Stay safe in your home, car and community. Our Crimeline tips below are loaded with years of information that you will find helpful

Sunday February 5, 2012

Top Tips To Tame Spam

Four places to be wary of when using your debit card

Courtesy of Becky Worley, Yahoo Upgrade Your Life

mail. You love it and you hate it. It can save huge amounts of time or become a black hole from which none of your free time can ever escape. To help you manage your email for maximum productivity, there are dozens of shortcuts and new tools. Following are some of my favorites.

Bacn

You know what spam is — unsolicited email that adds fat to your inbox — but bacn can be equally annoying. The term "bacn" was coined by a group of podcasters a few years ago to refer to messages that are better than spam, but still not personal email. More specifically, bacn is junk email you've actually signed up for — whether you meant to or not. Maybe it's a newsletter from your college, or a marketing push from the online catalog where you bought a present last Christmas. To get them to stop sending the bacn, you need to unsubscribe.  But doing this manually — hitting the unsubscribe button on the bottom of every one of these emails is extremely time-consuming — so you need an unsubscriber.

In Yahoo Mail, the unsubscriber is easy to activate. Simply click on the Unsubscriber application on the lower left hand side of your Yahoo Mail. Then click to "Create my Unsubscribe Folder," and an unsubscribe folder will automatically appear in your folder list. Now, just drag unwanted emails into that folder, and an app called OtherInbox will work to unsubscribe you from those email lists. Even if you can't be safely unsubscribed, emails from these senders will be moved automatically into the unsubscribe folder, so you never have to see those emails again.

If you use other mail clients, there are third party browser extensions like unsubscribe.com that basically do the same thing.

Spam

When you get junk that's completely foreign to you, offensive, or an obvious scam, do not unsubscribe. Use the Spam button instead. When you click the Spam button, Yahoo and other email providers prevent subsequent emails sent by the same sender from getting into your inbox. They also use your actions as feedback to improve the various filters of their spam defenses.

Trying to unsubscribe from spam, especially the obviously smarmy emails, is possibly the worst thing you can do. You are basically emailing back to a spammer telling them that your address is a live one; they will then sell it to other spammers, so you'll get even more junk!

Organizing The Email You Want

You probably know all about creating folders to organize your inbox. But did you know that you can use a free web app to comb through your inbox and find all those receipts from online purchases that you're supposed to keep track of? Slice organizes everything you've bought online from large merchants, such as Amazon and Apple, as well as daily deal sites like Groupon and LivingSocial. They take care of tasks like tracking packages and giving you all the info you need to facilitate a return.

Managing Large Files

You know when you have a really big photo or video file you want to send, but either your email client or theirs has a size limit and won't let it though? Services like relayit.net and whalemail will allow you to send them. And Yahoo Mail users have a program built right in that lets you send files up to 100 MB in size. You can find the Attach Large Files app in the Applications section underneath your folders. (If you don't see it listed, you can add it to your list by clicking the plus sign.)

Yahoo! Mail Shortcuts

If you're one of the nearly 300 million or so Yahoo Mail users, here are a few new keyboard shortcuts just for you:

Want to switch between preview mode and the complete list view? Easiest way is to just use hit the "V" key, and it instantly toggles your view.

Want to write a new message? Hit the n key; to reply, hit the r key.

And my personal favorite: Shift-K — it lets you take an email you have read and mark it as unread so you don't forget to go back and actually answer the person. You can also hit the Mark as Unread button if you are reading on a mobile device and want to remember to go back later to answer when you are on a computer. Another way to do this is to flag a message for follow up. In that case, hit the "L" button to mark it. Shift-L unflags it.

Enhanced Yahoo Mail Security

Maybe your password has been hacked in the past or maybe you just like to keep your email super safe. For you, Yahoo introduced a new feature that enables you to add a second sign-in verification. Once this feature is activated, any suspicious account sign-in attempt will be challenged by an additional query beyond the initial password validation.

Sunday January 22, 2012

12 Things to Keep in Your Safe at Home – Not the Bank

Four places to be wary of when using your debit card

Courtesy of CBS Money Watch by Ray Martin

any folks believe that the safest place to store valuable items is in a bank safe deposit box. After all, banks have the best 24 hour security and alarm systems.

But the contents of a safe deposit box are rarely insured, while items in your home are typically covered by your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.

Also, don't think your cash in a safe deposit box is covered under FDIC insurance. The FDIC only insures the deposits in accounts held in banks, but not the contents of their safe deposit boxes.

Finally, it's not a good idea to store original copies of documents that you require immediate access to, such as passports, spare keys, wills, funerary directives, etc. in a safe deposit box. Bank safe deposit boxes are only accessible during branch operating hours and the boxes are typically sealed when the bank receives a death notice. To open a sealed safe deposit box, estate representatives are required to provide court papers to the bank.

For these reasons it's good idea to buy a fireproof safe in your home. What should you keep in it? Here are a dozen suggestions:

1. Property insurance policies and agent contact information. You'll need this information right away if your house suffers damage and you need to know how to file a claim.

2. Passports and original birth certificates. These can be a hassle to replace and will come in handy to establish identity when traveling with children.

3. A list of family doctors, prescription medications, and contact information for all pharmacies you use. You may need these to get new supplies of medications you use on a regular basis.

4. CDs or an external hard drive containing digital copies of all family photos. It's a good idea to scan all older family photos and keep a digital copy of them as well. Your family memories in photographs are irreplaceable.

5. Safe deposit box keys. If you store valuables in a bank safe deposit box, you'll want to make sure you keep the keys to it in a safe place.

6. Important papers related to investments, retirement plans, bank accounts, and associated contact information. You may also want to keep some cash on hand for ready access in an emergency.

7. Information on your outstanding debts, due dates, and contact information. It's important to keep tabs on your finances and protect your credit, in the event you're displaced by a fire.

[See also: Popular Tax Breaks You Can No Longer Count On in 2012 ]

8. Original Social Security cards. These can take time to replace and may be needed to establish eligibility for benefits.

9. Copies of your important legal documents, including powers of attorney, living wills, and health care proxies — both for yourself and for anyone else for whom you are designated attorney-in-fact or health care surrogate. Having access to these can help ensure the protection they were created to provide.

10. Copy of wills and all wills in which you are designated the executor. It's important to have access to these as safe deposit boxes are typically sealed upon notification of the box owner's death.

11. Valuables: Jewelry, coins, cash, etc. that you may want access to from time to time.

12. Spare Keys and titles to all vehicles. It helps to know where copies are in the case that you need them.

Of course, exactly what you choose to store in your fireproof safe will depend on your personal circumstances and the size and location of the safe.

Monday January 16, 2012

Risky Card Swipes

Four places to be wary of when using your debit card

Courtesy of the Bankrate.com by Claes Bell at Bankrate.com

Would you give a thief direct access to your checking account?

No? Unfortunately, you may be doing just that by regularly using your debit card. Debit cards may look identical to credit cards, but there's one key difference. With credit cards, users who spot fraudulent charges on their bill can simply decline the charges and not pay the bill. On the other hand, debit cards draw money directly from your checking account, rather than from an intermediary such as a credit card company.

Because of that, even clear-cut cases of fraud where victims are protected from liability by consumer protection laws can cause significant hardship, says Frank Abagnale, a secure-document consultant in Washington, D.C.

He cites the example of the The TJX Companies Inc.'s T.J. Maxx data breach that exposed the payment information of thousands of customers in 2007. The incident resulted in $150 million in fraud losses, and much of it was pulled directly from customers' bank accounts. While credit card users got their accounts straightened out and new cards in the mail within a few days, the case created major problems for debit card holders who waited an average of two to three months to get reimbursed, Abagnale says.

While debit card fraud is always a possibility, being careful where you use it can help keep your checking account balance out of the hands of criminals.

Skimming ATMs

The idea that outdoor ATMs are among the most dangerous places to use a debit card seems a little bit absurd. But some ATMs present a perfect opportunity for thieves to skim users' debit cards, says Chris McGoey, a security consultant based in Los Angeles.

Skimming is the practice of capturing a bank customer's card information by running it through a machine that reads the card's magnetic strip. Those machines are often placed over the real card slots at ATMs and other card terminals.

"Any transaction you do outdoors at an open ATM is going to be higher risk exposure," McGoey says. "If the public has access to it, then someone has the ability to add skimming devices to it, position cameras on it and position themselves in a way where they could surveil it."

He says you're better off using an ATM inside a retail outlet or other high-trafficked, well-lit place.

Julie McNelley, senior analyst for Aite Group LLC, a Boston-based financial services research firm, says even the card terminals that card users must swipe to get into ATM vestibules are being used as a skimming site by criminals. You can spot ATM skimmers by checking for ATM components that look beat-up or askew, she says.

Stealing PINs at gas stations

Gas stations are another danger zone for debit card use.

"You go to a gas station and you stick your debit card in there, and you swipe it through a machine," Abagnale says. "I'm sitting across the street with a laptop and an antenna. I put a skimmer in there, and I'm picking up all the information. Before you even get home, I've debited your account."

Gas station payment terminals have many of the characteristics card fraudsters love, McNelley says.

"In a gas station where you do have a whole bunch of pay-at-the-pump kinds of things and minimal supervision, it's pretty easy for a bad guy to put a skimming device on and put a little pinpoint camera there and compromise debit cards that way," McNelley says. Thieves often use small cameras to capture footage of debit card users entering their PINs so they can have free access to their money.

She says even if the thief doesn't manage to get your debit card personal identification number, or PIN, from such a device, he still may be able to duplicate the card's magnetic strip and use it for "sign and swipe" Visa or MasterCard transactions.

With the high potential for fraud in pay-at-the-pump debit transactions, it might make sense to use an alternative such as cash or credit cards the next time you fill up.

The Web is a risky place

Debit cards are a convenient way to buy products online, especially for those who don't like to use credit cards. Unfortunately, the Web is one of the most dangerous places to make purchases, McNelley says.

"Online is the No. 1 place where consumers should not use their debit cards," she says. "It's susceptible at so many points. The consumer could have malware on their computer, so it could be at their endpoint that the data get compromised. It could be a man-in-the-middle attack where somebody is eavesdropping on their communications via the wireless network. And then at the other end, that data goes into a database at the merchant. As we've seen with some of the higher-profile breach events over the last year or so, that data is going to be vulnerable if (they're) not properly cared for."

Aside from the potential for hacking at many different points in a transaction, Abagnale says a fundamental problem with using debit cards online is it's impossible to know who is handling your information.

"Buying stuff online, you have to be careful because you have to know who you're doing business with. When you buy things online, what always kills me about that is people say, 'This is a safe site,'" Abagnale says. "Who works there?"

Restaurants keep customer data on file

"Would you care for a side of debit card fraud with that?"

Restaurant servers don't ask that question, but they might as well with the standard practice of taking customers' debit cards to run them behind closed doors.

"Any place where the card is out of hand" can increase the chances of fraud, says McGoey. "The guy comes to your table, takes your card and disappears for a while, so he or she has privacy," giving the person the opportunity to copy your card information.

Even restaurants without sit-down service can present a threat. McNelley says using debit cards to order delivery can be risky because cashiers tend to keep customer payment information on file. That may make future orders more convenient, but small businesses rarely take the steps necessary to safeguard payment information, she says.

Overall, she says, regardless of whether you use your debit card at a small restaurant or a big-box store, the possibility of fraud is always there. She cites the example of Michaels Stores Inc., which saw its customers' debit card information stolen in May by debit card terminals doctored by thieves.

"Even if you do exercise caution … there are still the Michaels-type incidents that will happen," McNelley says.

Sunday January 7, 2012

Defend Your Data

Tips on thwarting cybercriminals

Courtesy of the Bankrate.com by Michael Estrin

hen it comes to protecting their finances from cybercriminals, most consumers have heard the online security basics before: Avoid entering financial information at a public computer, and don't repeat passwords across multiple sites.

The same experts also warn against using public Wi-Fi hotspots to conduct transactions on your own computer. "You never know who's sitting next to you at Starbucks when you log on to pay your bills or check your bank statement," says Eric Friedberg, co-founder of Stroz Friedberg, a security firm in New York City.

And just to beef up online security, all security experts advise consumers to take advantage of extra layers of protection, such as secondary passwords, security questions or tokens, if their financial institutions offer those services. But as our daily lives grow more intertwined with technology and cybercriminals become more sophisticated, there's always more you can do to make sure you aren't the next victim.

Here's what you need to know for online security 2.0.

Don't Take Social Media Offers at Face Value

For years, scammers have been using email to dupe their victims into sending money or divulging sensitive information. While that's still a problem, scammers are increasingly turning to social networks, such as Facebook, and using your friends against you, says Joe Ferrara, president and CEO of Wombat Security Technologies in Pittsburgh.

"To ensure safe social networking, never connect with anyone you haven't met, verify the identity of new friends and look out for scam messages, even from trusted friends, which could indicate an imposter," Ferrara says.

Spotting an imposter may be tough at first. The message, which can appear as a direct message or a post on your Facebook wall, is designed to look like it came from your friend's profile. A free treat from your favorite store presented by a friend can be a tempting offer, but before you click, Ferrara says you should ask yourself a few questions.

    Is the offer too good to be true?

    Is this really something my friend would write?

    Does the language have awkward phrasing or a lot of typos?

If any of those questions raise a red flag for you, don't click the link. And, if you want to verify the message, try contacting your friend directly about the offer.

Don't Ignore Updates

You may not realize it, but keeping your software up-to-date isn't just a question of adding new features to your programs; it can also be a critical part of protecting yourself online.

"Cybercriminals can get in through holes in unpatched computers," says Marian Merritt, a Los Angeles-based author of "Family Online Safety Guide," written for Symantec, the makers of Norton AntiVirus.

But updating software doesn't just mean making sure you have the latest version of your chosen anti-virus program, Merritt says.

"You also have to keep your computer's operating system and the programs that run on your computer up-to-date," Merritt says. "Don't ignore prompts to update your operating system or applications with critical security fixes."

But when you do update, you need to be careful. If you use a Microsoft operating system, you can safely update through Windows or Microsoft Update, which is a program that comes preinstalled on your computer. Macs have a similar updating program that prompts users when it's time to make an update. For other software programs, experts say it's a good idea to update through the company's website to ensure safety.

Don't Forget to Eye the URL

When you visit a new website, you should always take a moment to scan the site's Uniform Resource Locator, or URL, which is displayed in a bar at the top of your Internet browser. That URL is the address of the website, and online security experts have been warning consumers for years to look out for typos or other irregularities to make sure they really are connecting to a legitimate website and not just a clever imposter.

Most URLs will begin with the familiar "http" before the site's address. News, entertainment and other general interest websites all use this format for their URLs.

But these days, if money is about to change hands or you're asked to share sensitive information such as your Social Security number, it's a good idea to look for a URL with an extra letter, says Andrea Eldridge, CEO and co-founder of Nerds On Call, a computer and electronics repair service based in Redding, Calif.

"Make sure that anytime that you are putting in sensitive information that the Web address starts with 'https' instead of 'http,'" Eldridge says. "That little 's' stands for secure, so the website has to have additional security precautions on the page keeping you safer and a whole lot less likely to have your information stolen."

Don't Assume Mobile Apps Are Safe

For sheer convenience, it's hard to beat the allure of banking with your smartphone. But before you download an app that promises to turn your phone into a wallet, it's a good idea to ask yourself if you're trading convenience for security.

"Smartphone users who want to use mobile banking should only use apps from their financial institution," says Eldridge, who warns third-party apps may not have the same privacy protections as apps offered by your bank.

But Albert Thiel, president of Your Data Center Incorporated, a website hosting and network security company based on Long Island, N.Y., says consumers shouldn't be too quick to adopt mobile banking until there's better security across the board for mobile apps.

"Don't ever use a cellphone to connect to your bank," Thiel says. "(Many of) those apps you have loaded continue to run, even when you exit them," which may put users at risk for having keystrokes and touch screen selections intercepted.

According to Thiel, security on mobile devices will get better as anti-virus and anti-spyware packages evolve, but for now, he cautions, "Just don't do it."

Don't Click on Shortened URLs

If you use Twitter, you're probably familiar with so-called shortened URLs, which are a method for streamlining a link so it can fit in Twitter's 140-character limit. While shortened URLs are handy for sharing information via Twitter, they're also dangerous, according to Gary Bahadur, CEO of Miami-based KRAA Security and author of "Securing the Clicks: Network Security in the Age of Social Media."

Even if you know the person who has posted the link, it's a good idea to proceed with caution. When you see a shortened link "you do not know what the actual Web address is until you click," Bahadur says.

According to Bahadur, scammers often use shortened URLs to lead victims to a malicious software, or "malware," website.

Thankfully, you don't have to skip the links your friends share. But you should take the extra step of expanding the link to see the full address before clicking on it, Bahadur says. But that's not as simple as a mouse click.

Many of the services that provide shortened URLs have stepped up their efforts to guard against scammers, but it's also a good idea to have a tool that allows you to safely open the shortened URL, Bahadur says. TinyURL.com can help, but there are others.

Sunday January 1, 2012

How To Avoid The Top New Year's Scams

Plan responsible parties and ensure your guests have a great time

Courtesy of the CBS Moneywatch/by Marlys Harris

ritics and pundits have already had their say about the Top (and Bottom) Tens and Twenties of 2010 --movies, intriguing people, restaurants, books, songs, TV shows, political moves and so on. All of it is now old news. But lists of 2010's top scams are worth hanging onto since none of them is likely to disappear in 2011. Some are novel, but most are golden oldies -- time-tested rip-offs with a new twist that cruelly capitalizes on people's current financial distress.

Big kahuna among the list-makers is the Better Business Bureau, But ConsumerAffairs.com and the National Consumers League also have their picks. So here are scams that most bedeviled consumers in 2010 and, which, if we're not alert, are likely to rip us off in 2011 -- if we don't take steps to avoid them:

Job schemes

In the past, phony placement companies would ask the unemployed for a fee paid in advance to get them considered for a job -- one that never materializes. That scam continues, but now, according to the BBB, some placement companies are really in the business of identity theft, asking for personal info, like social security numbers, bank account numbers and so on, supposedly to help you get a job. Instead, they help themselves to your money. To avoid: Know that legitimate placement agencies impose fees after you get the job; usually the new employer pays them.

Debt Relief and Settlement Services

The rip-off is the upfront fee you pay to have the company negotiate with lenders -- which usually doesn't happen; so not only are you out the fee, but your debts have accumulated more interest and penalties. To avoid: Locate a legitimate nonprofit counseling agency via the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, which has been around for decades and charges modest fees, and sometimes nothing. If you are truly under water, visit a bankruptcy attorney.

Crooked Foreclosure Help

Like debt relief schemes, so-called foreclosure companies offer to get your mortgage modified -- after you send them a walloping fee. No modifications occur, homeowners fall further behind and go deeper in debt. According to ConsumerAffairs.com, the Indiana Attorney General alone filed 34 lawsuits against such companies. Similar firms pledge to modify auto loans with the same non-result. To avoid: Get foreclosure avoidance counseling from groups approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Work-At-Home Rip-Offs

Tantalizing to stay-at-home moms, the unemployed and the disabled, these scams promise big money for assembling products at home, establishing an on-line business and/or mystery shopping. The problem: Victims wind up investing hundreds of dollars, often incur unreimbursed expenses, work long hours and earn little if anything. To avoid: Get a book on the home business you would like to start. It will describe the risks and potential, and if you decide not to go ahead, you'll only be out $14.95.

