Dec. 19th 2013 - Target Stores -Important Notice 40 Million Credit Cards data stolen

Target says that about 40 million credit and debit card accounts may have been affected by a data breach that occurred just as the holiday shopping season shifted into high gear.

The chain said that accounts of customers who made purchases by swiping their cards at terminals in its U.S. stores between Nov. 27th and Dec. 15th 2013, may have been exposed.

The stolen data includes customer names, credit and debit card numbers, card expiration dates and the three-digit security codes located on the backs of cards. The data breach did not affect online purchases.

The Minneapolis company said it immediately told authorities and financial institutions once it became aware of the breach and that it is teaming with a third-party forensics firm to investigate the matter and prevent future breaches. It said it is putting all “appropriate resources” toward the issue.

Target Corp. advised customers to check their statements carefully. Those who suspect there has been unauthorized activity on their cards should report it to their credit card companies and call Target at 866-852-8680. Cases of identity theft can also be reported to law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.

* The Washington Post 12/19/13

Please access the Target Stores Corporation link below for specific details on states that have laws requiring businesses to notify consumers when a "data breach" has occurred.

Michigan Law: IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION ACT (EXCERPT)
Act 452 of 2004  445.72 Notice of security breach; requirements.

MI's Law - Identity Theft Protection Act, Notice of security breach

Target Corporation - Data Breach Press Release

 

Hackers have stolen usernames and passwords for nearly two million accounts at Facebook, Google, Twitter, Yahoo and others, according to a report released this week 12/4/13, CNN Money

12/4  CNN Money report on the 2 million accounts comprised by the hackers. See the main point of the story. Click the link for the details.  Consumers are encouraged to change your pass words and use numbers, letters, and symbols.

The massive data breach was a result of keylogging software maliciously installed on an untold number of computers around the world, researchers at cybersecurity firmTrustwave said. The virus was capturing log-in credentials for key websites over the past month and sending those usernames and passwords to a server controlled by the hackers.

On Nov. 24, Trustwave researchers tracked that server, located in the Netherlands. They discovered compromised credentials for more than 93,000 websites, including:

• 318,000 Facebook (FB, Fortune 500) accounts
• 70,000 Gmail, Google+ and YouTube accounts
• 60,000 Yahoo (YHOO, Fortune 500) accounts
• 22,000 Twitter (TWTR) accounts
• 9,000 Odnoklassniki accounts (a Russian social network)
• 8,000 ADP (ADP, Fortune 500) accounts (ADP says it counted 2,400)
• 8,000 LinkedIn (LNKD)accounts

Trustwave notified these companies of the breach. They posted their findings publicly on Tuesday.

"We don't have evidence they logged into these accounts, but they probably did," said John Miller, a security research manager at Trustwave.

CNN Money website

IRS- Report Phishing Scams

Report Phishing

The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels.

What is phishing?
Phishing is a scam typically carried out by unsolicited email and/or websites that pose as legitimate sites and lure unsuspecting victims to provide personal and financial information.

All unsolicited email claiming to be from either the IRS or any other IRS-related components such as the Office of Professional Responsibility or EFTPS, should be reported to phishing@irs.gov.

If you are a victim file a police report with your local agency.

IRS - Report Phishing scams

Business Watch Alert: FBI Warns of "Man-in-the-E-Mail" fraud impacting businesses E Commerce

‘Man-in-the-E-Mail’ Fraud Could Victimize Area Businesses
Three Seattle-Area Businesses Targeted in 2013

FBI Seattle December 02, 2013

Public Affairs Specialist Ayn S. Dietrich (206) 622-0460

The FBI Seattle Division is aware of a fraud victimizing Washington state-based businesses, nicknamed “man-in-the-e-mail” scheme for being an e-mail variation of a known “man-in-the-middle” scam. The FBI wants the public to learn about this scam in order to avoid being victimized.
In 2013, at least three area companies—in Bellevue, Tukwila, and Seattle—were led to believe they were sending money to an established supply partner in China. In reality, fraudsters intercepted legitimate e-mails between the purchasing and supply companies and then spoofed subsequent e-mails impersonating each company to the other. The fraudulent e-mails directed the purchasing companies to send payments to a new bank account because of a purported audit. The bank accounts belonged to the fraudsters, not the supply companies.
Total loss experienced by the three area companies is roughly $1.65 million. In some cases, the metadata on the spoofed e-mails indicated that they actually originated in Nigeria or South Africa.
Under this scam, both companies in a legitimate business relationship can be victimized. The supplier may first ship out the legitimately ordered products and then never receive payment (because the purchasing company was scammed into paying the scammer-controlled bank account). Or, the purchasing company may first make a payment and then never receive the ordered goods (because the supply company never receives that payment).
Here are some of the ways businesses can reduce their chance of being scammed by this man-in-the- e-mail fraud:

