree to a meeting with someone who has posted a fabulous offer. In-person meetings give the con artist a chance to turn on high-pressure sales tactics or even rob you.
4. If you are setting up an online identity for e-mail, be very vague. Do not give out personal information in a profile.
5.Contact your ISP or local law enforcement if you receive suspicious or threatening e-mail.
6. Be alert for any responses to e-mail that you don’t believe you have sent.
7. Be alert to e-mail bearing a return address you recognize, but with content that does not match the personality of the sender.
8. Look carefully at message headers for discrepancies between sender and provider.
9. Acquire and use encryption software if you send e-mail containing confidential or sensitive information.
10.Web sites whose purposes are to commit fraud appear and disappear quickly, making it difficult for them to be tracked. If you find a suspicious Web site, print the screen and any correspondence. Present this information when filing a complaint with your ISP or law enforcement.

Finally, use the Internet to find information regarding online safety. Your ISP may also provide useful prevention tips and most encourage you to report suspicious online activities.

If you are a victim of online crime, contact your local law enforcement agency. Do not purge any information from your computer – law enforcement needs this documentation to assist in their investigation.

BEWARE OF CELLULAR PHONE CLONING
The cellular telephone bill arrived and the amount due exceeded $500! Many of the numbers called were in foreign countries. When the cellular telephone carrier was contacted about the bill, the truth came out. The cellular telephone had been cloned.

Cloning cellular telephones is relatively easy, and as a consumer, you won’t know your cellular telephone was cloned until you get your monthly statement. Cloning is the act of making one cellular telephone “act” the same as another. This is accomplished by copying the identity and phone number of one phone and inserting it into another. The phones do not have to be the same model or even the same brand. The cloned phone is now the same as the first – it will ring when the original phone rings and any
charges incurred will be billed on the original phone’s monthly billing statement. If you own an analog cellular telephone, or if your digital phone can also revert to analog, then there is a chance that your phone can be cloned. The best way to prevent your analog cellular telephone from being cloned is to keep the power off when it is not in use. When your cellular telephone is on, it sends out an electronic serial number (ESN), and there is technology available that will capture this signal. Once the ESN is captured, it is then used in the cloning process. If your cellular telephone is off, the ESN is not transmitted. As technology advances, cloning is likely to become obsolete. The digital cellular telephones are somewhat secure from cloning. However, with any cellular telephone, remember that your actual conversation is not private. The cellular
telephone is a transmitter, and your conversation is out on the airwaves and vulnerable to interception by radio scanners. Finally, never give out any personal or financial information over cellular telephones. If you notice unusual and excessive charges on your monthly billing statement, contact your cellular service carrier’s fraud division.

In the next installment, we’ll be discussing Identity Theft. Don’t be a victim…Be Prepared.