Time-Share Resellers

What better way to pare the budget than by dumping that costly time-share you bought back when times were better. According to the BBB, the National Consumers League and ConsumerAffairs.com, deceptive resellers charge several thousand dollars to list the property; after you pay, you never hear from them again. Complaints about the fraud have increased 40 percent this year. To avoid: Advertise your time-share on Craigslist, but check out #13 below to avoid another scam.

Bogus Charities

They claim to give to needy youngsters or veterans, but in fact little of what they collect goes to charity. To avoid: Before pledging, go to CharityNavigator.org and type in the organization's name. You'll be able to see what percentage of revenues go to program activities and how much to managers' perks.

"Free" Trial Offers

Just sign up and you get a free diet supplement or some other goody. But to get the goody, you have to supply your credit card number. Eons may pass before you realize that you've been billed every month since for something you decided you didn't like just because you failed to say 'no.' To avoid: Provide credit card information only when you are purchasing an item -- and don't accept a free trial of an extra after making a purchase; the company already has your credit card number and may bill you in perpetuity.

Wandering Contractors

Door-to-door roofers and other itinerant home improvement outfits have been scamming homeowners since the Dark Ages. They take your money and then fail to do the work -- or do a subpar job. To avoid: Look in the Yellow Pages for contractors, get estimates from at least three, check references and pay no more than a third of the total bill upfront.

Lousy Gold Deals

The value of gold surged last year, and strapped consumers did everything they could to unload old rings and necklaces. But New Jersey found that 49 businesses were short-weighting the gold while Massachusetts authorities found wide variance in the amounts companies paid for the same items. To avoid: Ask a jeweler the carat of the metal and the weight in pennyweights or troy ounces. An online calculator can help you figure out the value based on the price of gold that day. Call other jewelers to see what they would pay. A fair deal would give you 85 percent of the value.

You-May-Already-Be-A-Winner Scams

The target, often an elderly person, receives a phone call or letter announcing that he's won millions from a foreign lottery, Publishers Clearinghouse or Reader's Digest. To get the money, however, he has to wire hundreds or even thousands of dollars to cover a phony fee or taxes. No prize ever materializes. To avoid: Ignore calls or letters demanding a fee in exchange for a lottery or sweepstakes prize. If you think an elderly relative might be susceptible, monitor her mail.

 Identity Theft

You may already know about phishing (which sends you an email leading to a replica of a bank website, where you provide your SSN and account numbers), but now there's vishing (same deal only with Internet based telephones) and smishing (use of texting and cell calls to again lead you to a phony site where you tell all). The messages suggest that something is amiss with your bank account, and you must immediately contact by pressing a number or clicking on a url. When you get there, an automated system elicits the info, and so long identity. To avoid: If you get a message from your bank that something is wrong with your account, don't click through or use the automated response system. Call your bank directly to find out if the problem is real.

Advance Fee Loans

All you have to do to get a loan? Just send in $1,000 or more. Once you do, you never hear from the company again. To avoid: Use the lowest-rate credit card you can get to finance your debts. If all your cards are maxxed out, fuhgeddaboudit. You shouldn't be borrowing at all.

Fishy Overpayments

The targets are usually landlords or small business owners who advertise rooms for rent or goods and services in classified ads or on Craigslist. A would-be renter or buyer sends a check that's an overpayment and asks for the victim to wire the extra amount back. Later, the check bounces. To avoid: Be suspicious of anyone overpaying; don't send back any money until the check clears your bank.

Ponzi Schemes

After Bernie Madoff, you'd think that people would be immune to investment promoters promising pie-in-the-sky returns. But prosecutors were kept busy all last year by scammers who stole investors' money. To avoid: Keep your investments in a dull, old mutual fund. To paraphrase Will Rogers, you may not get much return on your money, but you will be certain about getting return of your money.

Saturday December 24, 2011

Holiday Season Safety Tips

Plan responsible parties and ensure your guests have a great time

Courtesy of the BC RCMP

‘Tis the season to deck the halls…falalalala lala la la! Yes… it is already that time of year again! Holiday festivities (and chaos!) are just around the corner and there is no better time to ensure that you and your family are safe.

Around the house…

•  Remove snow and ice, and put sand or salt on walkways and driveways. Arrange to have this done even when you are away and for a neighbour to pick-up your mail.

• Discard packaging from big ticket items carefully, bundling cardboard boxes to conceal the nature of their contents.

• Keep a record of your valuables.

• Identify property by engraving an identifying mark.

• Being safe doesn’t have to mean skimping on holiday cheer!

Christmas Tree Fraudsters can take advantage of the holiday season by creating bogus fundraising operations. Ensure your donations are going to legitimate charities by logging onto the Better Business Bureau of British Columbia. The web site has information on charities and businesses in the province.

Secure your mail

Put a temporary halt to your mail and paper delivery if you are traveling this holiday season. Always pick deliveries up promptly. Unattended mail is a treasure trove of personal information for potential thieves.

Having a party

With holiday parties about to swing into full gear, are you prepared to be a responsible host? Follow these tips to ensure your party is a hit and your guests make it home safe.

• Never serve alcohol to minors.

• Post a standard drinks guide on the fridge or near the food and drink areas so guests are aware.

Have a plan to prevent drinking and driving

•  Encourage guests to name designated drivers or leave vehicles at home and take taxis, public transit or walk.

• Either don’t drink or limit your own drinking of alcohol so you can be aware of how much your guests are drinking.

• Know your guests. It makes it much easier to monitor changes in behaviour.

• Monitor and supervise the serving of alcohol or designate a responsible adult “bartender”.

• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends.

• See guests in and out. Greeting everyone gives you the opportunity to assess their condition.

• Keep cash and numbers of cab companies handy.

Keep the focus off alcohol

• Serve food with protein and fat. Salt makes people drink more and sugar does not mix well with alcohol.

•  Have lots of non-alcoholic choices.

What to do if a guest is drunk

•  Encourage them to give you their car keys. Teaming up with a buddy can help.

•  Inform them a cab has been called. Asking them if you can call them a cab gives them the opportunity to refuse.

• If they are very drunk keep them with you until they have sobered up or can be left with another sober, responsible adult.

•  Remember that only time, and not food or drink, sobers someone. Be prepared to offer a spare bed.

• If the person insists on driving call the police. This could be the difference between an upset friend and far more tragic consequences.

Out Having Fun

Remember, drinking and driving kills. The choice to drive or not to drive is yours. Please be a responsible adult and make the right choice. You could be saving a life and it might be yours.

Get a free ride from Operation Red Nose here.

Do you know where your kids are tonight?

Guy 1: Hey so my dads out of town and he’s leaving the keys to his mustang, you wanna race me tomorrow night?

Guy 2: Yeaaa, I’ll race you any day, I just put new tires on my civic. You wanna put something down on this race?

Guy 1: Sure my parents are leaving me like 100 bucks for food, I’ll bet you that.

Guy 2: Nice, well I don’t have the cash but I’ve got 100 bucks in weed in the shed I’ll bet you.

SPEAKER
Do you know where your kids are tonight? Take the time to find out.
Brought to you by your local RCMP Drug Use - Ecstasy (.mp3, 740KB)

Girl 1: Hey so me and Steph got a bunch of pink spray paint and are going to the park tonight and school to tag it up. Do you want to come?

Girl 2: Sure, can I tell my mom that I'm sleeping over at your house?

Girl 1: Yea sure, just give your Mom my cell phone number and Steph can pretend to be my Mom. Hey , ah, I don’t if your are into this but me and steph are getting tired of weed so she scored us some E. Do you want her to get you some too?

Girl 2: Sure, I’ve always wanted to try it.

SPEAKER
Do you know where your kids are tonight? Take the time to find out.
Brought to you by your local RCMP

Wednesday December 14, 2011

A Note To Parents About Kids Safety Online

Some tips from Chilliwack RCMP Cpl. Hollingsworth

Courtesy of Cpl. Tammy Hollingsworth, Chilliwack UFVRD

20-year-old Surrey man was charged with sexual interference after he connected with a 13-year-old Chilliwack teenage girl. Do you know what your kids are doing online? Below is some advice from Cpl Hollingsworth for moms and dads.

• You can block the browser, YouTube, iTunes, and the ability to
  install Applications;

• You can also restrict the type of content purchased for
  Applications, Music and Podcasts;

• Movies, TV shows and Applications can be restricted by ratings;

• You can also set up Auto-Lock and Passcodes;

• You can review the history of searches when your child uses your
  device;

• YouTube has its own app button on the main page of the iPad. It’s
  already a hot destination for most kids so you know your children will
  use this;

• Videos and comments on YouTube are often inappropriate for children.
  Normally, on a regular web interface, YouTube offers some controls that
  you can set on the home page to control what videos your children search
  on and view;

• You shouldn't let your children add content to the iPad or any
  computer without your permission. On a regular computer, unknown
  downloads can lead to security issues and though those issues aren't
  present as yet for the iPad, parents should keep a close eye on the
  iPad’s use and content. Again, you can set limits in the Restrictions
  area;

• The whole iPad itself can be password protected with a 4 digit
  passcode which can prevent children from using it without permission;

• Sign out of your App Store account when not actively shopping to
  prevent children (or co-workers) from downloading unwanted programming
  on your dime.

Tuesday December 13, 2011

Keeping Kids Safe Online

Best Strategies to protect children

Courtesy of the UNICEF

Saturday December 3, 2011

Rental Scams Can Leave You Homeless

Some useful tips to avoid being taken to the cleaners

Courtesy of the BC Provincial Government

n unsuspecting renter responds to an advertisement for a rental home. The renter meets with an individual who identifies herself as the landlord. After viewing the property, the renter again meets with the landlord to deliver a sum of money (over $2000) to pay for rent and the initial damage deposit. The renter signs an agreement, is provided a key to the residence and a date to take occupancy.

The renter does move in to the residence and only becomes concerned when an individual arrives at the house, belongings in hand, as he too, has rented the home. The second renter met with likely the same landlord (at a different location) and paid nearly the same sum of money to rent the property.

Often times, as with this occurrence, the owner has others manage the rental of the property, or a sub-lease has been allowed with little documentation.

As a renter, there are some precautionary steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to scams such as this. First and foremost, apply common sense.

Ensure a proper tenancy agreement is drafted and signed by both parties. This agreement should include names and addresses for the landlord. Ask the landlord to show picture identification as proof he / she is the person named in the document. While it is not a requirement that they produce identification, the renter should be suspicious if they refuse.

As a renter, you might consider asking to see previous utility bills for the residence to confirm identity of the landlord.

Choose a currency method other than cash for payment of rent or deposits. Consider payment by personal cheque, money order, bank draft, or certified cheque.

For general information relating to entering into a tenancy or ending a tenancy, please visit the BC Residential Tenancy Site at:

Sunday November 27, 2011

Don't Be A Victim of Auto Crime This Christmas

Thieves are targeting shopping malls, so extra precautions are always a good idea

n November 21st and 22nd, 2011, the Prince George RCMP received two reports of attempted stolen vehicles from the parking lot of a local mall. With shopping season upon us, the police would like to remind the public to take extra precautions this holiday season.

In both cases, the owners of the vehicles were shopping at a local mall in the afternoon or early evening. The owners returned to their vehicles to find damage done to the door locks and ignition area. Fortunately neither of the vehicles were successfully stolen. The vehicles were both Ford F350 pick-up trucks, one a 2003 and the other a 2005. The Ford F- Series is the most stolen vehicle in BC.

For a list of the top 25 stolen vehicles in BC, click here (English only).

The Prince George RCMP would like to remind the driving public, in particularly, the shopping public, that car thieves are out looking for gifts this holidays season too. Don’t let them ruin your holiday experience this year. Here are a few things you can do to prevent your vehicle from being stolen:

1) Physically – no thief wants to waste precious time exerting a lot of physical effort. They are lazy;

2) Visually – just the site of an anti-theft device inside a car will turn a thief away from your car;

3) Audibly – thieves never want to draw attention to themselves.

To learn about Auto Anti-Theft Devices, click here (English only).

Click here for more Crime Prevention tips.

Police would like to also remind auto thieves that the Prince George RCMP actively participates in the BAITCAR program. BAITCARS ARE EVERYWHERE!

If you have any information about Auto Crime in Prince George, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-TIPS (8477), online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca  or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES using keyword "pgtips". If you have information about Chilliwack crimes call the same number or go online to: www.chilliwackcrimestoppers.ca

Saturday November 12, 2011

Top Ten Cars Thieves Love To Steal

Avoid being victimized this holiday season

t's hard to stop a thief who really wants to steal your car. But knowing which vehicles thieves target gives you, the motorist, a crucial advantage.

Having your car stolen is like getting mugged: non-fatal, yes, but extremely unpleasant. And while both are unfortunate facts of life in big cities, it's easier than you think to protect yourself.

When shopping for a new or used car in Canada, make this your first question: What were the top 10 vehicles stolen last year? According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), these were Canada's most stolen vehicles in 2010:

1. 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door

2. 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door

3. 2002 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD

4. 2004 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD

5. 2005 Acura RSX Type S 2-door

6. 1997 Acura Integra 2-door

7. 2000 Audi S4 Quattro 4-door AWD

8. 2003 Hummer H2 4-door AWD

9. 2006 Acura RSX Type S 2-door

10. 2004 Hummer H2 4-door AWD

In November 2010, the Canadian government passed Bill S-9 - the Tackling Auto Theft and Property Obtained by Crime Act - giving Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) the authority to seize stolen vehicles intended for export. Auto theft is a huge reason auto-insurance rates continue to climb annually across Canada.

"IBC congratulates the federal government for cracking down on organized crime and auto theft for export, and for making the safety and security of Canadians a priority," said IBC Vice President of Investigative Services Rick Dubin. "IBC will continue to work vigorously with law enforcement and government agencies across Canada to fight auto theft and recover stolen vehicles before they leave the country."

Bill S-9 updates the Criminal Code, making motor vehicle theft a separate offence; creating the offence of altering, destroying, or removing a automobile's vehicle identification number (VIN); and creating the offences of trafficking property obtained by crime and possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking.

Auto theft by the numbers:

• According to Statistics Canada, 108,172 vehicles were stolen in Canada in 2009, a drop of 15 per cent from 2008.

• In 2009, auto theft cost Canadian insurers $419 million. If you add emergency response, court, policing, legal and out-of-pocket expenses (such as deductibles), the total cost of auto theft each year in Canada approaches $1 billion.

A professional auto thief without a key needs about 30 seconds to steal your car or truck, although an electronic immobilizer, which requires unlocking, makes it more difficult. The IBC has a few suggestions for thwarting thieves intent on stealing your vehicle.

• Roll up car windows, lock the doors, and pocket the key.

• Keep your vehicle registration and proof of insurance in a purse or wallet at all times - not in the glove box.

• Never leave valuable objects or packages in plain view. Put them in the trunk.

• Never leave a vehicle running unattended - when you're getting a coffee, say, or warming it up on the driveway. Some 20 per cent of cars are stolen with keys in them.

• Always park in a well-lit and busy area.

• At home, park in a garage, if available, and lock the garage and car doors.

Let's face it; if a thief wants to steal your vehicle, he's likely to be successful. But knowing how to protect your rolling investment - and understanding which vehicles thieves like to target - will help your cause. No vehicle, no matter the age or desirability, is completely safe. But preventing auto theft is like preventing personal theft. A little planning goes a long way.

Saturday November 12, 2011

The 12 Scams of Christmas

Avoid being victimized this holiday season

By Tori Floyd, The Right Click

he holidays are a time when many of us think about connecting with old friends, traveling to be with family and shopping until we're blue in the face.

But all the busyness of the holiday season also makes it the perfect time for cybercriminals to prey on their unsuspecting victims online.

To help combat the perils of Christmas criminals, cyber security experts McAfee Inc. has released its annual list of the '12 Scams of the Holidays,' highlighting some of the ways internet users are open to fraudsters and hackers that can take advantage of you.

1. Hotel "wrong transaction" malware emails

Be wary of emails from hotels telling you they have run a "wrong transaction" on your credit card. These emails often have a "refund form" attached that when clicked, the user downloads malware onto his or her system. Only open attachments from senders you know, and contact the hotel listed in the email to confirm the mix-up before you click anything.

2. Mystery shopper scams

Getting a job as a mystery shopper seems an ideal holiday job for many people: you can make some extra cash and get some of your holiday shopping done at the same time. Unfortunately, the old adage of "if it's too good to be true, it probably is" holds up here, and scammers have been known to send text messages recruiting candidates. Once the receiver calls back the sender, the scammer asks for personal information like credit card and bank account numbers. Real recruiters wouldn't ask for this kind of information.

3. "I'm away from home" scams

If you make a point of mentioning when you'll be traveling out-of-town this holiday, you might want to think twice before you announce it on Facebook. We've all seen how the bad guys in Home Alone scout out a neighbourhood over Christmas to see who won't be home - thanks to people publicly sharing their plans online, burgalars don't even need to leave the house anymore. Make sure you only connect with people you know through social networks, and don't share with the masses when your house will be empty.

4. Phony Facebook promotions and contests

There are plenty of giveaways and promotions on Facebook that ask you to sign up in order to enter. Be wary of ones that need you to sign up with lengthy surveys gathering personal information, particularly from a company or person you don't recognize, as cybercriminals will collect this information and sell it to spam and telemarketing companies.

5. Scareware, or fake antivirus software

One of the most common scams online right now is 'scareware,' which warns users that their computer is or at risk of becoming infected, and they need to download security software right away. According to McAfee, one million users fall for this scam every day. Buy all security software directly from a trusted website or retailer, not through pop-ups that are likely seeking to do more harm than good.

6. Malicious content and websites

When you're searching for the perfect Christmas gift online, you'll likely come across a slew of ads for holiday ecards and ring tones. According to McAfee, a good percentage of these are likely malicious and worth avoiding. The company also says that out of the top 100 search terms each day, nearly 50 per cent lead to malicious websites.

7. Malicious mobile apps

With 60 per cent of the average Internet users now owning at least three digital devices per household, mobile devices are becoming a greater target for cybercriminals. Malicious apps are on the rise, designed to steal personal information or send out expensive text messages. Stick to apps downloaded from official app stores like iTunes, BlackBerry App World and the Android Market.

8. Mac malware

While they were once thought of as untouchable, Macs are taking up a much larger market share with home users, and are therefore becoming more tempting to hackers. McAfee says that malware that can attack Macs is on the rise of 10 per cent a month. Installing security software on all Macs and iOS devices is your best protection.

9. Zombie infections

No, there's no need to run out and stop chopping off the heads of the undead. Zombie infections are viruses that allow hackers to control your computer remotely. Like many of the other scams, avoid clicking on links from unknown senders and make sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date.

10. Holiday phishing scams

The holidays are the perfect time for scammers to try and gather personal information from people. One popular scam poses as a courier, stating that you have a package to pick up, but need to fill in personal information before you can collect it. Call companies to confirm details before you click on a link. The same is true for charity solicitation scams: contact charities you want to donate to directly instead of clicking email requests.

11. Online coupon scams

The popularity of coupons hasn't gotten by scammers. Some fradulent sites offering coupons will also ask for banking information and if they do, you know it isn't legit. Never give out banking information to an unknown source. To add insult to injury, many of these coupons are fake, and customers won't be able to redeem them for the promised discounts.

12. "It" gift scams

Those hot gifts can be a pain to get, but never try and take the easy way out to get them. If you come across a website offering you the hottest holiday product for cheap, you'll often end up paying a lot more for it buy 'purchasing' it. Scammers won't send you the product (or at least not the real deal), and they walk away with your credit card information. Only purchase from reputable retailers.

Sunday November 6, 2011

The Low-down on Identity Theft

Tips to make sure no one else is trying to be you and how to protect your personal information

Courtesy of the BC RCMP and the Government of BC

Protect your personal information – don’t become a victim. There are many ways someone can access your personal information:

What is identity theft?

