Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

Stay informed on how technology affects crime trends, and keep yourself safe from high-tech crimes.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft was the number one fraud complaint during calendar year 2008. And limiting your use of your personal computer may not help much: a study released by Javelin Strategy and Research reported that in 2009 most identity thefts were taking place offline, not online – just the opposite of what many folks might think. One other troubling finding: the study found that 43 percent of all identity thefts are committed by someone the victim knows.

It’s in the newspapers every day and on the news every night. People worry that someone will run up charges on their credit card or fleece their bank account while their back is turned. There is reason to worry. All a thief needs is your Social Security number to commit identity theft. This crime is relatively easy to commit, but investigating and prosecuting it is complex and time-consuming. But once you know the facts and some preventive measures you can take, you can win the fight against identity theft!

Identity thieves commit their crime in several ways:

• They steal credit card payments and other outgoing mail from private, curbside mailboxes.
• They dig through garbage cans or communal dumpsters in search of cancelled checks, credit card and bank statements, and preapproved credit card offers.
• They hack into computers that contain personal records and steal the data.
• They file a change of address form in the victim’s name to divert mail and gather personal and financial data.

Tips

• To guard against identity theft, never give out your Social Security number. Treat it as confidential information.
• Commit all passwords to memory. Never write them down or carry them with you.
• When using an ATM machine, make sure no one is hovering over you and can see you enter your password.
• When participating in an online auction, try to pay the seller directly with a credit card so you can dispute the charges if the merchandise does not arrive or was misrepresented. If possible, avoid paying by check or money order.
• Adopt an attitude of healthy skepticism toward websites that offer prizes or giveaways. Chances are, all that’s been “won” is the opportunity to buy something you didn’t want in the first place.
• Choose a commercial online service that offers parental control features.
• Tell your children never to give out their address telephone number password school name or any other personal information.
• Make sure your children know to never agree to meet face-to-face with someone they’ve met online without discussing it with you. Only if you decide that it’s okay to meet their “cyber-friend” should they arrange to meet this person, and then the meeting should be in a familiar public place in the presence of a trusted adult.
• Tell your children never to respond to messages that have bad words, are scary, or just seem weird.
• Tell your children never to enter an area that charges for services without asking you first.
• Tell children never send a picture of themselves to anyone without your permission.
• Make sure that access to the Internet at your children’s school is monitored by adults.

Citiguard Security Guard Company works hard every day to assure thesecurity and safety of our clients and their properties!

Gas Station Theft Prevention

Citiguard keeps an eye on this emerging crime trend.

Recently, there has been increased media coverage across the country regarding theft at gas stations. The unique setting allows thieves to catch their victims by complete surprise — when they are pumping gas or paying their tab inside the station. Most of the time, gas station customers leave their car doors unlocked and items like purses and wallets are often left in plain view. A thief is able to drive up next to the victim’s car, open an unlocked door, and grab any valuables within reach. Then, the thief quickly drives off. It happens in a matter of seconds.

But these thefts can be easily prevented if the appropriate precautions are taken. Citiguard Security Guard Company recommends the following tips to prevent citizens from becoming victims of theft at area gas stations.

• Pick stations that are well-lit and have video surveillance cameras at the pump.
• Always remove your keys and lock the doors while you are pumping gas.
• Keep valuables out of plain view in your vehicle and lock the doors even if you are going inside for a moment.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Don’t let your cell phone distract you.

 CitiGuard against crime! Our team works hard every day to assure the security and safety of our clients and their properties.