This is the first part in a 4 part series on High Tech Crime.
Introduction
Imagine a world without technology. Jump back to a horse and carriage, no electricity, no telephones. Now, fast forward to the new millennium. The research firm, Odyssey,
estimates that half of all U.S. homes have a personal computer and that one-third of all homes are online. They further conclude that “… the home computer is rapidly eclipsing the television as the communication and information appliance for many consumers.”1 This is great news for consumers who can access an entire universe of information on the World Wide Web. Children and teenagers can research homework topics and engage in interactive games with a click of a button. Adults can bank,trade stocks and purchase a multitude of items while surfing the Web. But danger lurks on the Web. Criminals manipulate the Web into a nightmare by distributing child pornography to unsuspecting consumers; stealing personal information such as names, addresses and credit card numbers; hacking confidential systems and personal home computers to obtain or delete information and planting harmful viruses that destroy entire systems. Unfortunately, these are just a few examples of high tech crimes which are getting more sophisticated and harder to detect as technology advances. You can help stop criminals from threatening your children, your financial well-being and your peace of mind. This high tech crime prevention information will guide you safely through your high tech adventures. Additionally, important information on preventing identity theft is included. Cases of identity theft have dramatically increased with advances in technology and this guide will help you take control and prevent further victimization. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and printed material about cutting edge technology is almost obsolete by the time it goes to press. With this in mind, we present the basics of high tech crime prevention. This publication provides strategies on how to protect your children from child molesters who befriend potential victims on the Internet. It also covers ways to protect yourself from cyber-stalking, identity theft, fraud schemes, cellular telephone fraud and hackers. Consumers, parents, employees and employers will find useful information to protect your families and finances. Remember, high tech crime prevention techniques must evolve as rapidly as technology.
Child Safety on the Internet
The sleepy woman glanced at the clock and reached for the ringing telephone. It was 2:00 a.m. Panic gripped her as the caller identified himself as a sheriff’s deputy. He had her 14-year old daughter in his patrol car, and he needed to resolve a delicate situation. The woman thought her daughter was down the hall in her bedroom, asleep. Not so, according to the deputy. In fact, he had found her parked along a country road three or four miles from the girl’s home with a 26-year old married man from a neighboring community. Shock and disbelief gripped the woman. “How” and “why” were only a few of the questions running through her mind. The answers she found in the next few hours added to her shock. Her daughter had become a victim of Internet crime.
As a parent, if you own a home computer and allow your children Internet access, you need to be Internet literate. If you do not know how to access the Internet, take a class, read a book or spend time with your children and let them show you the amazing world of cyberspace. Be aware of what is out there and prevent your child from gaining access to inappropriate Web sites and chat rooms. Did you know that child molesters frequent chat rooms on the Internet? If you are not familiar with chat rooms, it is time you sat in on one. If your children have access to the Internet, they have access to child molesters who pose as other “teens” or confidants trying to develop friendships with unsuspecting children. Child molesters lure their victims with promises of friendship and material goods. And, too often, it works! Many adolescent Internet users look for friends – someone who will “chat” while their unsuspecting parents are not present. In addition to child molesters, other individuals try to glean personal information from your children, such as their name and address. Parents have also found that their child “borrowed” a credit card and gave the number to a new “friend” on the Internet. Once this information is on the Internet, parents are vulnerable to identity theft and other potentially expensive problems. Take charge of your computer. Set ground rules for Internet access and discuss with your children these crime prevention tips:

1. Place the computer in a centrally located area in your home – not in a child’s bedroom. This prevents “secret” communications or access and also allows all members of the family to use it.
2. Talk to your children about the Internet. Explain that it is an excellent source of information, but some sites are inappropriate and they are expected to stay away
from these sites.
3. Establish time frames for Internet access. This will encourage your children to obtain information in a timely manner and discourage aimless wandering.
4. Keep an open line of communication with your children. Discuss their Internet experiences and guide them to sites that are age-appropriate.
5. If your children have Internet access at school, find out if the school has adopted an acceptable use policy. If so, obtain a copy and use it to establish additional guidelines at home. If the school does not have a policy, become involved with your child’s school and encourage responsible Internet use. An acceptable use policy may limit the sites available to children based on age-appropriate material and set specific time limits for use.
6. Consider using software that can block or filter Internet sites or certain words that may indicate inappropriate sites.

Back To The Chat Room
Many parents and law enforcement experts believe that chat rooms are a safety risk because the identities of the “chatters” cannot be confirmed. The elusive identity of
chatters poses many risks to children. If you do allow your children to “chat,” they should follow these important safety guidelines:
1.Never give out any personal information including: name, address, city, state, school attended, telephone number, family names or other personal family information.
2. Use age-appropriate chat rooms. The larger Internet Service Providers (ISP) have moderated chat rooms with appropriate themes. Contact your provider or search the
Internet for more information.
3. Never respond to someone who wants to meet in person or send photographs. Instruct your children to exit the chat room and notify you immediately if this happens.
4. Never agree to send or receive a file without parental permission. (Receiving “blind” files may introduce your children to pornography or plant a virus in your computer.) Most importantly, if your child visits a particular chat room, spend at least five or ten minutes monitoring the conversation to see if it is appropriate. Consider purchasing computer software products that can help you monitor and control your child’s access to the Internet. It is also a good idea to have a well-known protection program if your children download files. Additionally, monitor your children’s Internet activity by checking all of the sites visited. This is accomplished by accessing the Internet and pressing the “control” and “h” keys simultaneously on your keyboard. If this doesn’t work, access the Internet, click on the “windows” pull down menu, and then click on “history.” Either way, a window will appear that lists the “history” of all sites visited. Finally, immediately report to your local law enforcement agency any attempts by others to meet your child or any inappropriate sexual conversations. If possible, save the conversation text for review by law enforcement. This will assist law enforcement in an investigation and possible prosecution.

