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For more Crime Prevention information visit www.ncpc.org, National Crime Prevention Council

IDENTITY THEFT
April 22, 2010
Identity theft is on the increase! With all the crime alerts we receive in law enforcement it seems we all may have our identities stolen by next week! Thankfully it is not that bad, but if you have been a victim of financial crime you can appreciate how much work it can take to restore your good credit. Please follow this advice to keep yourself secure. Never sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put “PHOTO ID REQUIRED”. Never place your home phone on your checks, use your work number. If you still have your social security number on your checks call me, I need you for a billboard campaign. Take your wallet to a photo copy machine, copy both sides of the contents, and keep this information in a safe place. If your credit cards are stolen cancel them immediately and file a police report. Place a fraud alert on the cards by calling the three national credit reporting organizations. Equifax 1-800-525-6285, Experian 1-888-397-3742, and Trans Union 1-800-269-0271.



TIPS FOR A SAFE SPRING BREAK
February 14, 2010
Spring break will be here soon with college students heading south. Augustana students are already on break so to help keep you safe consider these tips. First piece of advice, don’t go. If you do, always use the buddy system, three or more people together at all times. Book a hotel room above the first floor but below the sixth. First floor rooms are easier to break into, and rooms above the sixth floor are sometimes too high for fire ladders. Do not climb on balconies or sit on balcony rails. This can be fatal. Never accept open drinks from strangers. Be aware of the drinking age and if your group is drinking one individual should stay sober. Take no valuables. Be paranoid when using ATM machines, withdrawing only the cash you need for the day. Think of your safety during spring break.  We want all of you to have a good time but more importantly, we want all of you back! 



DON'T BE A VICTIM THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
December 20, 2009
Going away around the holidays? An empty house is a tempting target for a burglar especially after Christmas! Use these tips to help safeguard your home while you’re gone. Let your police department know if you plan to be away. Patrol Officers may be able to check your home periodically. Stop deliveries if you will be gone more than two days. You could also arrange for a neighbor or friend to pick up your mail and newspapers. Ask someone to shovel your snow or walk up the front steps after a snowfall to make the house look occupied! Lights on timers give the home that occupied look. A radio near the back door turned to a talk radio station is also a deterrent to burglars. Break down large boxes before placing them in the trash. There is no sense advertising the new contents of your home to burglars. Finally, remember the reason for the season. On behalf of the Crime Stoppers Board of Directors we wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year.



ROBBERY - WHAT TO DO
November 13, 2009
The holidays are fast approaching and police are preparing for the season. We ask that you take a few minutes to think about how you intend to stay safe this time of year. Unfortunately armed robberies are a part of the festivities, even here in the quad cities, knowing what to do can help keep you safe. During a robbery you must stay calm. Try to get a good look at the robber. Don’t be a hero, it is always better to lose your money than your life. When the robber leaves, get his direction of travel. The more information you can provide to 911 dispatchers the better chance the police will make an arrest. After the robbery lock the door to the business so no one can enter or leave. Of course stay away from where the robber was standing or anything he might have touched. Everyone will want to talk about what just happened but encourage them to separate and wait for police. Police would rather speak to each witness without a “suspect by committee” description provided by everyone. Remember to be calm and observant during a robbery.    



SOME ADVICE ON PHONE SCAMS
April 26, 2009
Scam artists are making money from far too many of us. The calls to our office are flat out unbelievable at times. You would think with all the information available to us nowadays we would be better prepared. Not to sound like a broken record, but here are a few things to think about when it comes to the most recent scams we have seen locally. If someone calls you on the phone congratulating you for winning a foreign lottery just hang up. If they are calling regarding a problem with your bank account hang up. If you are concerned call your bank and ask them if you have a problem. Movers, car repair insurance, an unsolicited broker, use your imagination. If someone calls you and wants money or your financial information JUST HANG UP!       



CELL PHONES MAY BE WORTHLESS IN DISASTER SITUATIONS
November 30, 2007
Recently police departments were alerted that cell phones may not work in a major emergency. The recent wildfires in California found thousands of people on the move only to find that the call volume overwhelmed local cell networks. This had an effect on firefighters trying to use the airwaves. The I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis jammed networks so bad that only one in five calls could get through. Hurricane Katrina not only knocked out towers but the few remaining were overloaded. The current Networks are not designed to handle the high volume seen during a major emergency. You should be aware that if you reach into your pocket and pull out a cell phone to call a loved one, the phone will probably be worthless. So what do you do in the case of an emergency? Have a plan to meet somewhere so you can check that everyone is safe. When all circuits are busy use text messaging, it uses less bandwidth and has a better chance of getting through. Also be aware that the Red Cross has established a website where you can post, from wherever you are that you’re okay and family members can check it to see you’re safe. 