Identity theft is someone wrongfully obtaining and using your personal identifying information to commit fraud or theft or for other purposes.

1. Mail Theft

Superboxes and apartment boxes are more of a target than individual mailboxes for mail theft. This may include redirection of mail as well as theft of mail.

Prevention:

·        Be vigilant and report suspicious activities around mailboxes.

·        Pay attention if you do not receive mail that you had expected.

·        Don’t let mail build up in your mailbox.

2. Intercepting Garbage

Prevention:

·        Shred all documents containing personal information before discarding.

·        Businesses should be especially careful to guard their client’s information.

3. Theft of Wallets and Purses

Your identification is often more valuable than the cash.

Prevention:

·        Do not carry unnecessary identification (passports, birth certificate, Social Insurance card).

·        Report stolen credit and bank cards.

4. Computers

11.6% of identity theft was through computers
- 2005 Identity Fraud Survey Report

Prevention:

·        Share personal information on trusted and secure web sites only (secure sites begin “https:”).

·        Practice safe computing - Do not open suspicious e-mail. Use anti-virus software to filter e-mail.

·        “Wipe” your computer hard drives if you sell or dispose of an old computer.

·        Use a firewall or Internet Security Software to prevent hackers from accessing your data.

5. ATM Fraud

Tampering with automated teller machines (ATMs) and point of sale terminals enables thieves to read your debit or credit card number and personal identification number (PIN).

Prevention:

·        Use familiar ATMs.

·        ATMs with security cameras (including machines located inside businesses and in business-hours branches) are less likely to attract criminals; seek out these machines when possible.

·        Be suspicious if your card is "eaten" by the machine and someone approaches you to say the same thing happened to them, then advises you to enter your PIN again.

·        Limit your after-hours ATM use.

·        Watch for "shoulder surfers" who watch you enter your PIN

·        Keep a watchful eye on your monthly statement, as well as your balance, and report any problems to your bank. - Tom Harper, publisher of ATMmarketplace.com

What is done with your personal information?

·        Charge purchases or withdrawing funds from your accounts.

·        Establish new accounts in your name (and not paying the bills).

·        Change mailing addresses so you will not notice their activity.

·        Rent a premises for a marihuana grow op.

·        Apply for a mortgage for a marihuana grow op.

·        Access government social programs (EI, pension, social assistance).

·        Use false identification to avoid prosecution, access government services in your name or allow unwanted visitors to enter the country.

How will you know if your identity has been stolen?

·        You learn of a credit application that you did not make.

·        Regular statements do not appear in the mail.

·        A payment is charged to you that you did not authorize.

·        A collection agency informs you that you have defaulted on a payment you did not make.

What can you do if you think you are a victim?

·        Notify your bank or credit card company IMMEDIATELY.

·        Contact Equifax 1-800-465-7166 and Trans Union (877) 525-3823 and request a “fraud alert” be placed on your credit record.

·        Go to www.phonebusters.com and complete the “Identity Theft Statement”.

·        Contact your local police.

·        Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre - formerly Phonebusters at 1-888-495-8501.

·        Record the dates and times of what you do and whom you speak with.

”PHISHING” refers to directing people to web sites which look “official” but are in fact bogus sites designed to access personal information. For example, if your bank’s web site is www.mybank.ca, beware of www.mybank.com, www.my_bank.ca, or similar variations - they may be fake!

“Back doors” or “Trojans” are programs that may be loaded onto your computer, usually by e-mail, that enable other computers to remotely access your data. The threat can be eliminated through proper use of Internet security programs or firewalls, used in conjunction with anti-virus software

Did You Know?

In Canada, in 2008, $9.6 million was lost to identity theft. - Project Phonebusters

It takes 12 months, on average, for a victim of identity theft to notice the crime. - U.S. Federal Trade Commission

In the USA, in 2005, the leading target age groups were 18-29 and 30-39. Identity thieves may need a stolen identity that approximates their own age. - U.S. Federal Trade Commission, January 2006

Quick Tips to prevent identity theft:

Never throw away bank records or other documents in a readable form.

Never give your credit card number over the telephone unless you make the call.

Never give your PIN number to anyone.

Reconcile your bank account often and notify your bank of discrepancies immediately. Watch your account activity online.

Be cautious about sharing your personal information.

From the BC Government Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General - November 2 2011

Did you know that anyone can be a target for identity theft, at any age? The first step in preventing it from happening to your family is to understand how thieves try and intercept your information to begin with.

Your mail and recycling are two of the most common sources of identity theft. Not only will identity thieves steal mail that might contain valuable personal information, they can use that information to fraudulently order a redirection of your future mail. Think carefully about the contents of the documents you toss in your recycling, especially if you live in a multi-unit building where recycling is centralized and out in the open. If those documents contain personal information about you, your family, business clients—anyone—it’s valuable to an identity thief.

Quick Tips for Preventing Identity Theft:

·         Never throw away bank records or other documents in a readable form—shred them instead.

·         Never give your credit card number over the telephone unless you make the call.

·         Never share your PIN, online banking access codes or other passwords with anyone.

·         Review your bank account and credit card activity regularly.

·         Reconcile your statements as soon as you receive them so you can notify your bank or lender of discrepancies immediately.

·         Follow up with the post office if you do not receive mail you were expecting or have an unusual lapse in receiving mail.

·         Ensure your mailboxes are secure, especially if you live in a multi-unit building.

For more information, visit Consumer Protection BC at:

www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/consumers-alias/help-for-how-can-we-help/243-identity-theft

Saturday October 29, 2011

RCMP Issue Alert About Remote Access To Computers

Fraudlent wire transfers linked to fake computer tech services calls

Courtesy of the BC RCMP

he Prince George RCMP would like to warn the public of recent fraud attempts in the community.

The latest scam reported in Prince George involves a person calling residents to report that their computer is not functioning properly or that they are promoting a new program to make their computer better. The computer owner allows access to the computer remotely, via the internet. The fraudster states that he is doing a “scan” and fixing or up grading the computer. The fraudster is actually installing “spy ware” or other malicious software that will capture sensitive data such as banking information, dates of birth, user names and passwords. These fraudsters often use company names that most people are familiar with.

At the conclusion of the call, the scammer requests a credit card number and may even ask the victim to send payment via a wire transfer company. On checks with the bank a couple hours later, the fraudster had already attempted to apply for a credit card with the information he obtained from accessing the victim’s computer. Wire transfers cannot be traced or recovered by the police.

Police would like to remind the public that allowing someone to remotely access your computer is extremely dangerous and can leave you vulnerable to a variety of frauds. Reputable companies do not require payment via wire transfer. Unless given access by the computer owner, there is no way that someone else can know whether your computer is functioning properly or not.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has received over 350 similar fraud reports since the attacks started occurring in eastern Canada in February 2011. Credit card transactions or wire transfers have been made for up to $500.00 in each of these cases. As the telephone solicitors are from foreign countries, prosecution is unlikely. To report a similar fraud or for more information on this and other frauds, please visit www.antifraudcentre.ca.

Released by Cpl. Craig Douglass, Prince George Detachment

Saturday October 22, 2011

Tips For Calling Emergency Services

When should I call 9-1-1?

Courtesy of the BC RCMP

The Vancouver Police Department and the Better Business Bureau of B.C. have released their annual list of the Top 10 scams that consumers can avoid, and it includes a few new ones and few old cons that have been around for a while.

The computer virus scam

This is a relatively new scam in Canada that has been active in the U.K. for a number of years, say police.

The victim gets a phone call from a major computer company offering to fix a virus on the victim's computer. Once the victim logs on to a website, the screen goes black and the scammer, who is often based in India, charges the victim $150 to make the computer work again.

Police recommend simply hanging up on the caller and avoiding the websites they recommend.

The fake lottery scam

The victim, who is often elderly, is sent an email saying they have won a lottery, but they are told they need to send money before they can claim their prize. The lottery is a fake and the money is lost forever.

Police recommend warning elderly friends and relatives about this common scam.

Concert or sports ticket reselling scam

The victim pays cash for an authentic ticket to a concert or sporting event from a reseller who was advertising online.

When the victim tries to use the ticket to enter the event they are denied entry because the ticket has been bought with a stolen credit card by the fraudster, and cancelled by the original company once they discover the fraud.

Police recommend only buying tickets from established ticket resellers and only to using a credit card to buy them so you can cancel the payment if the tickets are invalid.

The grandson in trouble overseas

Type 1 - The victim, often an elderly person, gets a call from some saying they are their grandson or another family member, and they are in trouble overseas and desperately need money to get home. The scammer also tells the victim to wire them the money, but not to tell anyone, because they want to keep the situation secret.

But victim later discovers the grandchild is fine and was never in trouble, and it was just an imposter who got their phone number by digging through their garbage.

Type 2 - The scammer gains access to the victim's email or Facebook account and sends a distress email to all of the victim's email contacts.

The email states that the victim is in distress in a foreign country and to keep the information confidential. As in the first type, the victim is asked to wire money to the foreign country, later discovering their friend was never in trouble.

Police recommend you don't put personal information in the garbage and protect your passwords online.

Fake property rental

In this scam the victim appears to find a great deal on a rental property and meets with the landlord online or in a coffee shop to close the deal.

After paying a damage deposit in cash or by wire service, when the victim tries to move in, they discover the landlord was a fake and somebody else might even be living in the home.

Police recommend you inspect all property in person and ask the landlord for photo identification, and pay with a post-dated personal cheque.

Counterfeit currency used to buy electronics online

In this scam the victim posts an ad online to sell an item, often a popular valuable electronic item.

But the scammer pays for it with counterfeit currency and takes off before the victim notices the fraud.

Police say watch out for fake money when selling electronic items such as iPhones, Xboxes or PlayStations, and know at least three security features to ensure bills are not fake.

The secret shopper scam

The victim gets a job from an online ad to be a mystery or secret shopper. The fake employer sends them a bank cheque and asks them to cash it, keep some for themselves and wire the rest back to test out a service such as Western Union.

But when the bank determines the cheque was a fake, the victim is charged for the money they sent the scammer.

Police say whenever you are asked by a stranger to wire money based on a cheque deposit, it is normally a scam

The Nigerian Scam

This well-known scam is also known as the 419 scam after Section 419 of the Nigerian Penal Code that prohibits this activity. The victim gets a letter from an official in a foreign country asking for help getting a large amount of money out their country in exchange for a share of the loot.

The victim wires money to the scammer, but they get nothing in return.

Police warn that all advanced fee requests are scams and if you receive a letter in the mail or via fax, simply ignore it

Fake bank security scam

The victim gets an email that appears to be from their bank asking them to open an attachment and enter their bank information in order to protect or verify their account. But the message is a clever fake and the scammer uses the information to access the victim's bank accounts.

Police warn no bank will email you regarding security issues and any requests should be deleted and ignored.

The fake charity collector, home or fire inspector

In this scam, someone knocks on the victim's door claiming to be collecting for a charity or claiming to be a fire or building inspector. The victim feels pressured and donates or pays the person with cash.

Police say real charities and inspectors don't collect money door to door and you should lock the door and call police if anyone suspicious comes knocking asking for money.

Monday October 10, 2011

Tips For Calling Emergency Services

When should I call 9-1-1?

Courtesy of the BC RCMP

all only in the in case of emergencies where an immediate response is required.

These are only some examples of when to call 9-1-1. There may be circumstances that differ from the examples given, but remember, if it is happening now and you see it taking place, then call 9-1-1.

October 2, 2011

Fraud: Avoid Being A Victim

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

Courtesy of the BC RCMP

Follow these tips to protect your money.

September 25, 2011

Facebook Friends

Are they real pals or are they trying to scam you?

Courtesy of CBS Moneywatch/Written by Kathy Kristoff

on artists are lurking in the shadows of your Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and eHarmony accounts, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association, the oldest international investor protection association.

Crooks have always gravitated to so-called "affinity" frauds, which target the members of a set group such as members of a particular church, alumni association or country club. That's because victims let down their guard when they're introduced through a friend, even if that introduction is second-hand. (Think: "I was referred to you by Father Jim." Or "Susan suggested that I give you a call.")

In fact, scammers purposefully infiltrate tight-knit groups, figuring that common hobbies, lifestyles, professions or faith will help them establish a bond with their victims. Because we assume that our friends won't betray us, that bond increases the likelihood that even a reasonable, thoughtful individual will become a victim.

Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and eHarmony have become a particular targets of affinity fraudsters because it's so easy to break into these groups, according to the investor protection group. You may be selective about the group you accept as friends and connections online, for example. But you might be tempted to accept connection requests from "friends of friends." If just a few of your legitimate friends are less selective than you are, you could get connection requests from people who know people that you went to high school or college with, for example.

You might assume this "friend" is an old acquaintance that you've simply forgotten. The formula: the faux friend will post often and regularly interact with your group of friends. The name becomes increasingly familiar. Months into your online "relationship" with this person, a big move in the stock market might cause him or her to mention that he/she is an "investment professional."

"Don't worry," he might say. "This market reversal is just temporary."

In these tumultuous times, even savvy investors are looking for good advice. If the con artist is smooth enough, he won't even approach you. You'll approach him. The next thing you know, he's commiserating with you about how rotten all the traditional investments are. Then, ever so smoothly, he moves to the pitch: "Well there is one thing you can invest in, but it's not for everybody."

You may get sucked into the affinity fraud vortex, thinking that you're getting this opportunity because your long-lost (and suspiciously missing from the year book) high school classmate is willing to let you in because he knows you. In fact, many victims of affinity frauds end up so certain that the con artist is legitimately helping them that they end up promoting the bogus "opportunity" to their own close friends and families.

"A con artist can take advantage of how easily people share background and personal information online by using this information to make a highly targeted pitch to friends within that social group," said David Massey, North Carolina's Deputy Securities Administrator and President of NASAA. "Just because someone has friended you online doesn't mean that person is your friend when it comes to investing."

What signs might tip you off that the investment is fraudulent?

• Lack of public information. If you're offered an investment that's not listed on a major stock exchange (anything that can't be looked up on Yahoo Finance), insist on seeing the prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If there isn't one, walk away.

• Promises of high returns with little or no risk

• Sense of urgency. ("I can only leave this deal open for you until the end of the week"; "this opportunity won't last"; "there are a limited number of shares")

• Request for payment through e-currency web sites.

• Testimonials from "satisfied" investors

• Hard-to-verify information — i.e. "this investment is registered but it's registered with securities regulators in Bermuda, rather than the U.S."

September 11, 2011

What's The Plan?

Tips on how to deal with domestic violence

Courtesy of the DEAL.org, written by Audrey Roy, photo SaiOne on Flicker

August 31, 2011

Buying an Selling Online

When you receive a cheque for an online transaction, don't cash it too soon

Courtesy of the BC RCMP

August 7, 2011

Commercial Crime & Major Fraud

What is commercial crime?

Courtesy of the RCMP

RCMP municipal detachments and municipal policing departments generally handle investigations about low-level or local fraud, theft, small counterfeiting operations, identity theft, etc. However, many crimes that are committed in your community may be part of a larger organized criminal effort.

Commercial Crime and Major Fraud
This group helps detect and deter criminal activity within the business and securities community at the local/international level. This includes corporate fraud, investment fraud, securities fraud, mass marketing fraud, credit fraud, fraudulent telemarketing and identity theft/fraud.

Counterfeiting
This group helps suppress the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit currency and payment cards within Canada. The Commercial Crime Unit typically investigates when there is either organized crime involvement, substantial value or financial losses, a high degree of criminal sophistication or a requirement for special technical or investigative expertise satisfying public or national interest.

Federal Statute Enforcement
Commercial Crime Sections investigate allegations of corruption of domestic public officials, and the crimes relating to integrity of national programs.

Project Emptor
Project Emptor, a multi-agency, cross-border task force led by the RCMP for the purposes of investigating and preventing international mass marketing fraud. Project Emptor operates out of the RCMP “E” Division Commercial Crime offices located in Surrey, British Columbia. Partners include the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority, The Competition Bureau, The United States Postal Service, the FBI, and the Federal Trade Commission. This Task Force has operated since 1998.

If you think you are a victim of commercial crime, or if you have information about this type of crime, please contact your local RCMP detachment, municipal police department or the Commercial Crime Section. You can also report fraud though www.RECOL.ca

The law helps protect you. Section 423 of the Criminal Code states that it is an indictable offence to intimidate anyone or their relatives with violence or threats of violence, or to deprive them of their property or tools, to persistently watch the place where that person resides, works or carries on business.

Public servants and employees of crown corporations, who disclose wrongdoing in the federal public sector, receive additional protection under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, November, 2005.

If you have a complaint/concern, please contact your local RCMP Detachment.

July 29, 2011

Ten Things You Shouldn't Keep In Your Wallet

These tips can save you time and money

Courtesy of Fox News

hat you keep in your wallet will determine how at risk you are for identity theft in the chance you lose it. Here are 10 items experts suggest keeping at home.

We all make sure we've got our keys, wallet and phone before we head out the door, but more often than not, we are carrying around things that are better left at home. Some items we carry on a daily basis can be virtually impossible to replace, and others may leave us at risk for identity theft in the event of loss. We checked in with the personal finance experts at LearnVest to find the top 10 things you shouldn't carry in your purse or wallet.

Social Security Card

"You may carry it around thinking you need a back-up source of ID, but these days you don't really need it," says Maria Lin, editor in chief at Learnvest. If your Social Security card gets in the wrong hands, someone could open a credit card, apply for a loan, or even buy a car with the information. It's nine digits, just memorize it.

Your Passport

If you're traveling internationally, of course you can't leave your passport at home, but you can leave it in the hotel safe. When you are abroad, make a photocopy of your passport to have in your wallet for identification along with your driver's license. "If you lose your passport or get mugged in a foreign country, it's such a horrible hassle," says Lin. "You have to go to the embassy, and it's a vacation nightmare." If you're traveling in the U.S., use your driver's license instead. "Your passport is such a primo document for your identity, if someone gets a hold of it, you can really put yourself at risk for identity theft," says Lin.

Passwords/Pass codes

Although most PIN numbers are only four digits long, some people still write them down so they don't forget. "If you store any type of ATM password or even a code for your home alarm in your wallet, you have basically gifted a thief with access to your life," says Lin. If you absolutely can't remember important pass codes, store them digitally on a password-protected phone, but never write them down and leave them in your wallet or purse.

A Non-Password Protected Phone

Today, many people have smart phones that allow them instant access to bank accounts, PayPal accounts, medical records, and more. Even if your phone only accesses e-mail, a thief could easily search for banking or ATM passwords or addresses, according to Lin. "Think about all the things you have digitally stored on your phone. You have to have it behind password protection. This way a thief can still erase your phone's memory and use it for themselves, but they won't have access to your data."

Your Checkbook

"As innocuous as it seems, your checkbook has your bank account number and routing number on it, your address, and possibly imprints of your signature," says Lin. Lin says that if you know you're going to need to write a check one day, peel off one check out of your book and take it with you. If you know you're going to need to write multiple checks in one day, go ahead and take your checkbook, but don't get into the habit of carrying it around with you all the time, Lin says. "You want to prevent someone's ability to just start writing out your blank checks and cashing them."

Too Many Credit Cards

"A lot of people put all their cards in their wallet and carry them with them at all times," says Lin. "But if your wallet gets lost or stolen, that means you're going to have to sit and cancel every single one, and wait a week without any credit cards before you receive a replacement." Only carry the one or two cards you use on a daily basis and a backup, and leave others at home. Also make sure you keep photocopies of the front and back of each card at home, Lin advises. The 1-800 number to call and report a lost or stolen card is very often on the back of your card -- which doesn't do you a lot of good once the card is no longer in your possession.

