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Few things are as distressing as finding out that you have been the victim of identity theft. It can take years of work to undo the damage caused by identity theft, and unlike other, more personal crimes, you can’t very well use a stun gun to prevent being targeted.

Fortunately, there is much you can do proactively to avoid making identity theft easy for the perpetrators.

Destroy Documents in a Timely Manner

There are some documents that simply make it very easy for someone to steal your identity. Credit card statements, medical bills and anything that has your social security number upon it should be shredded as a matter of course. Eliminate any old credit card receipts, junk mail offers, plus any other documers that contain your personal information on it.

Be Alert to Shoulder Surfers

There are some places where shoulder surfing is particularly common. Popular locations typically include the phone booth, a computer at work, or even the ATM. Cover up the keypad or keep a button on your computer assigned to dim the screen immediately if you feel someone is looking on. 

The latest trick is for people to use their cell phones to video you while you enter PIN numbers at the ATM. A quick enlargement gives them your number, and all that is left is to pick your pocket to access your bank accounts.

Destroy Your Digital Files

If you keep personal data on your computer, destroy the files as soon as you have finished using them. Also, be very careful about using your computer in a public space. Even though it may seem tempting to take a minute at your favorite coffee shop, while utilizing their open network to finish your work, it is also a likely spot where your computer could be open to a possible virtual attack.

Keep An Eye On Your Banking Statements Every Month

Thankfully this remains to be the easiest way to obtain your personal identification. Not long ago, I paid someone by check and they used that check to have a set of checks printed with their name instead. When a couple of checks came in out of order and with the wrong information upon them, I quickly noticed because I check my statement each month. A small problem was solved almost instantly. If I didn’t look at my statements, who knows how much I would have lost.

Find Out Your Credit Report Every Year

The government has stated that three major credit companies must give you a free credit report once a year. Get it and check to see that no incorrect information has been attached. However, it is necessary to remember that errors do occur, which can end up being innocent. On the other hand, if a person has gone through your mailbox and stolen your credit card in your name, this is an ideal way to catch them. Don’t let their bad habits ruin your name.

Just like a stun gun jolt, or even pepper spray to the eyes, the damage that is delivered by identity theft although temporary, is painful. Luckily you can quickly and easily fix the situation, even if time and effort are called for.

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The following is a checklist to help you gauge how well you have eliminated the likelihood of being a victim of crime from your daily life during your work or leisure time.

Around the House

• Do you keep a list of emergency telephone numbers next to your home phone?
• Do you lock all your external doors at all times even when you are within your house?
• Does everybody in your house know they should ask for a picture ID before opening the door?
• Do you make it a point to check the references of persons who work in and outside your house?
• Do you know where the local police stations are in your community?
• Do you notify authorities when you will be absent from your house for an extended period of time?
• Are you around when workers or repairmen enter your home?

Among Your Neighbors

• Do your children know how to call 911 and get help from neighbors during an emergency?
• Do you talk with your neighbors at least twice a month?
• Do you have a buddy system established with one of your neighbors for keeping a watchful eye on your property? Have you instructed him to collect your mail and newspapers when you are gone?
• Do you keep a key with a neighbor you can trust rather than having one stashed under a rock outside your house?
• Do you partake in a Neighborhood Watch program?

Daily Personal Routine

• Do you on occasion carry more than $250 in cash?
• Do you practice boxing or any form of self defense?
• Do you keep personal safety on your mind regularly?
• Do you practice safety when handling power tools and other dangerous equipment?
• Is your personal history void of any accidents or injuries?
• Do you vary your daily activities every day?
• Do you carry a cell phone?
• Do you use ATM’s during the daytime or in well-secured public areas?
• Do you travel with other people on a regular basis or check in with somebody at home or the office when you travel?

Fire Safety Tips

• Do you have an escape plan in the event of a fire?
• Do you keep a fire extinguisher next to your oven or stove?
• Are the batteries in your smoke detector checked regularly?
• Do you keep all lighters and matches in places where kids can not gain access to them?

Your Motor Vehicle

• Do you make it a point to lock up your motor vehicle and close all the windows whenever you park?
• Do you look into the back seat before you unlock and enter your motor vehicle?
• When shopping, do you make an effort to park in well-lit areas of the parking lot and avoid shopping by yourself at night?
• Do you lock your doors while driving?
• Do you keep your car and house keys on separate key rings?

Sometimes our normal, everyday routines make us a focus for criminal activity. Following these simple tips of home security and personal safety can provide you with more protection from crime than buying an expensive burglar alarm system.

Technorati Tags: crime prevention, pepper spray, personal safety weapons, self defense weapons, stun guns

Posted under Miscellaneous Content

If you live on a farm somewhere out in the boonies, there are some special safety concerns that you should be aware of. Crops, expensive farm equipment, and livestock can be targets for potential thieves. Not only that, vandals can make it their leisure time to destroy such things in a short amount of time. The following is a checklist to see if you are at risk for the crime of theft or vandalism:

• Are the areas around the farmyard as well as the outsides of the buildings well-lit at night?
• Are all the fences in good, working order or in need of repair?
• Are all your farm tools and equipment marked with identification numbers or serial numbers?
• Do you count your livestock on a regular basis?
• Do you have less than five people working for you throughout the year?
• Do you conduct background checks on your employees prior to employing them on your farm?
• Do you lock up the storage sheds and grain bins at night?
• Do the access roads have gates?
• Does each of your livestock have tattoos?
• Is all of the farm equipment, big and small, locked up at night?

No doubt it is a bigger responsibility to maintain home security on your own farm than it is if you owned your own house. Nevertheless, personal safety and home security measures should not be overlooked when living on a farm. You should observe all these tips when safeguarding your farm and the other property you have. By doing so, you make it harder for a crook to rip off your personal property or a vandal from tearing it apart.

You worked hard for your farm tools and your crops.  It only makes sense to take the time to lock up your personal property to thwart the potential for any crime to occur.

Technorati Tags: crime prevention, pepper spray, personal safety weapons, self defense weapons, stun guns

Posted under Miscellaneous Content