BE VIGILANT DURING THE HOLIDAYS
November 16, 2007
With Thanksgiving just days away, the Christmas shopping season is here. It is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared, or too aware. Please share these few tips with family, friends, and neighbors. When driving keep all your doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Do not leave packages on the seat of your car. If you must leave something in your car, lock it in your trunk. Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area. When using an automated teller machine (ATM) make sure you protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you, and NEVER write your PIN number on your card or have it written anywhere in your purse or wallet. Be extra careful when carrying a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of thieves in crowded shopping areas. Children are best left at home when you are shopping. If they must come along make sure you review with them what to do if they become lost. Stuffing a piece of paper into your child’s pocket with their name and yours is a helpful tip parents have shared with police. Finally, at home be extra diligent about locking doors and windows. When leaving home have a neighbor watch the house to collect newspapers, mail, or give the walk a quick shovel if needed. Always leave a talk radio station on along with extra lights so the house sounds and looks occupied. Here is hoping and praying that all of us get through the Christmas season safe and thankful for the abundance we share here in the Quad Cities.      



DON'T BE FOOLED BY CANADIAN LOTTERY
November 16, 2006
The holidays are fast approaching and everyone could use another $10,000 for gifts, right? So when you receive a letter in the mail with a check informing you that you won the Canadian lottery, you cash it, right? If you are able to find a financial institution willing to cash such a check you would soon be informed that the check had bounced and you were now overdrawn. The Quad Cities Security Officers Group is constantly attempting to get the word out that these lottery scams are just that, scams. When people present these scam lottery checks at their bank, law enforcement and good common sense demand that a hold be placed on the check. This is done to protect you and defeat the people that are benefiting from the victim's ignorance or greed. Take the time to protect yourself by visiting the website http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com/ and remember to toss the scam checks in the trash where they belong as soon as they arrive at your door.



PHONE SCAMS
September 22, 2006
It is easy to be outraged when they prey on the extremely naïve or the elderly but the greedy have unbelievable gall when they contact Crime Stoppers to report this “crime”. If someone promises to provide you hundreds of dollars and all you need to do is cash the check they send and mail them the remainder of the money…..toss it in the trash where it belongs. If you cash the check and send them the money you are committing a crime and more than likely somewhere down the line some of the money you help them create out of thin air is ending up in the hands of terrorists. You don’t get something for nothing, there is no free lunch, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. If your greed is so great to take a chance, don’t play the victim when a financial institution calls the police and you are caught “doing a good deed” for people you don’t even know.



HOMELAND SECURITY
In light of September 11th, 2001 and the recent Athrax scares you need to take steps to raise your family's level of safety.  With tornado and severe weather season here, a disaster could occur where emergency assistance may not be available to your family for hours. It is important to learn of the possible dangers, the likely outcomes, and your family's response to weather and terror related disasters. No matter what may come, now is the time to prepare. You must have a disaster plan for your family. You must also create a “disaster survival kit” for your home and for your car.  Each Quadcitian also has a responsibility to report suspicious activity. In the event you see someone who you believe to be behaving out of the ordinary, call 911 immediately. Try to take note, as much as possible, about the person and avoid placing yourself in danger by confronting him. We will take your call at Crime Stoppers 24/7, but encourage everyone who witnesses what they believe to be suspicious activity to contact their local police or sheriff's department.

To find out how your neighborhood can receive free Homeland Security training call, in Illinois 309-736-5680 and in Iowa 563-322-7363.  Click here for more information about this program.



PHISHING
Not so long ago, a typical thief might break into your home and steal your money or jewelry. Today, some criminals have learned that it is much more profitable to go “Phishing” for your personal or account information. “Phishing” is a high-tech email scam that uses official looking emails or pop-up messages directing you to web sites that appear to be legitimate. They ask you to “update” or “correct” financial information. These sites attempt to deceive you into giving them your credit card numbers, bank account information, passwords, or other sensitive information. They use many tricks trying to lure you to their website so you will divulge personal information. If you fall for this trick, your identity will be stolen and thousands of dollars could be spent in minutes with your card. Crime Stoppers has received calls lately asking if we can help. No we can’t, we can only offer the following suggestions. If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for financial or personal info do not reply or click on the link message. Legitimate companies do not ask for this information via email. Also, use anti-virus software and keep it up to date. Never, ever send personal financial information in an email. It is not a secure method of transmitting your personal information. When it comes to “Phishing”, you can keep yourself off the hook following these suggestions.