Too Much Cash

Lin offers the following rule of thumb when it comes to carrying cash: Bring only as much with you as you're willing to lose. "It's good to have a little cash on you at all times for emergencies, but you don't want to carry so much that you're going to feel a real hit if your wallet gets stolen." For people on a "cash diet," Lin recommends bringing only as much cash to cover the day's expenses.

Gift Cards/Certificates

"A lot of people carry these around thinking, 'I never know when I'm going to be passing this store,' but chances are, you're going to forget about it anyway, and if your wallet gets stolen, it's one of the first thing thieves are going to use," Lin says. Gift cards and gift certificates are just like cash -- they don't require ID for use. "Try to leave it at home and take it with you only when you are consciously going to shop at that store," Lin says. "Make it a special excursion; it's a treat to have free money to spend."

Jewelry or USB Devices

"It may sound silly, but if you're changing earrings or heading from a business meeting, it's very possible you may forget and toss these things in the zipper compartment of your wallet," says Lin. USB devices can be bad news in the hands of thieves if they contain confidential files. "It would be horrible to get your wallet stolen any day, but if you're also losing your grandmother's earrings or a presentation you've been working on for months, it's even worse!"

Receipts

Sometimes receipts can have your credit card information on them, as well as your signature, which thieves could do a lot of damage with. Additionally, if you've just purchased a big-ticket item like a new computer or jewelry, you may need that receipt for warranty purposes. "If you're planning to use your receipts for expense purposes at work, those few hundred dollars of business receipts can just vanish and your employer might not be so understanding," says Lin. "Get in the habit of taking out your receipts every night instead of carting them around with you."

July 17, 2011

Internet Safety Skills 101

What your children should know if they are online

Courtesy of BC RCMP

he Internet opens up a world of information and is quickly becoming an integral tool with ready access whenever and wherever you are through cell phones and computers. Internet safety involves ensuring that people, specifically children and youth, have the information needed to develop safe online surfing habits.

Why is Internet safety important?
Growing access to high speed connections has made it easier for Canadians to spend more leisure time online to browse for information and news, complete homework, participate in online games, and connect with family and friends. In Canada, young people lead the trend with 96% of youth regularly accessing the web.

Unfortunately, these advances in technology and social networking have made it easier for children to come into contact with individuals who may try to harm them or take advantage of them. Children/adolescents willingly engage in risky Internet behavior sometimes not knowing the consequences.

Basic Internet safety is common sense.

Photo Tip:
If you choose to share photos, place them on password protected sites and set security settings to the highest level.

Sexting is growing in popularity, especially amongst teens. It involves electronically sending sexually explicit messages, photos and/or videos primarily by a connected cell phone.

Warning:
These photos can easily be uploaded to the web and shared via text messaging as well as email.

Adult Content is easy to stumble upon and to purposefully access through sexually explicit, hate propaganda and violent sites. Video sharing sites such as YouTube offer easy access to this type of content.

Child pornography should be reported to www.cybertip.ca , Canada’s national tip line for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.

Online Gaming is popular with youth, especially males. Games are usually played in online communities with the use of game chats and messages and voice chatting through the use of a headset. Fellow gamers are likely strangers and harassment can occur by griefers (online cyber bullies).

Tips to keep it safe and fun:

Create a gaming agreement with your teen that includes choosing appropriate game tags (screen and character names) and a list of permitted game sites.

Online Gambling games such as poker, casinos, betting, and bingo are easily accessible by youth despite the fact that it is illegal for minors to play. A credit card is needed to play and if gambling gets out of hand, debts can quickly accrue.

July 3, 2011

Travelling On Plastic

Visa card safety tips you should know before you go

Courtesy of VISA

isa is offering consumers tips on how to protect themselves from card fraud when travelling this summer. The website www.VisaSecuritySense.ca provides helpful information for cardholders on how to protect their account information and resolve unauthorized card use.

"Visa cardholders can be confident in the security of their cards, whether they are at home or away," said Gord Jamieson, Head of Payment System Risk, Visa Canada. "However, card security is a shared responsibility so it's a good idea for cardholders to learn how to protect their cards."

While enjoying summer vacations at home or abroad, it's important to know that Canadian Visa card issuers provide important consumer protections including fraud liability protection and dispute resolution. Savvy consumers can visit www.VisaSecuritySense.ca to find out more about Visa's security features and how to better protect themselves from the inconvenience of unauthorized card use while travelling.

"By spending a few moments building card security into their travel plans, Canadians can enjoy even greater peace of mind as they head out to enjoy their summer vacations," added Jamieson.

VisaSecuritySense.ca offers consumers the following tips when travelling:

Cardholders can also turn to www.VisaSecuritySense.ca for news about fraud scams, access helpful resources or find help to resolve problems.

Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable digital currency. Underpinning digital currency is one of the world's most advanced processing networks—VisaNet—that is capable of handling more than 20,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and guaranteed payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa's innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: pay now with debit, ahead of time with prepaid or later with credit products. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.

June 27, 2011

Keep Your Information Safe

When shopping online, here's then things you should know

Courtesy of Kimberly Palmer, Alpha Consumer

ast week's security breach at Citibank was just the latest in a string of incidents that have rattled consumers: Sony, Lockheed Martin, and iTunes are also among recent high-profile targets. With such big names falling victim to hackers, is it still safe to bank online?

The answer, according to top security experts, is a qualified "yes." Using the Internet to bank, buy music, or shop is still as safe or safer than visiting brick-and-mortar locations, as long as consumers take precautions and know what to do if they notice any suspicious activity. In fact, the overall trend is a reassuring one: 2010 actually saw fewer records breached than the previous year due to new infrastructure in place, says Julie Conroy McNelley, senior fraud and risk analyst at research firm Aite Group. Today, she adds, "banks have some of the most sophisticated mechanisms in place."

As long as consumers take a few basic steps (explained below) to help protect their information, security experts agree that online banking remains safe. That's a good thing, since it's almost impossible for consumers to avoid sharing personal data online if they want to participate in 21st-century life, from Facebook to online sales to paying bills. Plus, as McNelley adds, many breaches involve databases of card numbers that exist regardless of how cardholders use their accounts.

Much of online security is out of consumers' hands altogether. "It's actually extremely difficult to know how secure any bank's information-handling is," says Geoff Webb, executive at data protection firm Credant Technologies. Banks often don't share much about their security techniques, since they don't want to tip off criminals on how best to attack them. Whether they talk about it or not, financial firms should be encrypting data, segregating credit card information from other types of data, and making web applications as secure as possible. Regular training of employees is also key, he adds.

In addition to doing what they can to protect themselves on their own, consumers can talk to their representatives in Congress to push for bigger changes, Webb says. The government is becoming increasingly involved in driving the security of banks and other organizations, Webb says. In fact, the Commerce Department recently urged online companies to improve their own security, and President Obama proposed new cybersecurity legislation in May.

How to Stay Safe While Shopping Online

Here are 10 steps consumers to take to make sure their information is safe:

1. Don't talk to cyber-strangers, and don't click on hyperlinks within emails from strangers. "That's the easiest way to download malware to your computer," says McNelley. Even if an email looks like it's from a company you know, such as your bank, go directly to the bank's website and log in there instead of clicking on the embedded link, and never open attachments from strangers (or even suspicious-looking ones from friends, who may have been hacked themselves). Sometimes hackers will set up fake sites that look like real sites to capture victims' information, a method referred to as phishing.

"A financial institution will never contact you via email asking you to verify your funds, request your username or password, or any other sensitive information," says Stephen Sims, senior instructor at the SANS Institute, which educates security professionals.

2. Treat your smartphone like the computer it is. Downloaded apps can contain malicious codes, warns McNelley. "You have no idea who created that app, and very little code-checking goes on," she says. If you're going to download apps, she suggests avoiding or minimizing the financial transactions you make with the smartphone. "Mobile phones are really tiny computers, but most consumers don't treat them as such or get anti-virus software for their smartphone," she adds.

Meanwhile, be sure antivirus software on laptops and desktops is up to date. "Many compromises are a result of keystroke-logging software that is illicitly installed on a user's system, capturing usernames and passwords," says Sims.

3. Treat social networks like dark street corners. You never know who's lurking among your friends and acquaintances. Hackers have targeted Gmail, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and users of those sites should be especially wary of clicking on embedded links, even those "recommended" by friends. Hackers also send emails that appear to be from social networking sites but are, in fact, fake emails designed to capture personal information. Again, users should avoid clicking on links embedded in emails.

4. Use the Net to your own advantage. If you bank online, you don't have to wait until the end of the month to check your statement. You can log in anytime and make sure nothing is amiss. An errant charge is often one of the first signs of identity theft, so check statements carefully and alert your bank immediately of any problems.

5. Get free help. Many credit card issuers offer free and automatic identify-theft protection to customers. (That's one advantage credit cards have over debit cards.) If you see erroneous charges on your statement, call your credit card company, which should investigate on your behalf. The law requires credit card companies to dispute erroneous charges. For most people, paying a monthly fee for extra monitoring services is unnecessary. (Once a year, consumers can get their credit report free of charge through annualcreditreport.com.)

6. Think of a new word. Consumers are tasked with remembering dozens of passwords for various retailers, banks, and accounts, making it almost impossible to remember them all, especially since they often include mixes of numbers and letters. Keep careful track of your passwords in a secure document, rely on mnemonic devices to boost your memory, or come up with some other clever strategy--but don't stick with simple passwords that are easy for strangers to guess. Also, change your passwords on a regular basis.

7. Never, ever give your Social Security number to anyone online. If a site asks for it during the checkout process, it's probably a scam site.

8. Shred or safely store financial mail. Bank statements, investment documents, and other financial paperwork can give thieves clues about account numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal information. Destroying documents with a cross-cut shredder works, but you can make it easier on yourself (and the environment) by limiting your paper trail wherever possible. Shifting to online banking and document storage can reduce your chances of falling victim to a dumpster diver.

9. Fight back quickly. If you are hacked, step one is calling your bank, says McNelley. That's because banks have sophisticated systems in place that can immediately begin closely monitoring your account for signs of identity theft. They can also and shut down and replace any accounts if necessary. In fact, banks are often the first to notice something amiss, even before the victim.

As long as consumers report fraud in a timely manner, the law limits their liability to between $50 and $500, says Sims.

10. Trust your gut. "You often hear, after consumers used an ATM with a skimming device, they had a bad feeling about it. If you do have that feeling, listen to it," says McNelley, and remove yourself from the situation.

Taking these simple steps is like remembering to lock your door at night, or turn on your alarm system. Says McNelley, "Bad guys go for the house that's unprotected. If you take the basic measures, then generally you have less risk about getting compromised."

Kimberly Palmer s the author of the new book Generation Earn: The Young Professional's Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back.

June 19, 2011

Tips For Calling Emergency Services

When should I call police, fire or ambulance?

Courtesy of the BC RCMP

Call only in the in case of emergencies where an immediate response is required.

What constitutes an emergency?

These are only some examples of when to call 9-1-1. There may be circumstances that differ from the examples given, but remember, if it is happening now and you see it taking place, then call 9-1-1.

• DO remain where you are unless you are in danger. ie: domestic, fight etc.

DO NOT hang up the phone. Public safety policy dictates the operator to call back to confirm there is no emergency. This wastes valuable time. Simply apologize and tell the operator you called by accident and there is no emergency.

June 10, 2011

Ageless Wisdom: Personal Safety

Tips to help you stay safe at home and in the community

Courtesy of the BC RCMP

June 3, 2011

Stay Safe When Boating

Boaters can be charged with operating a vessel while impaired

Courtesy of the RCMP Cpl. Mike Schmeisser, West Coast Marine Services

ith the warm BC summer in sight, boaters around the province are heading out on the water again; leading police to issue a reminder on boating safety.

“Safe Boating Awareness week is a great opportunity to remind people of their responsibilities when they head out on the water,” says Corporal Mike Schmeisser. “A few minutes spent before you head out on the water, can save your life.”

Boat operators are responsible for the safety of everyone onboard their vessel, including themselves. Basic safety equipment, emergency equipment, and a sober operator are a must.
While the exact equipment required onboard a vessel varies depending on the type and size, some common requirements include:

• One properly fitting personal flotation device (PFD) for every person onboard, regardless of age.
• A bailer or manual bilge pump
• A re-boarding device
• A buoyant heaving line

Vessel operators are reminded that drinking and boating is a crime, and carries the same penalties under the criminal code as drinking and driving. Everyone operating the vessel is required to have a valid operator’s license, and remain sober.

Police around the province will be on the waters this long weekend. Boaters should expect to see police boats of varying sizes, and may be stopped for a routine check of required equipment, and licensing.

“When our officers check boaters, they will be looking for the required safety equipment, and will ensure that the operator is sober, and properly licensed”, explains Cpl. Schmeisser. “Our efforts are as much about education as they are about enforcement, so while fines are possible, our focus will be on ensuring a safe environment for all the users of our lakes and waterways."

For a complete Safe Boating Guide visit the Transport Canada website: www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/tp-tp511-menu-487.htm

May 8, 2011

RCMP Warn of Potential Rental Scam

Avoid getting caught in a re-renting scheme and losing your security deposit

Courtesy of the RCMP

n this occurrence, an unsuspecting renter responds to an advertisement for a rental home. The renter meets with an individual who identifies herself as the landlord. After viewing the property, the renter again meets with the landlord to deliver a sum of money (over $2000) to pay for rent and the initial damage deposit. The renter signs an agreement, is provided a key to the residence and a date to take occupancy.

The renter does move in to the residence and only becomes concerned when an individual arrives at the house, belongings in hand, as he too, has rented the home. The second renter met with likely the same landlord (at a different location) and paid nearly the same sum of money to rent the property.

Often times, as with this occurrence, the owner has others manage the rental of the property, or a sub-lease has been allowed with little documentation.

As a renter, there are some precautionary steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to scams such as this. First and foremost, apply common sense!!!

Ensure a proper tenancy agreement is drafted and signed by both parties. This agreement should include names and addresses for the landlord. Ask the landlord to show picture identification as proof he / she is the person named in the document. While it is not a requirement that they produce identification, the renter should be suspicious if they refuse.

As a renter, you might consider asking to see previous utility bills for the residence to confirm identity of the landlord.

Choose a currency method other than cash for payment of rent or deposits. Consider payment by personal cheque, money order, bank draft, or certified cheque.

For general information relating to entering into a tenancy or ending a tenancy, please visit the BC Residential Tenancy Site at: www.rto.gov.bc.ca/content/publications/factSheets.aspx

May 8, 2011

Avoid Becoming A Target For Con Artists

Everything you need to know about rip-offs

Courtesy of Consumer Report

What cops and crooks say you're doing wrong.

You're an easy target. That's what we heard when we talked to police, experts, and especially people who have spent time on the other side of the law. As vacation season begins, and crime doesn't take a holiday, these security missteps may surprise you -- or at least remind you what police dramas taught:

Be careful out there. Here are the mistakes to avoid at home, with your electronics, and for your personal finances:

More from ConsumerReports.org

• Six Ways to Stay Safer Online

• Why Your Accounts Are Vulnerable to Thieves

• Social Networks, Mobile Phones and Scams Can Threaten Your Security

At Home

Making a break-in too easy

"About half of all break-ins aren't break-ins but walk-ins," says Bob Portenier, consultant, lecturer, and former burglar. "Families get in a hurry in the morning -- kids going to school, running late for work, doctors' appointments, what have you -- and forget to take that one or two minutes to check the doors and locks, usually on the back side. You have a pet, you let it out to do its business -- and then forget the security French door or sliding glass door."

Remember, don't forget to turn on your home alarm. In a security survey of 1,038 U.S. homeowners we conducted in February, 43 percent of people in our survey who had an alarm said they at least occasionally don't turn it on when they're not at home. Some other troubling numbers. Nineteen percent of people in our survey said they at least occasionally leave doors at home unlocked when they're out, and 26 percent of survey respondents said they at least occasionally leave windows unlocked when they're not at home.

Leaving your garage door open

In addition to providing access to everything in the garage, the door most likely leads to an interior door and access to your house. That interior door probably isn't as strong as an exterior door. And once a burglar's in your garage, the neighbors can't see him.

Obscuring your house

Tall hedges and fences hide windows and doors, giving thieves cover to work, says Walter T. Shaw, former burglar and co-author of "A License to Steal."

Leaving valuables in sight

"When we targeted a house, we would approach the door and look in -- the quality of furniture, whatever there was -- to give us an idea of how these people spend their money," says Portenier. "So with mirror-tinted windows, it eliminates that."

Advertising a vacation

People often don't do anything to make the house look occupied, says Maj. Kurt Philipps of the Memphis police department. Lt. John Dzwlewicz of the New York City police department suggests this trick: Put some inexpensive kids' toys on the lawn. On Facebook, share news of your trip only after you return.

Being carefree with keys

Leaving keys under the doormat or elsewhere outside the home is a risk that 12 percent of people in our survey say they often take. Another 7 percent say they do it occasionally. And 66 percent say they have given a key to someone other than a resident of their home.

And avoid hiding your car keys inside or outside the car. That just makes it easier for thieves to engage in a spur-of-the-moment theft, authorities say. Many of today's cars make it difficult to lock your keys inside. If you're concerned about that anyway, keep a spare in your wallet or purse. Eleven percent of people in our survey said they at least occasionally leave car keys in the ignition when parked. And 52 percent of people from non-metro areas in our survey said they at least occasionally leave their car unlocked outside.

Tossing prescription bottles

Prescription labels on pill bottles can contain important information such as phone numbers, doctors, and prescription numbers. Remove the labels and shred them. Also be careful with medical records. And also treat your benefit claims forms, insurance reimbursements, and even medical tests as confidential information and destroy them before discarding.

Thinking a gun is your best defense

Gun ownership is a controversial topic, but research has shown that homeowners with guns increase the risks in their home. Homeowners might make the mistake of not getting proper training and not securing their firearms. Thirty-two percent reported having a gun as a security measure. And 73 percent of gun owners thought it was very good or excellent for protection.

With Your Electronics

Using lazy passwords

It pays to make the passwords you use tougher to guess. Don't make it easy for hackers. That means never using passwords such as "welcome" or "password." Instead mix up letters and numbers to make for tougher encryption.

Falling for phishing

The e-mail that contains what looks like a link to your financial institution might be phony; cyber thieves will record your keystrokes as you enter passwords, giving them access to your accounts. Don't click on such links; type the correct Web address into the browser.

Running outdated software

Always run the latest version of your browser, which will probably include better security features, says Kevin Mitnick, a former infamous computer hacker and now CEO of Mitnick Security Consulting, a computer-security business. And Mitnick says that when a software company such as Adobe tells you there's an update for your software, pay attention and run the update. Programs such as Flash and Adobe Acrobat are among the most exploited by cyber criminals.

Instant-messaging programs and media players are also targets. To make sure software on your computer is up to date, Mitnick advises running a program such as the free Personal Software Inspector.

For Your Personal Finances

Banking from a public computer

Keylogging malware that can capture account numbers, passwords, and other vital data is a risk that has been linked to use of open Wi-Fi connections and public computers such as those in hotel lobbies.

Using unfamiliar ATMs

Thieves have been known to put out-of-order signs on a legitimate ATM and set up nearby freestanding bogus ones that "skim" data from your card. ATMs located inside banks within view of surveillance cameras aren't risk-free, but they pose more challenges for crooks installing skimming equipment.