In the next part, we’ll discuss protecting ourselves against internet scams.

In this time of economic and political turmoil, I’d like to call special attention to the members of our United States Military, past and present. We are able to live and do as we please here in the US(for the most part). These freedoms that we enjoy came with a price. Blood has been shed to protect our values and our property and our rights. I don’t know how many I speak for, but I’ll say it loud and anyone else who wants to join in can. We appreciate the sacrifices that you make, and the ones that your family makes to be in the military. It’s not an easy job. Thank you!

Jacksonville is a military town. We have 2 active Naval facilities, and one former Naval facility in the immediate area. A Naval Submarine base just a few miles north of us, and we have a large Military training facility just a few miles south of us. There is always someone in our immediate area that has military ties. Just take a second and thank them for their service. It will mean the world to them to know that someone appreciates what they are doing for us.

Make it a point today(Veteran’s Day) to thank a veteran for a job well done. No, make it a point every day to thank someone for their service! We couldn’t do what we do without the sacrifices that have been made by them throughout the history of the United States.

In my post on Thursday, I said it would be wise to get your protection items as fast as you could. The attached story from the Associated Press is just one of the stories that I’ve seen and heard rumor of. There’s a run on all sorts of self defense and personal protection items. There will be one of the most agressive anti-gun movements this nation has ever seen as soon as the new administration takes over. This will include our items as well. I believe that stun guns and Tasers will be lumped into the handgun category. Get yours now. We’re having a great sale. check out our homepage for details…..Oh yeah, here’s the link to the story from the AP

Part of being a responsible babysitter means protecting yourself, as well as, the children youare watching over. Therefore, it is important to learn a few safety tips that will assist you in performing your duties and make you a more dependable babysitter.

First, before accepting a babysitting job, it is important for you to know the person who will be employing you as a babysitter. Check with their neighbors to find out what type of people they are before working for them. Also, prior to accepting the babysitting job, get specific information about the following:

• Number and ages of the children you will be watching.

• Bed times.

• Food and eating requirements, medicines taken or

special medical needs.

• Information about personal habits of the children

and what is expected of you.

Once you decide to accept a babysitting job arrive early and confirm all of the above information and get any additional instructions, such as where the parents will be while you are babysitting and how you may contact them in the even of an emergency.

Additionally, you may want to consider learning first aid and CPR before taking a babysitting job. This will make you a more reliable babysitter and will also provide you with valuable life saving skills in case an emergency arises.

Things To Remember

While You Are Babysitting.

Do Not allow strangers into the house unless your employer specifically informs you to let someone in.

Do Not tell a caller that you are the babysitter and you are alone with the children. Take a message and tell them that the employer will return the call momentarily.

Do Not go outside to investigate suspicious noises or activities. Turn on outside lights and call the police. Be sure that all doors and windows are locked.

Consider Having The

Following Babysitter

Checklist

• Name, address, and phone number of employer.

• Directions to the job location.

• Transportation arranged for you to get to the job and return home.

• Location and phone number where the employer can be reached in case of an emergency.

• Alternate person to contact for emergencies if the employer cannot be reached.

• Special instructions from the employer.

• Locations and instructions on the use of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid supplies.

• Walk through the house with the employer to ensure that all doors and windows are locked

• Turn the outside lights on.

• Have emergency phone numbers and note taking materials by the telephone.

Don’t be a victim.  Be Prepared.

Obamanation to the rest of the world (notice the pun there). I’m just glad it’s over. I just hope we’ll survive a completely Democrat controlled Washington.

In celebration of the Election result, We’re having a “Get your self defense gear before the Democrats take over” sale. It won’t be long before the push to control these devices will hit center stage. You won’t be able to get them (legally). Firearms are not the only thing that the gun control crowd is going after. The stun guns and pepper spray market is also a target.

If they have their way, you won’t be able to purchase anything to protect yourself or your home and family. You’ll have to rely on the government to do that for you because you aren’t able to make that decision for yourself.

Anyway, back to the sale…Make any purchase of $75 or more and you’ll get free shipping, AND you’ll get a coupon worth 20% off of your next purchase!
Not sure how long this sale will run, we may let it go until the inauguration in January, but that’s up to you. If response is good, we’ll leave it in place for a while….You decide! (another election pun).

Stop by TLM Security to see our stuff. It’s better to be prepared than to be a victim!