METH LABS
Methamphetamine (also known as meth, crystal, speed, crank, ice, or glass) use is on the increase nationwide, but is especially prevalent in the Midwest, partly due to the availability of anhydrous ammonia and other precursors needed to manufacture it.  The Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group and Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities have teamed up to help stop the dangerous practice of manufacturing methamphetamine. Click here for more information.  Anyone with information regarding methamphetamine labs should call the Crime Stoppers tip line, 309-762-9500.  Your information could earn you a cash reward of up to $1,000!  To find out even more about methamphetamine labs, click on this link, STOP DRUGS!

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
November 26, 2003
With Thanksgiving behind us, the Christmas shopping season is here. It is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared, or too aware. Please share these few tips with family, friends, and neighbors. When driving keep all you doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. If you must leave something in your car, lock it in your trunk.  Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area. When using an automated teller machine (ATM) make sure you protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you, and NEVER write your PIN number on your card or have it written anywhere in your purse or wallet. When shopping be extra careful when carrying a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, bus stops, and on buses. Children are best left at home when you are shopping. If they are with you make sure to review what they are to do if separated from you. Stuffing a piece of paper into their pocket with their name and yours is a tip parents have shared with us. Of course, if they are big enough to stray from you your child should be able to tell someone their full name, address and telephone number. Police are called to at least one store around Christmas reference a lost child. Finally, at home be extra cautious about locking doors and windows. When leaving home have a neighbor watch the house and collect newspapers or mail. Leave a radio or television on so the house sounds occupied. Here is hoping and praying we get through this Christmas season safe and thankful for the abundance we do share here in the Quad Cities.      



BEWARE OF CONFIDENCE SCAM
October 25, 2002
Moline Police and Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities want area residents to be aware of yet another e-mail confidence scam. Quad City residents are receiving e-mails from a subject identified as Dr. Chukwuemeka Ubah, reputed to be a president of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. Lagos. These e-mails request that he be allowed to transfer a large sum of money to your bank account. For allowing him to do this they "guarantee" 10% of the monies transferred (usually several million dollars). In order to complete the transaction you are asked to provide personal information about yourself, such as address, phone number, and, of course, the all important bank account number. As in every variation on this scam, we continually advise everyone to never give personal information to anyone that you do not know. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is! Despite all the warnings and cautions police give, police still take reports from individuals who have lost thousands of dollars to scams. If you know of anyone who may not be able to handle their money due to age or illness, please contact your local police department. Our elderly services or COP officers will be able to get them the help they may need. Check out a sample of the e-mail scam:
 

 

ARM YOURSELF AGAINST ID THEFT
Identity theft is growing at an alarming rate, even here in the QCA. You don't have to be paranoid, but it's a good idea to take extra care in safeguarding your identity and monitoring your credit-card accounts. Here are a few simple common-sense suggestions on how to prevent becoming a victim of identity fraud.

* Limit your credit card use and make sure you have account information in a safe place that lets you immediately cancel all of them if your wallet is lost or stolen.

* Shred your credit card receipts and those pre-screened credit card offers you receive in the mail.

* Mail letters from the post office and install a lock on your home mailbox.

* Don't order your checks with preprinted driver's license or social security numbers.

Few people have a positive experience trying to correct charges made after their identity has been stolen. Unfortunately, unless someone has direct knowledge of an individual stealing identities, Crime Stoppers can offer little to no assistance. With identity fraud on the increase, fraud investigators at the banks won't be of much assistance either, unless a certain financial threshold has been hit. This is yet another case where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Please take the time today to keep your identity safe.

If You're the Victim of ID Theft
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing and more serious crimes we deal with on a weekly basis here at Crime Stoppers. Both financial institutions and individuals are victimized, not to mention the potential tool that it gives terrorists who are attempting to evade the law. Identity theft is the wrongful use of another's identifying information, such as a credit card, social security or driver's license numbers, to commit financial or other crimes. If you are the victim of an identity theft, we urge you to take the following steps immediately.

Call police. Have a report on file with your local agency. Next, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 1-877-IDTHEFT.  You can also contact FTC on line.  Visit  www.consumer.gov for more information regarding ID theft or to file a complaint with FTC.   They act as the nation's clearinghouse for information related to identity theft crimes. They will have trained counselors that can assist you in resolving most credit related problems. You must cancel all your credit cards and request new cards with new account numbers. Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit card reporting agencies: Equifax (1-800-525-6285), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and Trans Union (1-800-680-7289).  Ask them to put a fraud alert on your account and add a victim's statement requesting creditors to contact you before opening new accounts in your name. Also, request copies of your credit report. If your bank is involved contact them, cancel existing accounts, and open new ones with new account numbers. If the bad guys have your driver's license contact the state motor vehicle department and request a new license with a new driver's license number. Last but not least, change the locks on your house if you have any indication that these have been compromised. In the hands of a real bad guy, identity theft can be a living nightmare; but if you get the above done in a timely manner, you will have a fighting chance!