Two other important pieces of advice related to ATMs: Separate your PIN code from your ATM or debit card. Almost 1 in 10 people carry their code with the card, says ACI Worldwide, a payment systems company. And when typing your PIN into an ATM or card reader, use your free hand to shield the keypad from the view of hidden cameras or anyone nearby.

Dropping your guard at gas pumps

Card-skimming at gas stations is likely to increase during summer months, especially in vacation areas, so use cash or credit cards at the pumps if possible. If you must use a debit card, select the option to have the purchase processed as a credit-card transaction rather than typing in your PIN.

Ignoring your credit or debit cards

Monitor your accounts at least weekly to spot and report unauthorized transactions as soon as possible. Use services offered by your bank or card issuer that can help protect you, such as an e-mail or text alert if a transaction occurs for more than a certain amount.

Abandoning your receipts

Many transactions, such as filling up your tank and making a debit-card withdrawal, leave a paper trail. Don't toss away receipts in the ATM lobby or leave them at the gas pump. Hold on to them until your transactions have cleared your bank account to make sure the totals match. Then shred the receipts if they have any information a thief might use.

Trashing your bills

Thieves harvest sensitive data from account statements and other financial documents placed in the trash and use them for ID theft, says Inspector Michael Romano of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Shred them first.

6 Ways to Stay Safer

1. Watch out for imposters

The fastest-growing scam in the past year has been imposter fraud, according to the latest annual report on consumer complaints from the Federal Trade Commission. Thieves claiming to be someone they're not (such as a friend or relative stranded overseas in need of cash to get home, a bill collector, or an employee of a government agency) use Facebook messages, e-mail, phone calls, and text messages to persuade people to send money or divulge personal information such as Social Security or account numbers. Last year, 60,000 people reported that they were affected by this form of fraud, up from just five cases reported in 2008.

2. Learn to parallel park

Car thieves are becoming more professional. They're stealing new cars by putting them on a flatbed tow truck, our expert says. Parallel parking hinders access to the front and rear of your car, making it difficult to tow. Also, be careful about whom you bump into at the grocery store, especially if your car has keyless entry and a push-button ignition. A thief with an antenna and a small kit of electronics can transmit your key's code to another thief standing near your car, allowing him to open it, start it, and drive it away.

3. Hide the stuff in your car

Don't leave electronics and other valuables visible inside your car. GPS units are less of a magnet these days; cell phones and laptops more so. Holiday gifts are a big target, so don't stack them up in the backseat. Is there a worse move? Yes. Leaving your stuff in the back of a pickup truck.

4. Change your PIN

Make it a habit to routinely change the secret code for your debit card or ATM card. That gives you better protection against any thieves or skimming schemes.

5. Keep a financial inventory

Once a year take out all of the cards in your wallet, make a list of the account numbers and contact information you'll need to cancel cards if they become lost or stolen, and hide it in a safe place, says Mark Rasch, a former Department of Justice computer-crime prosecutor who is a director at CSC, a business technology firm based in Falls Church, Va.

6. Change your Wi-Fi password

If you have a home wireless network, choose the highest-security option. That way your Web-browsing and financial transactions will be more protected. Go a step further and create your own administrative password rather than rely on a default password supplied by the router.

May 8, 2011

Fraud Tips

Don't be a victim of scammers

Courtesy of the RCMP

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Follow these tips to protect your money.

Ageless Wisdom: Fraud, Avoid Being a Victim!

• Con artists may be men or women of any age

• Con artists may appear friendly and kind to gain your confidence

• Con artists come on strong and want to pressure you into sending money or buying their product

• Con artists view older adults as easy targets

Prevention Tips

• Do not give out any personal information.

• Do not trust anyone you do not know.

• Do not purchase products or services from a salesperson that arrives at your door uninvited.

Before making a decision to undertake any home repairs, discuss it with someone you trust such as family members, neighbours or friends, contact the Better Business Bureau and check references!

Be aware of the language and expressions con artists use in their "pitches":

“I take cash only”

Question why the transaction requires cash only. A legitimate business person would not refuse alternate forms of payment.

“This is your last chance/today only”

Why is this offer so limited? If the offer is that good, it will likely be available tomorrow and the day after.

Something for Nothing

Anytime you are offered something for nothing, you usually get nothing.

Confidentiality

Be suspicious of a deal that depends on not telling anyone else. What is the reason for the secrecy?

Internet Scams

Strangers do not email out of the blue and ask you to help them with found money or large sums that need to be moved to Canada.

Get-Rich Quick Schemes

Any “deal” should be looked into carefully.

Contests

Beware of the “you have won” pitch. Generally, the contests are fake and are used to entice you to part with your money.

Leftover Material

Be extremely careful of the “just passing by” home repairman. The leftover material offered may be stolen or defective.

Report any suspicious activities that you believe may be a scam or fraud to the police.

Charities

All legitimate charitable organizations are registered with the government.

Ask for their registration number and then call the Canada Revenue Agency. Decide ahead of time what charities you want to support.

Be wary of telephone campaigns, find out how much of the money actually goes to the charity.

Tips to Protect Your Money

Direct Deposit

Have your regular cheques sent to your bank via direct deposit so that your money goes directly into your bank account. Criminals may intercept cheques sent through the mail.

Credit Cards

Immediately sign the reverse side of a credit card when received. Destroy old cards by cutting them into small pieces. Use caution when providing your credit card number to anyone over the phone or Internet.

Bank / Debit / Interac Cards

A debit card replaces the need to carry cash for purchases. Ask at your bank for more information.

Automated Teller

When using these machines, be aware of who is around you and always protect your PIN. Do not make it obvious you are taking out cash.

Safety Deposit box

Store stocks, bonds, jewellery, important papers and other valuables in a safety deposit box. Do not carry large sums of cash or hide a lot of cash in your home.

• Do not give money at the door.

• Do not take any solicitations over the phone.

• Be firm and hang up.

Important Phone Numbers

Non Emergency – Call your local Police 911

* Do NOT text 911

Better Business Bureau

(Mainland BC) 604-682-2711

Service Canada 1-800-O-CANADA

Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre (Phone Busters) 1-888-495-8501

VictimLINK 1-800-563-0808

April 18, 2011

Buckling Up The Kids

BCTSF offers advice and tips to parents on how to secure their children in the car

Courtesy of the RCMP

Child Restraints

We are reminding all residents of important changes to BC Child Safety Seat Regulations effective July 1st, 2008.

All drivers will be responsible for transporting all children in an age- and weight-appropriate child seat until they are 145cm tall or 9 years old. Children must also be properly restrained no matter who is driving.

There are four different stages of protection:

Up to one year

• 9 kg (20 lb)

• Rear-facing child car seat

• NOT on a front seat with an active air bag

Over one year

• 9 kg to 18 Kg (20 to 40 LB)

• Forward-facing child car seat

• Over 40lb until 9th BirthdayMay remain rear-facing if allowed by manufacturer’s weight limit

Until 9th birthday

• Over 18 kg (40 lb) unless they have reached 145 cm (4'9") in height

• Booster seat and lap/shoulder seat belt

• May remain in forward-facing child car seat with harness if allowed by manufacturer’s weight limit

• If no lap/shoulder seat belt, must be secured without a booster seat by a lap belt

After 9th birthdayAfter 9th birthday

• Seat belt

• May remain in booster seat if allowed by manufacturer’s weight limit

Child car seats must also be installed according to manufacturer’s and vehicle instructions and seats purchased outside Canada are not approved for use in BC.

April 2, 2011

Debit Card Fraud

Tips from the Interac Association to help keep your bank card safe

Courtesy of the IA

With Fraud Prevention Month coming to a close at the end of March, Interac Association urges Canadians to remain vigilant about debit card security year-round. Fighting fraud is a collective effort and with a few handy tips in mind, consumers can take steps to stay secure when using Interac services.

"Through sophisticated fraud monitoring, coordination with law enforcement and industry players, and ongoing product innovation, such as the migration to chip technology, we are helping to make a safe payments system even more secure," said Caroline Hubberstey, Director, Public and Government Affairs, Interac Association and Acxsys Corporation.

Recent data from Interac Association shows that debit card fraud has declined year-over-year. Dollars lost to debit card fraud decreased 16 percent from $142.3 million in 2009 to $119 million in 2010. Similarly, the number of Interac Debit cardholders who had funds reimbursed as a result of debit card skimming decreased from 238,000 cardholders in 2009 to 205,200 in 2010 - down 14 percent.

While fraud is a serious concern, the data reflects the safety of the Interac network. In 2010, 99.99 percent of the nearly 4 billion Interac Debit transactions, valued at more than $175 billion dollars, were processed without incident.

"While this decline in fraud is positive, the aggressive fight against fraud continues and we want to remind cardholders that they can also help," said Hubberstey. "With this in mind, we've compiled tips to help cardholders stay security savvy when using their debit cards to make purchases in-store or to obtain money from ABMs."

Interac cardholder security tips

1. Insert first - To avoid an unnecessary swipe of your card and reduce the potential of fraudulent card skimming, insert your chip debit card into a merchant's terminal. If the terminal is not chip capable, it will prompt you to swipe your card.

2. Protect your PIN - When entering your PIN at a terminal or ABM, shield your PIN with your hand or body.

3. Check your statements - Check your financial statements regularly. If you see unusual activity, contact your financial institution immediately. Cardholders who experience fraud are protected through the Interac Zero Liability Policy and do not suffer any financial losses.*

4. Memorize your PIN - Do not share your PIN with friends or family members and do not use easily guessable digits, like your year of birth or phone number. Change your PIN frequently.

5. Keep your card in sight - Keep your debit card in sight when conducting a transaction at the checkout and remember to remove it from the terminal after.

6. Report a lost card - Notify your financial institution immediately if your debit card is lost or stolen.

To learn more about Interac fraud prevention, visit www.interac.ca/consumers/security_fraud

 For more information on chip technology, visit www.interac.ca/consumers/chip.php

About Interac Association

A recognized world leader in debit card services, Interac Association is responsible for the development and operations of the Interac network, a national payment network that allows Canadians to access their money through 59,000 Automated Banking Machines and 727,000 point-of-sale terminals across Canada.

Interac Association was founded in 1984 and is comprised of a diverse membership that includes banks, trust companies, credit unions, caisses populaires, merchants, and technology and payment related companies.

Other related services offered by Acxsys Corporation, whose shareholders are the architects of the Interac network, include: Interac Online, for secure online payments made directly from a bank account; Interac e-TransferTM, for the transfer of money from one person's bank account to another person's bank account using an email address or mobile phone number**; and international services, which provide Canadian cardholders with point-of-sale access at nearly 2 million U.S. retailers, and PULSE, Discover, Diners Club International and UnionPay cardholders access to ABMs in Canada.

March 26, 2011

Don't Let Someone Else Be You

Identity theft rampant and RCMP offer some good advice to avoid becoming a victim

Courtesy of the OPP

s part of Fraud Prevention Month, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) believe greater awareness and improved security practices can help prevent consumers from becoming victims of identity theft.

"Identity theft can happen to anyone at any time. No one is immune. But everyone can minimize their risk of becoming a victim through greater awareness," said Deputy Commissioner Scott Tod, OPP Investigations/Organized Crime Command.

Identity theft is the starting point for many types of crimes — credit and debit card fraud, mortgage fraud, and account takeovers among other things. Typical cases involving identity theft include situations where government documents — such as drivers' licenses, health cards, Social Insurance Number (S.I.N.) cards and birth certificates — have been forged or otherwise unlawfully obtained.

The consequences of having your identity compromised can have a profound and long-lasting impact on your individual finances, credit ratings, as well as with your dealings with businesses, government and other agencies.

"Criminals are technically able to use stolen personal information to obtain documents and support other crimes. Managing your information wisely and cautiously can help you guard against identity theft," explained Detective Inspector Bernie Murphy, OPP Anti-Rackets Branch.

Knowledge is power. Consumers can take some basic steps to better protect themselves from becoming a victim, such as never giving out personal information over the phone or over the internet if you are not sure whom you are dealing with, or carrying only the identification documents you need.

The OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau - Identity Crimes Unit also makes use of new, stronger legislative tools with which to charge criminals for possessing the personal information of others and prevent it from being used for fraud or theft.

FRAUD…Recognize it…Report it…Stop it.

March 20, 2011

Be Wary of Investment Fraud Schemes

If It sounds too good to be true, it most likely is

Courtesy of the OPP

f you have been promised big returns for minimal investments, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) suggest it may be the work of heartless fraud artists.

March is Fraud Prevention Month. There are many qualified professionals who can provide investment and financial advice and recommend suitable investments. Members of the OPP Anti-Rackets Branch know that many people seek out alternative investment products through a variety of investment schemes, often with international connections, that do not have your best interests at heart.

Many of these schemes lure victims by promising high rates of return. The perpetrators are usually vague about the details of where the money is invested. They may tell the potential investor that providing too much information may result in getting under-cut and loss of the investment opportunity. In fact, the investor's money is often not invested, and frequently moved to offshore banks which do not honour Canadian banking regulations or procedures. Usually, the money invested in these schemes is not recoverable.

A well-known example of fraudulent investments is known as a "Ponzi" scheme. Primary investors are paid exceptional dividends as "interest cheques" or sometimes cash. These unbelievably high returns are not, in fact, actual dividends, but come from the deposits of new investors as they come on board.

The perpetrators of Ponzi schemes can keep them going through a variety of ruses and attracting others until the perpetrator has either accumulated his target amount and flees with the profits, has lost the investors' money in other business ventures, or is incarcerated for similar crimes. These types of schemes can go on for several years before the investors realize that they have been defrauded.

Investors should always exercise caution and carry out due diligence before making investment decisions. If someone is offering you more than the bank is willing to pay, then there is always a risk. The greater the dividend promised, the greater the risk.

FRAUD…Recognize it…Report it…Stop it.

QUOTES

"The harm that can be caused by perpetrators of fraud who prey upon vulnerable people is staggering. The money taken is often funnelled back into criminal organizations to fuel illegal activities, further victimizing the unsuspecting public."

— Deputy Commissioner Scott TOD, OPP Investigations and Organized Crime.

"No one is immune to fraud. Common sense is your best protection. Always do your research, talk to others and never be rushed into making an investment decision. If someone is offering you an investment opportunity that sounds too good to be true, then it probably is."

— Detective Inspector Bernie Murphy, OPP Anti-Rackets Branch.

March 11, 2011

Texting To Taxes: Top 5 Scams

RCMP offer advice to avoid being taken to the cleaners

Courtesy of RCMP Cst. Michael McLaughlin

“John” is an honest man who thought he was going to make a little extra money, but he lost $50,000 to a scam. Since March is Fraud Awareness Month, John is joining the BC RCMP’s Federal Commercial Crime Section to warn of BC’s Top 5 Mass-Marketing Fraud Scams.

In this video, John shares his unfortunate experience as a fraud victim.

Mass-marketing frauds use the internet, email, mass mailings, personal phone calls, texting, television, radio, and all forms of social networking to rip you off.

1. Advance Fee Fraud. This is the scam that victimized John. The most common variation is the prize pitch, or lottery scam. You are told you have won a large sum of money or a big ticket item but to collect you must pay fees or taxes in advance. You will either never hear from the organization again or receive more and more requests for money.

The criminals sometimes include a cheque to cover “taxes.” The victim is told to wire the “tax” amount to the criminals and take the rest for themselves. Just like in the Overpayment Scam, the wire transfer will leave the victim’s account before the cheque is returned as counterfeit.

In another variation of the Advance Fee fraud, criminals exploit the economic crisis by offering guaranteed loans in spite of your bad credit-rating, but with an up-front fee for processing costs.

Solution: If you have won a prize in Canada there are no fees or taxes to be paid. If you have doubts about any organization, contact the Better Business Bureau for further information.

2. The Grandparent or Family Emergency Scam generally targets seniors. Fraudsters will call the potential victim and claim to be a grandchild or other close family member and will ask for money to help with a serious situation. Common themes have been that the grandchild has been in an accident or arrested and the money is needed for hospital bills or bail. The victim is told not to tell other family members as the “grandchild” is embarrassed or doesn’t want to alarm anyone else in the family.

A variation of this scam involves the misuse of hijacked email accounts, where the fraudster sends an email claiming to be the email account holder to everyone on the compromised contact list. The email will claim that the sender has been robbed while traveling abroad and needs money to get home or for living expenses.

Solution: Before you send money anywhere, check the facts. A quick call to other family members can quickly confirm or disprove the information provided by the fraudster.

3. Overpayment Fraud, also known as Cash Back Fraud, usually starts when you advertise something for sale- often on a free online classified site. The criminal sends you a cheque, money order or bank draft. The sum is much larger than your asking price, and you are asked to wire transfer the difference. Since cheques take longer to clear than electronic bank transfers, the money leaves your account before the cheque is confirmed as counterfeit or forged. Lawyers, realtors, gift shops, restaurants, and especially landlords are targets.

Solution: Don’t wire money to strangers. Always be wary of buyers offering more than your asking price.

4. The Nigerian/West-African Scam has been around for years:

• You receive an "urgent" business proposal "in strictest confidence" from a Nigerian/West-African civil servant /businessman.

• The sender has come into possession of profit from real estate, oil products, over-invoiced contracts, cargo shipments, or other commodities, and needs an offshore partner to assist in transferring the money out of his or her home country.

• Since their government/business position prohibits them from opening foreign bank accounts, the senders ask you to deposit the sum, usually somewhere between $25-50 million, into your personal account, and you will receive between 15-30% of the total.

• You are told to provide your bank name and address, the name of your beneficiary and, of course, your bank account numbers.

• The criminals will ask for money to pay for shipping costs, bank fees or bribes, and may even resort to threats and intimidation.

Solution: Unsolicited letters are not to be believed. If in doubt, contact E Division RCMP Commercial Crime Section, your local Better Business Bureau, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre.

5. The Mystery Shopper Scam usually starts with an unsolicited letter containing a cheque. You are told to deposit that cheque, make a few small purchases, and wire transfer the balance to an account controlled by the fraud artist. The cheque that you deposit will be returned as counterfeit, forged or stolen and you are on the hook for the money that you wired.

A variation is the Work from Home Scam where an “international company” wants to expand but needs someone with a bank account in Canada to process its cheques and keep a small percentage for themselves. Once again, this scam relies on the lag between the time the cheque is deposited and the time that the cheque actually clears.

In all of these scams, fraudsters stress the need for confidentiality. They will tell you that your reward will be lost if you don’t keep the transaction secret. This is to keep you from discovering that you are being scammed.

The solution here is the same as with all scams and frauds. Victims are either blinded by the opportunity to make a quick buck or are too trusting. Victims often represent the most vulnerable members of society- the elderly, the lonely, the poor. Be aware, be skeptical, and do your research. Make sure you have a conversation with your loved ones, and make 2011 fraud-free.

More information on scams can be found here or at www.phonebusters.com

Watch the video here.

February 26, 2011

Undercover Operations

Lying to get the truth is one of the techniques used to catch criminals

Courtesy of the RCMP

nformation-gathering undercover operations are an essential component in the RCMP’s efforts to investigate criminal activities of various types. These can range from investigations relating to homicides, drugs or the sex-trade to organized crime, national security or financial crimes.

Launched in 1972, the RCMP’s Undercover Program has built an international reputation as one of the best of its kind and is internationally recognized for leadership in safety standards.

Officers who meet the high application standards of the program are required to successfully complete very specialized and challenging training. By nature of the covert work of officers with the Undercover Units, the content of the training is confidential.

The objective of an undercover operation can range from collecting information and evidence to obtaining a truthful admission. RCMP procedures and policies governing undercover activities are continually reviewed to ensure the techniques and methods do not jeopardize investigations or the safety of our members, the suspect, their families or the public. All undercover operations are subjected to extensive planning, review, monitoring and approval processes.

