While criminals always are looking for ways to take advantage of others, there are plenty of things people can do to reduce their chance of becoming a target.
Many crimes occur because people make it easy for criminals, security expert Brian MacNeel told members of the Land O’ Lakes chapter of the AARP at its June 27 meeting. For instance, 38 percent of burglaries occur because someone left a door or window open, and more than half of all cars stolen had the keys in the ignition.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
High-tech criminals also are opportunists. They send emails that look legitimate because they cut and paste information from genuine banks to create a document that looks authentic, MacNeel said.
Then they use that document to attempt to obtain private information from account holders. Once they have that, they access the accounts, steal the money and wire it to an overseas account.
There’s an easy way to avoid these kinds of scams, MacNeel told the crowd. Just don’t send private information to anyone who calls, sends a text or emails requesting it. People who do get this type of communication and are not sure if it’s legitimate should visit or call their bank using numbers known to be authentic.
Scammers have stolen billions of dollars using these kinds of scams, MacNeel said.
Another way to deter identity theft is to be sure to shred any pre-approved offer that comes in the mail. Those documents contain information about people that can be used to steal their identity, MacNeel said.
He also offered tips for personal self-protection. For instance, he told the crowd that parking lots are highly vulnerable places. When people go shopping, they should seek a parking space as close to the store as possible.
It’s important to be aware of surroundings, and to look for a parking spot in a well-lit space. Also, avoid parking next to a truck with side panels.
When returning to their car, drivers should be sure to have their keys out and to check the area around their car for someone who might be lurking there. Check the back seat before getting into the car as well, MacNeel said.
It’s a good idea to carry police-strength pepper spray, he added. That can be sprayed at an attacker who is 10 to 15 feet away.
If someone tries to take a purse or wallet, let the robber have it, MacNeel said. People who try to hold on to these possessions can end up being dragged and injured.
Of course, another way to protect valuables is for women to carry a small pocket purse that contains their money, identification and credit cards, he said. Women should put that in their pocket before they enter the parking lot, then a purse snatcher would just get the other items in the purse, such as makeup, tissues and such.
Men, he suggested, should carry a second wallet with just a small amount of cash that they can toss away from themselves.
When getting gas, be sure to roll up the windows, take keys and lock the door, MacNeel said. People running into the convenience shop to pick up an item often come back to find laptops, purses and other items gone because they didn’t lock their car.
The security expert also provided tips on how to prevent home burglaries. One of the best ways is to post “Beware of Dog” signs. Another good idea is to have a large dog bowl full of water near a door, he said.
Burglars don’t like to encounter big dogs when they’re rifling through possessions, he said.
It’s also a good idea to leave a radio or television on, tuned to a talk show, to help create the impression that someone is home. Shatterproof windows, secure locks and an alarm system are other good deterrents, MacNeel said.
Cellphones also can save lives, he said. Keep a cellphone on the night stand. If a burglar cuts the home’s phone lines, someone with a cellphone can still call 911.
A safety flashlight is another piece of equipment that can save lives, MacNeel said.
These flashlights are intended to prevent people from being trapped in their car. They contain a blade that can cut the seat belt. The body can be used to break a passenger window, and the light can help passengers see their path to escape, MacNeel said.
Be sure to choose a safety flashlight that can be easily accessed from the driver’s seat. Some models are so large they must be carried in the trunk, providing little help when a car is submerged in water, said MacNeel, who works for Protech Security Solutions of Brandon. The company makes free appearances before groups of all sizes to help people protect themselves.
Anyone who would like to book an appearance by MacNeel can reach him at (813) 661-3700.
The Land O’ Lakes AARP Chapter also welcomes new members, and anyone who wishes to learn more about the organization can reach Phyllis Bross, the chapter president, at (813) 996-1361, or they can email her at .
Published July 2, 2014
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