1.
Robbery
2.
Identity theft
Christmas
season is a great opportunity for identity thieves. Hiding in the crowds, it
becomes easier to get passwords as people shop online at Wi-Fi spots or even
use a cellphone to take a photo of a credit card to use the number online.
Beware – most identity thefts occur by people we know – roommates,
friends and relatives. These are the people in our homes who have easy access
to credit cards and other ID information.
3.
Theft
Just
as with robberies, it is easy to get distracted and leave items unattended or
at least not closely watched. Where force or threats are used in robberies,
thefts involve stealing something without the confrontation. Leaving a purse or
package in a shopping cart and walking a short distance away is another
example.
TIP - Do not leave items unattended - ever!
Did you know? The most commonly stolen items anymore are
smartphones and tablets, such as iPads and iPhones. Keep a close eye on those
electronic items.
4.
Phishing
With
all the shopping including online, it is easy for crooks to send out blanket
emails to potential victims, pretending to come from well-known online stores.
An unsuspecting victim could respond to a believable email and respond to a
convincing request to confirm account details. In short order, the suspect has
the victims account details and can quickly get online to do their own shopping
- at your expense.
Tip - Even if an email appears to come from an account or online
merchant that you have used, be wary that the email actually comes from the
store. Check the link included in the email by hovering the mouse over the
link. If the links do not match or do not appear to be from the vendor, do not
click on it. Better to search for a phone number and contact the vendor
directly to check for any problems.
This time of year there are a lot of
reasons to be away from home. Christmas parties, work parties, family
gatherings and shopping, not to mention vacations, keep us away from home more
often than normal. But Christmas gifts probably sit under the tree, right by a
front window, as part of the decorations. Burglars know this and are looking
for signs that no one is home to break in and help themselves to your
valuables.
Tip – When leaving, be sure to set timers to turn on lights and
keep gifts and other potential items of interest out of the view from windows.
If you have Christmas lights, make sure that they come on even when you are not
at home to give the appearance that someone is there. Nothing is more inviting
to a burglar than a dark house and decorations turned off. Don’t let mail or
newspapers pile up if you are out of town and have a neighbor shovel snow and
even park in your driveway to give the appearance someone is home.
The # 1 way burglars break into a
home is through unlocked doors and windows – lock up before leaving!
6.
Vehicle trespass (car break-ins)
When
running errands or picking up gifts, it is easy to make multiple stops and
leave gifts in the car while inside another store. Crooks love window shopping
too and will definitely look for items to steal.
Tip – Keep valuables out of sight and in the trunk of your car. Try
to time your stops so that little will be left in the car at any one time.
7.
Car jacking
Instead
of a sleigh full of goodies, some crooks will look for a car loaded down with
gifts.
Tip – Keep valuables out of sight, in the trunk of your car and
keep your doors locked. Always watch for anyone lurking about as you walk to
and from your car and pay attention to any cars following you – yes, it does
happen so if in doubt drive a few extra blocks to be certain no one follows
you.
8.
Credit card fraud
Tip – As with other forms of ID theft, keep a close eye on all
accounts. Ideally, never let the card out of your site. Even wait staff at a
restaurant could keep a skimmer in their pocket to record your credit
information.
9.
Family violence
This
time of year we think of spending it with our families. Sometimes, that
includes the crazy uncle or eccentric aunt. It can also mean violence from
others you are around. The added stress of the holidays can contribute,
especially if someone has a history of violence.
Tip – If you have any concerns about others at parties or other
gatherings, let family members you trust know beforehand. Limit alcohol and if
someone does become threatening or violent, ask them to leave or even call
police if necessary.
10. DUI
Speaking of alcohol, there is certainly a
bit more this time of year with eggnog and holiday drinks and holiday
parties.
Tip – When driving, watch the cars around you and keep your
distance from cars weaving or driving erratically. When starting from a red
light, check to make sure no one is running the light in the cross traffic.
11. Road
rage
The stress of the holiday can really show
itself on the highways as people are rushing back and forth and that can lead
to some anger management issues behind the wheel.
Tip – Do not get into pointless arguments on the road. If someone
is flipping you off, ignore it and keep driving. Let aggressive tailgaters pass
and if you are being followed, head to a crowded, public location, such as a
busy grocery store. Use your cellphone to call police and pay attention to
where you are and what street you are on.
12. Vehicle
theft
Our cars are one of our biggest and most
valuable assets and we take them everywhere. And they could be a crook’s
getaway car or a way to get extra spending money at your expense.
Tip – Never, ever leave a car running unattended or with your kids
inside to run a quick errand or warm up the car. Don’t leave the keys in the
car. Park in well-lit areas; avoid isolated parking.
Seasons Greetings
From Business Karate
Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority
on organizational self-defense. He has
extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and
security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations
provide safe workplaces. To learn more
email eric@businesskarate.com.