Major crime homicide technique

One of the several undercover techniques used by the RCMP to obtain information critical to the investigation is the major crime homicide technique, often called “Mr. Big” by the media. The RCMP has been very successfully using this technique since the late 1980s. At the core of this undercover technique is the creation of an environment where suspects disclose certain past activities that they may not talk about otherwise.

The RCMP major crime homicide technique is a successful program recognized by Canadian Courts. The Supreme Court of Canada decision in Regina v. Rothman, [1981] 1 S.C.R. 640 recognized certain undercover methods, such as deceit, as a legitimate and lawful way to get to the truth.

The objective of this technique is the truth. In the event there is an admission of the commission of a crime, RCMP undercover operators are trained to apply a series of techniques to determine the reliability of an admission.

The technique has been used more than 350 times across the country as of 2008. The majority of those operations have resulted in either clearing a person of interest, or in laying charges. Charges are always supported with corroborating physical evidence and/or compelling circumstantial evidence, in addition to any admission that may have been obtained through the undercover operation. Of the cases prosecuted, 95% have resulted in convictions.

This technique is not only important in bringing criminals to justice but often leads investigators to bodies of missing persons - bringing closure to families of victims. It can also be just as successful in clearing a person of interest as it is in convicting them.

February 11, 2011

Would You Know A Gang Operation If You Saw One?

Here's some tips from the Mounties on how to recognize the signs

Courtesy of the RCMP

Possible Signs of Gangs in Your Community

• Increase in graffiti in the neighborhoods

• Increase in crime, especially violent crime

• Increase in groups of unknown subjects loitering in the neighborhoods, especially those who fit the description of a gang member

• Increase in suspected narcotics activity

• Gang colours & signs in community and schools

• Increase in community FEAR! – witnesses and victims are reluctant to talk to the police.

Common Gang Symbols

• Bandanas

• These are "colours" and signify specific membership.

• These can change…look for a consistent article in a gang.

• Altered Ball Hats with logos or writing

• Corresponds to their gang colors

• Specific styles of dress or clothing

• Tattoos

• Hand signs

• Weapons

• Graffiti

• Are often in block letters.

• Often contain gang name.

• Often in gang colour.

• May contain list of nicknames.

• May be found in areas where gang activity is common.

• May be crossed out by rival gangs.

Signs Someone you know getting involved in a gang life

• Staying out late

• Unexplained injuries

• Withdrawal from family of friends

• Secretive about new friends/ sudden change in friends

• Abrupt change in personality

• Unexplained new possessions or unaccounted monies

• Preference for certain colour of clothing (gang colours)

• Graffiti on personal items such as notebooks or bedroom walls

• Tattoos or makings of gang symbols on hands or body

• Frequent run-ins with the law

Do your part. Report Gang Activity

If you wish to remain anonymous feel free to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or you can leave a tip on-line at www.bccrimestoppers.com

February 3, 2011

Personal Wisdom

Stay safe at home and in the community

Courtesy of the RCMP

No matter what a person’s age or physical status, personal safety is important. Here are just a few suggestions on how you can keep yourself safe at home and in the community. It’s not just good advice, it’s Ageless Wisdom.

Around the House

• Keep doorways and windows visible to neighbours

• Leave lights on outside after dark

• Keep shrubs cut back

• Install good locks and always use them

• Close drapes or shades after dark

• When answering the door, do not open it, ask: “Who is there?”, use your peephole or check through a window

On the Telephone

• Do not give out any personal information

• If you are contacted by a telephone solicitor and you are not interested in the product or offer, simply decline and hang up

• If you are contacted by a telemarketer that you feel is fraudulent, contact Phone Busters, a police associated program to combat telemarketing fraud

• Do not give your credit card number over the phone unless you are absolutely certain the caller is legitimate

On the Internet

• Do not give out personal information over the Internet or email

• Do not open email, files, or links from people you do not know and trust

• Use caution when providing your credit card number on-line, contact your bank or credit card company for tips for online shopping safety

When Walking in parking lot

• Walk in well-lit areas away from doorways and bushes

• Avoid alleys

• Carry your keys and personal identification in your pocket

• Do not wrap your purse strap around your wrist or wear it across your chest

• If you think you are being followed, cross the street and walk in the opposite direction, go to the nearest public place

Travelling by Car

• Plan your route ahead of time

• Place valuables on the floor not on the seat next to you

• Keep car doors locked at all times

• Have your keys ready before approaching your car

• Look around, then inside, your car before entering

• Park in well-lit and open areas

• Use an anti-theft device

• Do not leave purses or other valuables in your car

• If you are being followed, do not go home, go to the nearest public place

On a Scooter

• Always travel slowly on the sidewalk - if sidewalks are not available travel on the edge of the road facing oncoming traffic

• Cross the road only at crosswalks or corners

• Use reflective tape on all sides of the scooter and a reflective flag to make yourself visible

In the Event of an Emergency

• Stay calm

• Cooperate with the criminals, no amount of money is worth getting hurt over

• Look carefully for any unusual traits such as tattoos, scars, and clothes

• CALL THE POLICE when it is safe to do so

Important Phone Numbers

EMERGENCY

• Non Emergency – Call your local Police 911

• Do NOT text 911

• BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support 1-866-437-1940

• Better Business Bureau, Mainland BC 604-682-2711

• BlockWatch 1-877-602-3358

• Canada Revenue Agency 1-800-O CANADA

• Phone Busters 1-888-495-8501

• VictimLINK 1-800-563-0808

• VictimLINK TTY 604-875-0885

January 23, 2011

Identity Theft Tips To Save You Grief

Protect your personal information — don't become a victim

Courtesy of the RCMP

What is identity theft?

 Identity theft is someone wrongfully obtaining and using your personal identifying information to commit fraud or theft or for other purposes.

Did You Know?

In Canada, in 2008, $9.6 million was lost to identity theft. It takes 12 months, on average, for a victim of identity theft to notice the crime.

U.S. Federal Trade Commission

In the USA, in 2005, the leading target age groups were 18-29 and 30-39. Identity thieves may need a stolen identity that approximates their own age.

Tips to Avoid Identity Theft

There are many ways someone can access your personal information:

1. Mail Theft - Superboxes and apartment boxes are more of a target than individual mailboxes for mail theft. This may include redirection of mail as well as theft of mail.

Prevention:

• Be vigilant and report suspicious activities around mailboxes.

• Pay attention if you do not receive mail that you had expected.

• Don’t let mail build up in your mailbox.

2. Intercepting Garbage

Prevention: Shred all documents containing personal information before discarding. Businesses should be especially careful to guard their client’s information.

"PHISHING” refers to directing people to web sites which look “official” but are in fact bogus sites designed to access personal information. For example, if your bank’s web site is mybank.ca, beware of mybank.com, my_bank.ca, or similar variations - they may be fake!

Phishing

“Back doors” or “Trojans” are programs that may be loaded onto your computer, usually by e-mail, that enable other computers to remotely access your data. The threat can be eliminated through proper use of Internet security programs or firewalls, used in conjunction with anti-virus software.

3. Theft of Wallets and Purses

Your identification is often more valuable than the cash.

Prevention: Do not carry unnecessary identification (passports, birth certificate, Social Insurance card). Report stolen credit and bank cards.

4. Computers

11.6% of identity theft was through computers - 2005 Identity Fraud Survey Report.

Prevention: Share personal information on trusted and secure web sites only (secure sites begin “https:”). Practice safe computing - Do not open suspicious e-mail. Use anti-virus software to filter e-mail. “Wipe” your computer hard drives if you sell ordispose of an old computer. Use a firewall or Internet Security Software to prevent hackers from accessing your data.

5. ATM Fraud

Tampering with automated teller machines (ATMs) and point of sale terminals enables thieves to read your debit or credit card number and personal identification number (PIN).

Prevention

• Use familiar ATMs. ATMs with security cameras (including machines located inside businesses and in business-hours branches) are less likely to attract criminals; seek out these machines when possible.

• Be suspicious if your card is "eaten" by the machine and someone approaches you to say the same thing happened to them, then advises you to enter your PIN again.

• Limit your after-hours ATM use.

• Watch for "shoulder surfers" who watch you enter your PIN

• Keep a watchful eye on your monthly statement, as well as your balance, and report any problems to your bank. - Tom Harper, publisher of ATMmarketplace.com

• What is done with your personal information?

• Charge purchases or withdrawing funds from your accounts.

• Establish new accounts in your name (and not paying the bills).

• Change mailing addresses so you will not notice their activity.

• Rent a premises for a marihuana grow op.

• Apply for a mortgage for a marihuana grow op.

• Access government social programs (EI, pension, social assistance).

• Use false identification to avoid prosecution, access government services in your name or allow unwanted visitors to enter the country.

• How will you know if your identity has been stolen?

• You learn of a credit application that you did not make.

• Regular statements do not appear in the mail.

• A payment is charged to you that you did not authorize.

• A collection agency informs you that you have defaulted on a payment you did not make.

• What can you do if you think you are a victim?

• Notify your bank or credit card company IMMEDIATELY.

• Contact Equifax 1-800-465-7166 and Trans Union (877) 525-3823 and request a “fraud alert” be placed on your credit record.

• Go to www.phonebusters.com and complete the “Identity Theft Statement”.

• Contact your local police.

• Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre - formerly Phonebusters at 1-888-495-8501.

• Record the dates and times of what you do and whom you speak with.

• Identity Theft PreventionQuick Tips to prevent identity theft:

• Never throw away bank records or other documents in a readable form.

• Never give your credit card number over the telephone unless you make the call.

• Never give your PIN number to anyone.

• Reconcile your bank account often and notify your bank of discrepancies immediately.

• Watch your account activity online.

• Be cautious about sharing your personal information.

• Resources

Phone Busters www.phonebusters.com

Safe Canada www.safecanada.ca/identitytheft_e.asp

Fight Identity Theft www.fightidentitytheft.com

Bank of Canada www.bankofcanada.ca/en/banknotes

Interac Association www.interac.ca/merchants/security.php

Mastercard Canada www.mastercard.com/ca/merchant/en/security/index.html

Visa Canada www.visa.ca/en/merchant/fraudprevention/

American Currency Website: www.moneyfactory.gov/newmoney 

January 4, 2011

Be Safe On The Slopes This Year And Minimize the Risk

Every Year snowmobilers are killed while they're supposed to be having fun.

BC Gov't release

Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Rich Coleman want to remind everyone to stay safe by using common sense and following the rules when enjoying outdoor activities this winter season.

Avalanche safety begins with the individual. Before you go into the backcountry, make sure you have the right training, the right gear and check the avalanche bulletins at the Canadian Avalanche Centre’s website: http://www.avalanche.ca

Common sense is the most important avalanche safety tool for individuals to use. Know the risks before you head into the backcountry.

Avalanche awareness signs are posted at key locations along highways travelled by backcountry enthusiasts and at all 79 managed snowmobile areas in the province.

Historic mine sites and other structures are not always marked and can be extremely dangerous so be aware of these dangers. Play safe, obey signs and stay away from abandoned areas such as mine sites.

Regulations will be put in place to ensure that all off-road vehicles riders on Crown land must wear helmets and use lights at night. As well, age-appropriate safety measures and adult supervision for young riders will be required. While these regulations will be part of the full implementation of the Off-Road Vehicle Framework by November 2011, riders are encouraged to adopt them now.

Skiers and snowboarders should stay within the marked runs of ski resorts. Straying out- of-bounds puts themselves and others at risk.

December 16, 2010

Don't Let The Grinch Steal Your Holidays

Chilliwack Cpl. Lea-Anne Dunlop shares her safety tips for a safe and happy Christmas holiday season

The holiday season is a time for giving, sharing and enjoying family and friends. The great seasonal spirit along with busy schedules can increase the opportunities for criminal activity, such as property crime and identity theft. The Upper Fraser Valley RCMP suggests these simple safety tips to assist you in having a safe and happy holiday season.

Three Main Safety Tips

Don’t get scammed.
Use your credit card smarts and don’t carry extra credit cards or large amounts of cash. Keep a master list of all cards in a safe place in the event your wallet is lost or stolen. Safeguard your identity and never give out your personal information and ensure you dispose of all statements, receipts and personal information properly. Investigate the legitimacy of charities before donating. Visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca  to learn more about how to protect yourself from frauds and scams.

Don’t leave valuables unattended in your vehicle.
Parking lots can be target rich environments for thieves. Never leave your purse, wallet, cell phones, garage door openers, or personal information in your vehicle. Parcels and other bags can be theft attractors. Thieves are looking for easy targets and anything you can do to deter them from choosing your car, the better. Remember to lock your car and use an anti theft device.
 

Use your road sense.
Prepare for winter driving conditions and ensure your vehicle is properly maintained and equipped with the appropriate tires and cold weather emergency supplies. Buckle up and be a patient and courteous driver this busy holiday season. Always plan ahead and arrange for a
designated driver when attending social events. Be a responsible host and ensure impaired guests find a safe ride home. Please don’t drink and drive. Call Operation Red Nose at 393-3000 to get you and your car home safely in Chilliwack and Agassiz.

Have a safe and happy holiday season, and it you see the Grinch lurking around call the police right away!
 

Released by Cpl. Lea-Anne Dunlop, Communications Officer, Upper Fraser Valley RCMP, 46326 Airport Road, Chilliwack BC V2P 1A5 Office: (604) 702-401

BC Govt. Release

December 3, 2010

Know Before You Go

Tips to help stay safe while driving on BC's icy roads

BC Govt. Release

As winter weather descends on British Columbia, National Safe Driving Week is the perfect time to remind motorists to “know before you go,” and make your winter drive a safe one, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond said today.

“From our webcams with a real-time look at highway conditions to our Twitter feeds of up-to-date highway information, we’re making available every resource possible to motorists so they can make safe travel choices,” said Bond. “We want you to ‘know before you go,’ and arrive safely at your destination.”

One of the best ways to “know before you go” is to actually look at the highway you’ll be travelling. You can check current highway conditions on the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Drive BC website, with 166 highway webcams strategically placed around the province. An additional nine will be online before Christmas at drivebc.ca

“We can all help make roads safer by making smart driving decisions,” said ICBC president and CEO Jon Schubert. “Unfortunately, many drivers don’t adjust their speed and recognize that the posted speed limit is only for ideal or dry road conditions.”

“We encourage anyone that drives as part of their job to use these resources and safety tips as we shift into winter,” said Mark Ordeman, WorkSafeBC manager for transportation. “Couriers, truck drivers, nurses, teachers and many others use vehicles for work purposes and can be at risk of injury when driving on the job, particularly in winter.”

Another way to “know before you go” is to follow DriveBC and TranBC on Twitter and get up-to-date information on your desktop or your mobile phone. These Twitter feeds are available at http://twitter.com/tranbc  and http://twitter.com/drivebc

Additionally, on most mountain passes throughout the province, the use of winter tires or chains is not only a requirement, it is just good sense. Weather can be unpredictable and ensuring your vehicle is prepared for winter conditions often makes all the difference.

National Safe Driving Week is Dec. 1 to 7.

November 2, 2010

Be Ready For Winter Driving Conditions

Tips to help stay safe while driving on BC's icy roads

BC Govt. Press Relase

Safe winter highway travel depends not only on vehicle preparation, but also learning as much as you can about how to handle our winter conditions, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond said today.

“Adjusting your driving for winter conditions will help you reach your destination safely,” said Bond. “Motorists have a great resource in our DriveBC website (www.drivebc.ca.), especially for pre-trip preparations this time of the year. Besides the over 160 webcams showing highway conditions, the website provides road reports, weather forecasts and winter driving tips.”

DriveBC includes a number of important tips:

·         Before the trip, check the current road conditions and weather forecast.

·         Plan your route ahead of time to avoid any roads that could become dangerous.

·         Learn and practice winter driving skills after a storm in an empty parking lot – practise such manoeuvres as handling a skid.

·         If you absolutely need to drive in stormy weather, take someone else with you.

·         Try to travel during daylight only and let someone know your route.

·         Drive according to road and weather conditions - keep at least four seconds distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

·         Drop your speed to match road conditions - the posted speed is the maximum speed under ideal conditions.

·         Watch for black ice - slow down when approaching shaded areas, bridges and overpasses as these sections of road freeze sooner than others.

·         Accelerate and brake slowly.

·         Avoid sudden moves - slow down and steer smoothly and gradually to avoid skidding.

·         See and be seen - always drive with headlights on.

·         Be extremely cautious when approaching maintenance vehicles.

·         If you get stuck or stranded, don’t panic - stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth.

            Learn more about how to drive safely in winter conditions at:  www.drivebc.com

Wednesday October 16, 2010

Watch Out For ATM Skimming

Tips to help you guard your card and your money

by Jennifer Waters, Market Watch Oct 13 2010

Skimming devices placed over card-reader slots capture your information.

The next time you pull up to an ATM, take a closer look at the machine. Does it look a little clunkier than usual?

Look too at what's around you: Are there mirrors? Is there a brochure holder over your shoulder? Does it look like there might be a false panel or an extra light bar attached to the machine?

If something looks or feels amiss, walk away. You might save yourself from perpetuating a consumer fraud called ATM skimming. That's when thieves attach devices onto the ATM machines that will copy a credit- or debit-card number, the information on the magnetic strip and even your personal identification number.

"Many consumers may not be aware that an ATM has been tampered with because they're not educated about this," said Robert Vamosi, a security, risk and fraud research analyst at Javelin Strategy & Research.

Consider this your lesson.

Sophisticated skimming devices placed right over a card-reader slot allow scammers to capture the information embedded on the magnetic strip of your debit or credit card.

They also might have what's called a pinhole camera mounted over your shoulder — say, in a plastic holder for brochures or a false panel — that records your fingers tapping in your PIN. Or there could be an overlay on the keypad that does so.

An ATM skimming device.

Within seconds, they have all they need to duplicate your card.

"They're not just stealing your credit-card number and information like the expiration date, but also the information encoded on the back of the magnetic strip," said Brian Krebs, who has written extensively about ATM skimmers on his blog, KrebsOnSecurity.com. "All they need to do is encode the information on another magnetic strip and they've recreated your card. ... It's a wholesale re-creation of your card and you still have it in your wallet."

And it's a lucrative business. Theft from ATM skimming is approaching $1 billion annually, according to Bankrate.com. Javelin estimates that one in five people have been hit by an ATM skimmer.

While a traditional bank heist will net the thief an average of $5,000, ATM pinching yields an average of $50,000, according to Doug Johnson, vice president of risk-management policy for the American Bankers Association.

"We have seen a higher level of sophistication associated with devices," Johnson said, "which can tend to make losses larger than in the past when more easily detectable skimming devices were used."

The attacks tend to be in high-traffic areas, such as big cities or popular malls. But stand-alone machines anywhere also are targets.

Five Quick Ways to Bankrupt Yourself

Tips to Stay Safe

Here are some tips to keep in mind next time you go to withdraw cash:

• Be picky about what ATMs you use. "Don't go up to an ATM in a dark place," Krebs said. "Find one that's in a well-lit area, publicly visible and not tucked away somewhere."

• Trust your instincts. If something doesn't look right or feel right, move on to the next ATM. "Victims have said that they had a feeling when they were using the machines that something wasn't right," said Javelin's Vamosi.

• As you key in your PIN, cover the keyboard with the other hand to block anyone or a camera from seeing.

• Don't use ATMs with unusual signage or instructions, such as a command to enter your PIN twice to complete a transaction.

• Use ATMs with which you're familiar. If you travel, stick to ATMs at a bank branch. "Using a stand-alone ATM is like playing Russian roulette, especially in major metropolitan cities," said Robert Siciliano, a McAfee consultant and founder of IDTheftSecurity.com.

So how can you tell if an ATM has been altered with a skimming device or camera?

A lot of skimming devices are "stuck onto the machine or nearby with Velcro or two-sided tape," Siciliano said.

Keypads that aren't concave, for example, could have overlays that flatten or pull the surface of the keys out. A card-reader slot might have a perfectly molded attachment over it that pops off. Some skimmers are custom-made with matching molding and a color that corresponds to a targeted ATM.

Five Ways to Avoid Impulse Shopping

"Consumers should stay away from ATMs that appear to have been altered," said Malcolm Wiley, a spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service. "If anything on the front of the machine looks crooked, loose or damaged, it could be a sign that someone has attached a skimming device or a camera."

Be careful, too, of bank-card skimmers attached to the pumps at gasoline stations.

Last summer, law-enforcement officials in Denver, Los Angeles, Dallas and Florida arrested suspects who allegedly stole debit- and credit-card information by placing small Bluetooth-enabled electronic devices inside the pump handles, which are locked.

Thieves then didn't have to return to the scene of the crime to unload the information. It was all available to them on their laptops or through text messages -- at least until the batteries on the devices died.

"These new skimming devices are better and getting harder and harder to detect," Siciliano said.

Wednesday October 6, 2010

Busted: Online 'Click to Save' Scams

Watch what online companies you give your credit card number to

by Kelli B. Grant, Smart Money

Online shoppers are familiar with the idea of clicking for coupons and discounts. But one wrong click can stealthily add hundreds of dollars to your credit card balance.

These so-called "coupon click fraud" scams have become pervasive enough to draw the attention of state and federal authorities: last year a federal judge in Boston approved a $10 million class-action settlement against marketer Webloyalty; the New York State Attorney General's office recently reached $18.5 million in settlements with two separate marketers and some of their retail partners; Congress and the Federal Trade Commission have investigated. And in spite of the profits it yields, even online shopping sites have started to realize that subjecting their customers to these kinds of scammy offers is bad for business: In response to customer complaints, several big online businesses — including Orbitz, Priceline and VistaPrint — have abandoned such partnerships.

But consumers still need to be vigilant about where and how they shop online to avoid other schemes. After all, previous state settlements haven't stopped marketers from continuing deceptive practices, or kept consumers from falling for them.

These offers look harmless enough. After shelling out $75 for a bouquet of flowers or $30 for movie tickets, internet shoppers are presented with an offer: "Click here to save" $5 or $10 on your next purchase. But there's no coupon to be found, only an invitation to join a discount club for a small monthly fee.

What consumers don't realize — and the sites bury in the fine print — is that the initial click was enough to transfer your credit card information from the merchant to the club, and enroll you automatically. Suddenly you're paying $4 to $20 per month, billed directly to your credit card. Many consumers don't even notice the charges until after they've paid hundreds of dollars for a discount-club membership they didn't even know they had.

The New York Attorney General's office agreed, launching investigations into two of the biggest perpetrators. As a result, affected New Yorkers will receive instructions in the mail about how to claim a refund. The rest of us are on our own.

Here's how to protect yourself and how to get your money back if you've already gotten snared:

Skip Debit

More consumers used debit cards than credit cards last year, the first time in history that's happened, according to a September 2010 report from Javelin Strategy & Research. But using a debit card online can make shoppers more vulnerable if they do get scammed, says Paul Stephens, the director of policy and advocacy for the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group. The Fair Credit Billing Act limits personal liability for unauthorized credit card charges to $50, with most issuers waiving even that. Debit card protections, however, depend largely on how fast you spot and report the fraud, he says. Meanwhile, even one small, unexpected charge from a discount club can wreak havoc on your checking account, spurring overdraft fees.

Don't Click

If a retailer does offer some kind of post-purchase deal or rebate, you'll get the details directly via e-mail, says Randy Allen, an associate dean for Cornell University's Johnson Graduate School of Management. In other words, you'll never have to click. Instead, you'll receive an email notifying you of an earned reward or rebate. Drugstore.com, for example, offers 5% rebates automatically accrued in your online account, which you set up during check-out. Still worried? Log into your account on the retailer's site to check for eligible coupons instead of clicking through from your email.

Fight Back

When scrutinizing your credit card bill each month, don't be shy about questioning charges, says Edgar Dworsky, the founder of consumer advocacy site Consumer World, figure out how far back the charges go, and then call the toll-free number for the company that's listed on your statement to ask for a refund. Most marketers will oblige, but if not, you can file credit card chargeback for the un-refunded fees, he says. Call your card's customer service line and ask to file a dispute. You'll need to answer a few questions by phone, and possibly fill out a form.

Tuesday September 28, 2010

Courtesy of the RCMP Surrey detachment

2012 Olympic Scam

London lotto ticket e-mails prey on elderly

The RCMP’s Commercial Crime Section is warning you about the latest variation of a scam that targets the greedy and the vulnerable. The RCMP needs you to do your part to stop this scheme from spreading.

An email is circulating that claims you are a “lucky winner” in a “random email balloting system” from the London 2012 Olympics lottery service. The email instructs you to call an international phone number to find out how much money you’ve won.

There is no such thing as a random email draw, and there is no such thing as the London 2012 Olympics lottery service. Whether motivated by greed, desperation, or because the victim is elderly or vulnerable, anybody who replies to this email is taking the first step to being scammed. The fraudsters will use your curiosity about how much money you’ve won.

Once they are speaking to you personally, they will likely ask you to mail them a cheque to cover shipping and handling or to pay “taxes” up front. If you refuse to send the fraudsters money right away, they might offer to send you an official-looking cheque and ask you to cash it and then pay a processing fee.

Either way, there is one common theme: You are being defrauded by criminals and you will lose your money. The RCMP’s E Division Commercial Crime Section has seen people get bilked for 50-thousand dollars or more with similar scams. This “prize” scheme has been around in various incarnations for decades.

If you run across this scam, there are two things you must do to make it stop: If you get the email, you must first report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre (Phonebusters) at 1-888-495-8501 or e-mail here. Second, if you or a loved one loses money, then call your local police detachment.

The RCMP is working with authorities in the UK who are in the process of closing down the email and phone number, but this scam will reappear. For more information on the variations of this scam, go to http://www.london2012.com/about-this-website/stay-safe-online.php

The RCMP’s Commercial Crime Section is very concerned about our most vulnerable citizens being victimized by scams. If you know of a group of seniors who need fraud education, please contact us at 604-598-4122 and our investigators can speak to your group. News reporters can contact Cst. Michael McLaughlin directly at 778-571-7333.

Released by Cst. Michael McLaughlin, Media Relations Officer, Federal Programs, E Division, 14928 56th Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3S 2N5 Office: 778-571-7333

Monday September 13, 2010

Courtesy of the RCMP Chilliwack detachment

Time To Put Away The Summer Toys

Do your share in reducing property crime

As the sun begins to fade, and we move into the fall months the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP would like to remind you to do what you can to help reduce and prevent seasonal property crime. Police have seen an increase in thefts in seasonal recreational areas, and some simple actions can help reduce theft.

Property left in driveways, carports, backyards, or out at your summer properties are prime targets for thieves. Items such as boat motors, boats and trailers, personal water craft (Jet Ski’s), dirt bikes, motorbikes, scooters, and ATV’s should be stored and secured properly.

Here are some tips to help keep your property safe:
 

•  Do not store items on trailers.
 

•  Clean out your garage so you can use it to store your valuable items
inside.
 

•  Purchase a trailer lock that cannot be cut by bolt
cutters.
 

•  If you are away from your seasonal property for an extended period of
time ensure it is well locked, windows are secured, and valuable items
are removed.
 

•  Check your property periodically or make arrangements for someone to
check it for you.

•  Help reduce theft from vehicles, and theft of vehicles. When using day
use seasonal recreational areas ensure all valuables are removed from
your vehicle, and ensure your vehicle is secured with an anti-theft
devise.

•  Never leave personal items including mobile phones, wallets, handbags
or briefcases in sight and remove them from your vehicle whenever
possible.

•  Never leave your car running while it's unattended - not even for a
minute!

•  Use a Auto Theft prevention device whenever possible.

•  A self-alarming electronic immobilizer is one of the most effective
forms of car security you can get but a basic wheel locking device is
also inexpensive and will help keep your vehicle secure.

You paid for these items for the value they add to your enjoyment of life, remember they are valuable to thieves as well. Please help us make our goal of safe homes and safe communities a reality. Property crime is a crime of opportunity, anything that can be done to help reduce the
opportunities will help reduce crime. If you have any information about crime in your community please pass it on to your local police or call Crime Stoppers to provide that information anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.chilliwackcrimestoppers.ca 
 

Monday August 30, 2010

Courtesy of the Canada Safety Council

Safety Reminders For Back To School

By bus or by bicycle – Keep your kids safer with these tips

It’s that time of year again – back to school time. Canada Safety Council would like to continue to remind parents and guardians to teach your children about safe travel to and from school. Take the time to know the rules and educate your children about safe conduct when using and sharing roadways, whether it be by school bus, car, bicycle or by foot.

School Bus Travel

Research conducted by Transport Canada shows that school bus travel is one of the safest methods of transportation. It is 16 times safer than travelling in a family car per passenger/kilometre of travel. Although school buses have an excellent safety record, mishaps can happen. These mishaps can include instances where children are injured while riding on the bus. It is more common however, for injuries to be sustained once outside the bus, including being hit by their own school bus or other vehicles. On average, bus drivers say that about three cars go through their stop sign each day.

Parents and guardians should know that they are responsible for their children until they step on to the bus and immediately after they exit the bus. An adult should always be there to send off young passengers and to greet them, on the same side of the street where children exit the bus.

Here are some safety tips to share with children to ensure safe travel.

Getting to and on the school bus:
1. Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pick up time. Children should never run after the school bus to try to catch it. If you miss the bus, go back home or if you are at school, report to a teacher.
2. Stay on the sidewalk, well away from the roadway and stay back until the bus has come to a full stop and the door opens.
3. If your child needs to cross the street, teach them to look to the left, then to the right, and to the left once more before crossing the street.
4. Use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus.

Riding on the school bus:
5. Take a seat as quickly as possible, put belongings under the seat and stay seated.
6. Never stick anything out of the window, including arms or heads.
7. Save food for snack time at school or until you get home.
8. Wait until the school bus comes to a complete stop before getting off.

After riding on the school bus:
9. When getting off the bus: take two large steps away from bus. If you must walk in front of the bus, walk ahead at least three metres (10 giant steps).
10. The driver must be able to see you and will give a signal when it is safe to cross. Cross in a single file.
11. If a child drops something near or under the school bus, they should never attempt to retrieve it without the driver’s permission.

Travel by Car

Parents and guardians must respect their child’s school safety measures for dropping off and picking up their children at school. Every effort must be made to avoid collision and injury by refraining to create hazardous situations of traffic congestion and unsafe driving practices within the school zone. Respect posted speed limits, and designated drop-off and pick-up areas.

Travel by Bicycle

To ride a bicycle to and from school, children must be mature enough (minimum 9 – 12 years old), and must have enough experience. The rider should be able to scan ahead and check behind without swerving.

To ensure safe cycling, young cyclists must:

• Wear a properly-fitted helmet, and have clothes that are suited for cycling (e.g. their pants tucked in).

• Have their bikes fitted properly and in good working order. The bike should have a regular maintenance check-up and should have a bell. It is also a good idea to have a safety flag.

• Know and obey all traffic rules, signs and signals. They must signal turns and stops. Ride in a straight line in the same direction as traffic and stop at every stop sign.

• Be predictable to other road users by riding with the traffic usually on the right hand side of the roadway.

• Never ride in the dark. If an older child must ride in the dark, make sure that reflective clothing and night-accessories (e.g. reflectors and lights) are used.

Walking to school

Many children use roadways to make their way to and from school. Parents and guardians must review road safety rules with their children and the importance of not accepting rides or any invitations from strangers. It is best to walk with a buddy and keep focused on getting straight home.

To keep safe on roads, children pedestrians must:

• Find a safe and direct route to school with the help of their parents. Hazards should be identified (train tracks, busy intersections, etc.) and a designated route with safety rules should be established.

• Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, use the left side of the road facing traffic.

• Cross streets only at crosswalks and learn to look to the left, the right and then left again before proceeding, even at intersections with pedestrian walk signs.

• Wait until traffic comes to a stop before crossing. Make sure drivers see you before you cross.

Prevention is the key to safety. With education and awareness, all children should be able to get safely to school and home again. Take the time to share these valuable rules and tips with your children

July 21, 2010

Courtesy of the BC Coroners Office

Splash Into Summer Safely

Water Safety Tips

VANCOUVER – With temperatures soaring across the province, the B.C. Coroner’s Service is cautioning British Columbians who are heading to lakes and rivers to be careful when participating in water-related recreation.

While data for this year is still unavailable, last year in B.C., 66 people lost their lives as a result of activities in and around water, with males accounting for 86 per cent of those deaths. The most common cause of water-related deaths in 2009 was drowning, at 69 per cent.

A large proportion of the deaths, a total of 28, occurred in July and August. Of those, 19 fatalities – or 68 per cent – were the result of drowning during activities such as swimming, power boating, diving and white-water rafting, among others.

July 09, 2010

Summer is heating up

Fraser Health news release July 7

With warmer temperatures finally here, Fraser Health, Provincial Health Services Authority and Vancouver Coastal Health want to ensure you have a healthy summer by offering the following safety tips.

Stay cool

• Avoid strenuous activities when the sun is at its hottest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Drink plenty of water or other cool, non-alcoholic, decaffeinated drinks to prevent dehydration.

• Find a shady spot or a cool or air-conditioned place to relax on warm days.

• On warm days, never leave your children or pets in parked vehicles. Also, check in on elderly neighbours and family members living alone as they are one of the highest risk groups for heat-related illnesses.

• Recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses: excess or the absence of perspiration, headache, dizziness and nausea, changes in mental status and laboured breathing.

Stay sun safe

• Any time you are outdoors in the sun, remember to slop on the sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply often, especially after perspiring or going in the water.

• Even in overcast conditions, you can get a sunburn. Up to 80 per cent of the sun’s rays can penetrate light clouds, mist and fog, and up to 85 per cent can be reflected back from surfaces such as water, concrete and sand.

• Wear a hat with a brim, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and 100 per cent UV blocking sunglasses.

Eat safe

• Keep cold refrigerated foods like luncheon meats, pasta salads or other perishable foods in an insulated cooler packed with lots of ice or several ice packs.

• When grilling foods, cook to proper temperatures. When in doubt, use a probe thermometer to ensure that all meat and poultry have reached a safe internal temperature (at least 71° C or 160° F) to kill harmful bacteria that cause food borne illnesses.

• Store leftovers in separate, shallow, covered containers in the refrigerator and eat within two days.

• Clean and sanitize all surfaces, and cooking and eating utensils, especially after coming in contact with raw meat.

Play safe

• When biking, hiking or just playing outdoors, make sure you bring enough water and easy-to-carry snacks that will provide plenty of energy and rehydration.

• Always wear a helmet and other protective equipment when biking, skateboarding or rollerblading and ensure good fit and proper use of gear. Wear life jackets while boating.

• When participating in an outdoor activity at dusk or after dark, wear lightly coloured, reflective clothing so you are visible to others. If cycling, use front and rear lights on bikes. Avoid alcohol-related injuries. Do not drive boats or vehicles or engage in recreational activities while under the influence of alcohol. Plan for a safe ride home before going out.

For health related questions or concerns, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 or visit www.healthlinkbc.ca  24 hours a day/seven days a week.

July 6^th 2010

BCAA Press Release

A safety reminder to all drivers

Staff Report

Burnaby, B.C. / July 6, 2010 - When you set out on your road trip this summer, the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation asks you to remember to slow down and move over when you encounter an emergency vehicle stopped at the side of the road.

The BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation has produced an information card that tells drivers what they are supposed to do if they encounter an emergency vehicle in this situation.

"Drivers already know to pull over to the side of the road and stop when they hear a siren approaching," says Allan Lamb, executive director of the foundation. "But laws now require drivers to slow down and move over when they approach a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing."

Emergency workers often risk their lives to protect and save the lives of others. Between 2001 and 2007, 21 emergency workers were killed or injured on B.C. roads.

When an emergency vehicle is operating on the side of the road, that area becomes a workspace. Slowing down and moving over improves worker safety by leaving more space between your vehicle and the emergency vehicle, and enables faster response times for emergency vehicle drivers to attend to the situation.

Ken Cousin is the Associate Vice President, Road Assist BCAA and estimates that every day BCAA drivers or their contract service providers rescue over 3,000 motorists from a variety of situations.

"Unfortunately, many times our work is not in the safety of a driveway or garage," says Cousin. "Most people wouldn't think of standing on a road in traffic, but our role requires it every day and helping a motorist shouldn't lead to tragedy."

"Like everyone, emergency vehicle drivers want to arrive home safe after a days work and we appreciate the motorists being aware of the need to slow down and move over when they see an emergency vehicle at roadside," adds Cousin.

The law requires drivers to slow down to 70km/h on highways where the speed limit is 80 km/h or higher, and to 40 km/h where the limit is below 80 km/h, when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle that has its lights flashing. If there is another lane going in the same direction, drivers must also move into that lane, away from the emergency vehicle, if it is safe to do so.

The Provincial government brought this law into effect a year ago to protect emergency roadside personnel such as police, fire, ambulance and towing vehicle drivers.

Drivers who fail to comply will face a $173 fine ($148 if paid within 30 days) and three penalty points.

For more information about road safety visit www.BCAATSF.ca  

June 22^nd 2010

ICBC Press Release

Staff Report

School's out - ICBC's top tips for keeping kids safe

VANCOUVER, June 22  - As the end of the school year approaches, ICBC is reminding drivers and parents about the importance of keeping kids safe during the last week of school and throughout the summer months.

Kids will be excited and may not be thinking about their personal safety so drivers need to be extra cautious in looking for child pedestrians during the summer. Parents should take the opportunity to remind their children about staying safe on the roads.

In 2009, according to ICBC, there were approximately 55 pedestrians, age 5 to 12, injured in 55 incidents in B.C. This means that most incidents result in a child being injured.

Here are ICBC's top tips for drivers and parents:

Tips for drivers:

No. 1 - It's all mixed up: During the last few days of school, kids may be arriving or leaving school at varying times throughout the day. Remember that when school is in session, a 30-km/h school zone speed limit is in effect between 8 am and 5 pm. During the summer months, school zone speed limits change unless summer school is in session.

No. 2 - In the zone: The last week of school is an exciting time for school-aged children, which means that they might be preoccupied and forget the rules of the road. Use extra caution when driving through and around school zones.

No. 3 - Kids all around: Drivers aren't used to seeing crowded playgrounds and parks during the day but this all changes as we welcome in summer. Remember that playground speed limits remain in effect year-round. When driving around playgrounds and parks, observe carefully - small children are less predictable and harder to see than adults.

No. 4 - Watch for clues: In residential areas, a hockey net or ball can mean that kids are playing nearby. Remember that a child could dash into the street at any moment. Pay attention and always anticipate the unexpected.

No. 5 - Back it up: Always watch for children as you're backing up. Before you get into your vehicle, make it a habit to walk around your vehicle to make sure no small kids are behind it. Although they may see you, they most likely don't realize that you don't see them.

Tips for parents:

No. 1 - Focus on the basics: With all of summer's outdoor activities, it's important that parents remind their children about road safety. Give them a refresher on the safety basics that you learned as a child, which are still relevant today.

Here are some key points.

    •   Make eye contact: Children must assume that drivers have not seen
        them whenever they are around roads. Even if the walk signal is on,
        teach your child to make eye contact with drivers before they cross.

    •   Walk, don't run: Make it clear to your kids that it's never safe to
        run when crossing a road.

    •   Stop, look, listen: Before crossing the street, always stop at the
        curb and make sure all vehicles have stopped. Look left and right for
        oncoming vehicles. Then look again over your shoulders for vehicles
        that might be turning. Listen for approaching traffic that you can't
        yet see. Teach your kids to keep looking for approaching vehicles as
        they cross.

No. 2 - Be a role model: Parents are the number one role models for children so make sure you set a perfect example for them. If you are not modeling the behaviour you want your kids to emulate, then don't expect them to be safe around roads. If your child sees you jaywalking, they will think it is okay to do and will do the same thing.

No. 3 - Mark out safe areas: Focus on teaching your kids where to position themselves when they are around roads. Children should always walk on the inside edge of a sidewalk so that they're less exposed to traffic. If walking on the sidewalk isn't an option, teach your kids to always walk facing oncoming traffic so they can see approaching vehicles and make eye contact with drivers.

No. 4 - Don't jaywalk. The most common road safety error made by kids is not finding a safe place to cross. Teach your child to cross at intersections that have a pedestrian crossing light or a marked crosswalk whenever possible.

No. 5 - No shortcuts: When walking with your child, avoid unnecessary shortcuts like walking through a parking lot. Be aware of parked vehicles in a parking lot or on the road. A driver may not see kids between parked cars and kids may not see the cars moving.

For more safety tips, go to www.icbc.com/roadsafety 

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/icbc   

Staff Report May 27^th 2010

"LG" Parties A Concern

Courtesy of the Chilliwack RCMP

Cst. Tracy Wolbeck Media Relations Officer Upper Fraser Valley RCMP Office: 604 393-3015

Staff Report June 8^th 2010

Stop Fraud

Courtesy of the RCMP  

The RCMP is working diligently with its law enforcement partners, and with government agencies and private businesses nationally and internationally to detect, disrupt and deter mass marketing fraud.

Staff Report June 8^th 2010

Stop Fraud

Courtesy of the RCMP  

The RCMP is working diligently with its law enforcement partners, and with government agencies and private businesses nationally and internationally to detect, disrupt and deter mass marketing fraud.

Staff Report

May 19^th 2010

Canada Road Safety Week May 18 - 24

BC's Tough New Drinking and Driving Law

Government and RCMP press releases

Staff Report

Summer Property Crime Tips May 6^th 2010

Courtesy of the Chilliwack RCMP

It's that time of year again

The sun is setting on seasonal winter fun. Its time to put your
seasonal items away.

The Upper Fraser Valley RCMP would like to remind the public that
property left in driveways, carports, backyards, or out at your summer properties are prime targets for thieves. Items such as boat motors, boats and trailers, personal water craft (Jet Ski’s), dirt bikes, motorbikes, scooters, and ATV’s should be stored and secured properly.

Many summer seasonal recreation items are portable, and valuable and will be popular with thieves. Here are some tips to help keep your property safe.

•  Do not store items on trailers.
• Clean out your garage so you can use it to store your valuable items inside.
• Purchase a trailer lock that cannot be cut by bolt
cutters.
• Check your seasonal property periodically or make arrangements for someone to check it for you.
• Don't leave valuables in seasonal property that will not be visited
for extended periods of time.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicles when headed to the beach or the trails.

You paid for these items for the value they add to your enjoyment of
life, remember they are valuable to thieves as well. Please help us make our goal of safe homes and safe communities a reality.

Property crime is a crime of opportunity, anything that can be done to help reduce the opportunities will help reduce crime.

Please report suspicious activity related to property crime in real
time as it's happening to your local Police.
 

Keep Your Home Safe      March 18^th 2010

Tips to protect yourself and your family

Chilliwack RCMP release

Chilliwack  — The RCMP are asking people to be extra cautious this long weekend and offer the following advice to drivers.

Since 2008, the Chilliwack RCMP has seen a substantial reduction in property crime. In 2009, compared to 2008, we saw a 30% reduction in break and enters, a 40% reduction in auto theft, and a 35% reduction in theft from vehicles. We have been working hard to reduce property crime and have been able to do so consistently over the last few years.

In the beginning months of 2010 we have continued to see a reduction in auto theft, however, we have seen a slight increase again in break and enters in the Chilliwack area. In particular, we are seeing a trend of both daytime and nighttime residential break and enters, and nighttime business break and enters on both the north and south sides of town.

"The Chilliwack RCMP, along with our community members in Chilliwack, have worked hard to reduce property crime" said Cpl. Lea-Anne Dunlop. "We need to keep working to make sure all that hard work is maintained so that we continue to see reductions".

                                                                                                                       Photo courtesy of the CBC

                                                Cpl. Lea-Anne Dunlop, Upper Fraser Valley RCMP.

We need your help to curb property crime and make sure we have continued success. If you see suspicious activity that may be related to property crime please call police right away. Our ability to respond to your calls in real time will help in the identification of those responsible. The Chilliwack RCMP will continue to do their part to help reduce property crime but we need your eyes and ears to help.

Here are few things you can do to help protect yourself

• Be vigilant, report suspicious activity in real time, provide information on possible property crime suspects to the police or Crime Stoppers, and protect yourself and your property.

• Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles.

• Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons in your neighbourhood.

• Property crime is a crime of opportunity and anything that can be done to help

  reduce the opportunity will help reduce crime.

Break and Enter Prevention Tips

• Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.

• Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.

• Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.

• Keep your garage door closed and locked.

• Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers to build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or

                                     Web photo.           neighbor to take them regularly.

• Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.

• Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as

  necessary.

• Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.

• Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.

Auto Theft and Theft from Vehicle Prevention Tips

                                                                                                                                        Voice file photo

• Keep registration papers with you and ensure your address, even in the form of opened mail, is not left in your vehicle. If you're off for a day hike or out for an evening of fun, the property thieves know you're not home.

• Never leave personal items including, garage door openers, mobile phones, wallets, handbags or briefcases in sight and remove them from your vehicle when ever possible. Leave NOTHING in your vehicle.

• Use an Auto Theft prevention device whenever possible.

• A self-alarming electronic immobilizer is one of the most effective forms of car security you can get but a basic wheel locking device is also inexpensive and will help keep your vehicle secure.

• Keep your spare keys in your wallet, not in your car.

• Install an anti-theft device to protect your stereo, or buy a unit that's removable and take it with you when you park.

A warning to would be car thieves: The Bait Car program operates throughout the Upper Fraser Valley area. STEAL ONE. GO TO JAIL! For more information on the bait car program visit www.baitcar.com

Many seasonal recreation items are portable and valuable making them popular with thieves as well. Here are some tips to help keep your property safe.

•  Do not store items on trailers.

• Clean out your garage so you can use it to store your valuable items inside.

• Purchase a trailer lock that cannot be cut by bolt cutters.

• If you are away from your seasonal property for an extended period of time ensure it is well locked, windows are secured, and valuable items are removed.

• Check your property periodically or make arrangements for someone to check it for you.

As a community member, Crime Stoppers would like to remind you ‘if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem’. Information on known criminal activity in your community can be provided anonymously at any time through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or at www.chilliwackcrimestoppers.ca . A reward of up to $2000 dollars may be offered for information that leads to an arrest. We don’t need your name, but your information can prove very valuable in helping keep your community safe. If you have information on criminal activity in your community please pass it on.

March is Fraud Prevention March 4^th 2010

Awareness Month

Keep your identity Safe

Ottawa, March 1, 2006 — Law enforcement agencies from Canada and the United States joined forces today, in Ottawa, to officially launch Fraud Prevention Month and explain how partnerships are key in fighting the global scourge of fraud.  

“Fraud is a serious problem that undermines consumer confidence and drains billions from legitimate markets around the world.  It cannot be solved by law enforcement alone,” said Sheridan Scott, Commissioner of Competition. “As Chair of the Fraud Prevention Forum, we  work closely with partners in law enforcement, consumer and volunteer groups, government and the private sector to fight fraud aimed at consumers and businesses.”

During the month of March, Fraud Prevention Forum (FPF) members will raise awareness of the dangers of fraud, while educating the public on how to “Recognize it, Report it and Stop it.”  Millions of printed fraud prevention material will be distributed and public service announcements will air across the country, in English and French.

"The concept of crime prevention is to prevent victimization. By educating and involving the community in crime prevention initiatives, it is anticipated that we will see a reduction in crime,” said Detective Superintendent Bob Goodall, OPP Anti-Rackets Section. “It is essential that law enforcement, the private sector and consumers work together to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible and to prevent future occurrences."

The FPF’s reach is international. This month, over 24 countries who form the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network have committed to raising public awareness worldwide, with their own Fraud Prevention Month campaigns.

“Law enforcement agencies are very concerned about financial crime and we are working diligently with our domestic and international partners to combat this transnational problem,” said Wayne Watson, Chief Superintendent, RCMP.

“People operating frauds are increasingly using international borders to try to escape the consequences of their actions,” said C. Steven Baker, Director of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's Midwest Region. “The U.S. and Canada are leading the world in showing that we can work together and protect consumers on both sides of the border.”

Tips to Stay Safe

Keep personal information confidential

Do not give out personal information over the phone, through email or over the Internet unless you initiated the contact and know who you're dealing with. Do not include personal information in regular, unencrypted email or enter it on an unencrypted website as your information will not be secure.

Keep your personal information safe

An identity thief will pick through your garbage or recycling bins, so be sure to shred receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, etc.

Protect your PIN and passwords

Do not reveal your PIN or passwords to anyone, including employees of RBC, family members and friends. When conducting a transaction at an ATM or retail (point-of-sale) location, keep your Client Card/Credit Card within sight and shield the keypad when entering your PIN.

Unusual transactions

Beware of "Too Good To Be True" offers. Be wary of unexpected offers or requests that are "too good to be true" such as "you've inherited a large sum of money but in order to claim it, send us a deposit first". You should also never agree to conduct financial transactions on behalf of strangers.

Contact the authorities

If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately.

Report the crime

To report incidence of fraud or to learn more about how to protect themselves from fraud, Canadians can call PhoneBusters, the national anti-fraud call centre, at 1-888-495-8501. In addition, citizens are encouraged to contact the Chilliwack RCMP 604-792-4611

Canadians can also report fraud on-line through Reporting Economic Crime Online (RECOL) at  www.recol.ca RECOL is an RCMP initiative that involves an integrated partnership between international, federal and provincial law enforcement agencies and the private sector. 

Information here can be found on www.competitionbureau.gc.ca and safety tips from www.rbc.com

Note: Investment Fraud seminar March 25th at Evergreen Hall, 9 am

Staff Report

Be Safe Boating 

Courtesy of the RCMP  

* If you are going to a less-traveled area, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. a boat as they are for a vehicle.

Staff Report                                         May 16^th 2010

Auxiliary Constables Help

Courtesy of the BC RCMP

“That was all in the first five or six hours. How can you not love that,” he asks. If you are interested in becoming an Auxiliary Constable, please contact the RCMP detachment near yo

                                                              April 19^th 2009

Staff Report

Courtesy of the BC RCMP

Victims of Crime Awareness Week - April 18-24

There truly is no such thing as a victimless crime – if you follow the chain of criminal activity, there is always a victim at some point. And it is these victims who are recognized during the Victims of Crime Awareness Week, April 18-24, in British Columbia and nationally.

From the death of a loved one or sexual assault to a break-and-enter to identity fraud, victims are profoundly affected by crime or trauma and the damage left in its wake. During this week, the RCMP in BC recognizes those who have been victimized by criminal activities and reaffirms our commitment to supporting victims of crime in difficult times. "Comforting Hands", The Victim Services program has a critical role in the RCMP in British Columbia.

The specially trained support workers will come to the scene of a collision, to the hospital if someone is injured in an assault, or go wherever needed to reach a victim of crime as soon as possible. Once there, they provide emotional support during the immediate aftermath and then longer-term assistance in providing information about the status of the investigation and the workings of the Justice system.

“Within our Detachments, we have over 450 Victim Service Coordinators, staff and trained volunteers available to provide critical services to victims and witnesses, family members and others impacted by crime

Web photos.

and trauma,” Deputy Commissioner Gary Bass, commanding officer of the RCMP in BC, says. “They ensure that victims receive appropriate, timely and responsive support and I commend them for this stellar service.”

All police members and many civilian employees have direct contact with victims of crime, and all do what they can to provide support in difficult circumstances. While this week is a time to reflect on the impact of crime on the lives of those affected, it is also a time to thank those who work tirelessly to support victims and help them take the needed steps towards recovery.

Click here for more information on the RCMP Victim Services Program in BC

Avoid Haitian Text Donation Scams

Courtesy of www.livescience.com

How SMS donation works

Donors give by using their cell phones to text a unique keyword —such as HOPE or MEAL — to a 5- or 6-digit short code phone number. The wireless carriers add the donation, typically $5 or $10, to the donor's monthly bill and pass 100 percent of the contribution along to the charity.

The transaction is usually done through the Mobile Giving Foundation (MGF), a nonprofit group that that serves as an intermediary between charities, wireless carriers and the mobile application service providers who create the mobile giving campaigns.

There are an estimated 280 million American wireless users. About 400 charities have added mobile giving to their marketing mix, including the United Way, the Red Cross, UNICEF, Share Our Strength and the Salvation Army, said MFG president and CEO Jim Manis.

First baby born after the earthquake in Haiti. Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army.

SMS donations are win-win situations for donors and nonprofits alike. It's convenient for donors, and because the way SMS donations are set up, they don't have to reveal their credit card numbers or other personal information.

Meanwhile, the charities receive the full donation, minus the modest monthly charge of their Application Service Providers, or ASP's, that create the mobile giving campaigns. SMS donations also opens up new territory for soliciting charitable contributions, especially amongst younger donors.

"We recognize that the huge majority of people in the United States are using cell phones and mobile applications," Harman of the American Red Cross said. "It's the wave of the future."

Mobile giving for the Haiti earthquake disaster has also been helped by social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, where users can quickly broadcast the news that a charity is accepting text-message donations.

"We were able to get out very quickly with this very simple message that you can text this $10 donation, and I think there's been an enormous outpouring of support for the people of Haiti right now," Harman said.

Organizations accepting SMS donations:

* American Red Cross: text "HAITI" to 90999 donate $10
* International Rescue Committee: text "HAITI" to 25383

   to donate $5
* Give on The Go: text "YELE" to 501501 to donate $5
* Salvation Army in Canada: text "HAITI" to 45678 to donate $5

As with any form of charitable giving, however, Harman urgers people to beware of scams and to be cautious when donating using text messaging.

"We just want everybody, no matter your charity of choice, to do your research and make sure that the charity has officially sanctioned the donation that you're giving," she said.

                                                                  April 27^th 2010

Staff Report

BC Government News Release

BC Introduces Canada's Toughest Impaired Driving Laws

VICTORIA – The Province is introducing Canada’s most immediate and severe impaired driving penalties to save lives, curb repeat offenders and give police more enforcement tools, Solicitor General Michael de Jong, QC, announced today.

“Despite increased enforcement and significant efforts to promote awareness, we’ve begun to see a rise in impaired driving across British Columbia,” said de Jong. “That trend is unacceptable and that’s why we’re bringing in these new laws: to get impaired drivers off the road with clear, swift and severe penalties.

In memory of Alexa Middelaer, de Jong also announced a provincial goal: to reduce alcohol-impaired driving fatalities by 35 per cent by the end of 2013. Middelaer was four when she was killed by an alleged drunk driver in Delta two years ago.

Under changes to the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA), drivers who provide a failing breath sample above 0.08 per cent BAC or refuse to provide a breath sample at the roadside will face an immediate, 90-day driving ban and a $500 fine. As well, they will have their vehicle impounded for 30 days. They may also face criminal charges.

Drivers caught once in the “warn” range (between 0.05 and 0.08 per cent BAC) in a five-year period will face an immediate, three-day driving ban and a $200 fine; a second time, a seven-day ban and a $300 fine; and a third, a 30-day ban and a $400 fine. Research shows that driving with a BAC in that range means a driver is seven times more likely to be in a fatal crash than if they have no alcohol in their body.

In addition, drivers who blow once in the “fail” range, or three times within five years in the “warn” range, will be required to participate in the rehabilitative Responsible Driver Program. They must also use an ignition interlock device, which tests a driver’s breath for alcohol every time they operate their vehicle, for one year.

“B.C.’s measures target impaired drivers more effectively than any Canadian jurisdiction has to date,” said Andrew Murie, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada. “We believe these major, escalating penalties will better support both deterrence and enforcement, save lives and prevent hundreds of injuries each year on B.C.’s roads. We encourage other provinces to study what B.C. is doing and follow its example.”

The new, roadside-issued, 90-day bans mean officers will no longer need to take drivers to the station for a full breath analysis in order to impose a driving ban longer than 24 hours.

“We believe that this new initiative will help all law enforcement officers to apprehend and reduce the number of impaired drivers in our province,” said Insp. Mike Diack of the RCMP’s B.C. Traffic Services. “There are people killed on B.C. highways each year as a direct result of impaired drivers. With additional enforcement powers, our police officers will be better equipped to reduce those casualties. Harm reduction is our number-one priority.”

The changes to B.C.’s impaired driving laws are expected to come into effect in fall 2010. More information on the changes is available at www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv/ online.

                                                             April 10^th 2010

Staff Report

Courtesy of the Kamloops RCMP

Internet Safety Tips for Teens

                                                                                             April 1^st 2010

Be safe on the roads this Easter Weekend By Just Being Courteous

Tips on getting home in one piece

Chilliwack RCMP release

                                                                                                                                        Web photos.
Chilliwack  — The RCMP are asking people to be extra cautious this long weekend and offer the following advice to drivers.

By Thursday afternoon, many British Columbians will see an increase of motor vehicles as people are heading off for the Easter holidays. Increased traffic volume will mean more congestion, longer line ups and some drivers may become impatient with the delay in their travel plans.

The RCMP in British Columbia would like to remind all motorists to drive safely during the holiday week end. Over 80% of collisions are preventable. Long weekends and holidays increase the pressure on drivers who want to get somewhere to relax and de-stress from their everyday lives. Drivers on the road want to get where they’re going as quickly as possible and unfortunately they make dangerous decisions. Traffic Line Up

Here are a few tips to consider before you head out:

• Remember, booze and drugs don’t mix with driving, that means all types of vehicles including marine vessels and airplanes.

• Buckle up - ALL occupants inside a vehicle are required to do so.

• You must be prepared for the unsafe actions of other motorists, poor driving conditions and wildlife.

• Please obey all signs and signals, including speed limits, traffic lights, stop signs and railway crossings.

• Drive at a safe speed, and not too fast for the road conditions or beyond the posted speed limit.

• Use your turn signals and keep distance with the vehicle in front of you.

• Yield to the right of way.

• Remember that motorcycles season has arrived and motorcycles are harder to see.

• If you are operating a motorcycle, be seen. Lights on for life. Wear highly reflective clothing.

• Your loaded recreational vehicle takes a longer to stop than your every day vehicle. If you are in a passing lane or a fast lane and you see traffic backing up behind you, pull over in the slow lane and let the others get by.

RCMP would like to make sure that everyone gets to where they are going safely. Police officers will be out in full force to look for impaired drivers and violators.

Finally the best advice we have for all motorists is: Be courteous to everyone.

Released by Cpl. Jamie CHUNG, Media Relations Officer, "E" Division Traffic Services HQ