• Establish other communication channels, such as telephone calls, to verify significant transactions. Arrange this second-factor authentication early in the relationship and outside the e-mail environment to avoid interception by a hacker.
• Utilize digital signatures in e-mail accounts. Be aware that this will not work with web-based e-mail accounts, and some countries ban or limit the use of encryption.
• Avoid free, web-based e-mail. Establish a company website domain and use it to establish company e-mail accounts in lieu of free, web-based accounts.
• Do not use the “Reply” option to respond to any business e-mails. Instead, use the “Forward” option and either type in the correct e-mail address or select it from the e-mail address book to ensure the real e-mail address is used.
• Delete spam: Immediately delete unsolicited e-mail (spam) from unknown parties. Do not open spam e-mail, click on links in the e-mail, or open attachments.
• Beware of sudden changes in business practices. For example, if suddenly asked to contact a representative at their personal e-mail address when all previous official correspondencehas been on a company e-mail, verify via other channels that you are still communicating with your legitimate business partner.

If you or your business has been targeted by the man-in-the-e-mail fraud, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov. The following information is helpful to report:

• Header information from e-mail messages
• Identifiers for the perpetrator (e.g., name, website, bank account, e-mail addresses)
• Details on how, why, and when you believe you were defrauded
• Actual and attempted loss amounts
• Other relevant information you believe is necessary to support your complaint
• Reference to the man-in-the-e-mail fraud

Filing a complaint through IC3’s website allows analysts from the FBI to identify leads and patterns from the hundreds of complaints that are received daily. The sheer volume of complaints allows that information to come into view among disparate pieces, which can lead to stronger cases and help zero-in on the major sources of criminal activity. The IC3 then refers the complaints, along with their analyses, to the relevant law enforcement agency for follow-up.
The public can learn about other common scams by visiting http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/frauds-from-a-to-z and learn about ways to reduce their risk of being scammed: http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/Internet_fraud.

 

Michigan Cyber Summit 2013, October 25th, 2013, The Suburban Collection, Novi MI

Michigan Cyber Summit 2013

On October 25 2013, the Michigan Department of Technology's Cyber Initiative Team will host the 2013 Cyber Cyber Summit at the Suburban Collection Showcase in Novi Michigan.   If your a member of CPAM  and all of our partners this is a must attend presentation. The last one that I attended the networking with experts in the field of cyber security for businesses, home and personal use was amazing. At the last summit was the first time that I heard the term "BYOD" - Bring Your Own Device "Smartphones" in the workplace and home.  Scams, fraud, phishing attacks are more clever than ever and the average user will not know when they've gone to a fake website or responded to an email that has malware or a trojan that will harvest thier email, security codes, and financial information.  The one day workshop costs $35.00.   Rich Coleman, PSCC, Pittsfield Twp. D.P.S., Legislative Liaison, CPAM

CPAM 2013 Conference - Celebrating 40 years of Partnership 1973 - 2013-

The Crime Prevention Association of Michigan will start its 40th annual conference this week and as we celebrate "Putting Yourself and Your Community Into Action Through Prevention" we encourage our partners to join in making this a reality.   The 24 hour news cycle can be frightening with reports of crime and violence in our communities our goal as crime prevention practitioners is to help teach, and empower with the tools to decrease the opportunity to become a victim.  We'll capture the conference with interviews and comments from those in attendance. 

Play an active role in your community to help fight crime, be the "eyes and ears" and report suspicious persons and activities.  Contact your local agency for assistance from a Community Patrol Officer or a representative to speak at your Homeowners Association, Apartment, and Business watch meeting. 

DoorDevil- Home Security product to help make "Home Invasions" a challenge!

The CPAM 2012 conference had great speakers and vendors that shared their products and resources with those in attendance. We had an opportunity to interview a representative from DoorDevil to demonstrate the companies product and how to install the DoorDevil. 

Check their website:  http://www.doordevil.com

Click on the link to see the interview.
Prevention Corner TV Show on Vimeo

9/10/13, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield remembered for being a hero

On behalf of the Crime Prevention Association of Michigan members and partners we express our sincere condolences to the family of the late Trooper Paul Butterfield who was lost in the line of duty on September 9th 2013.   Trooper Butterfield joined the Michigan State Police in 1999 and graduated as a member of the 118th Trooper Recruit School. He served at the Manistee and Hart posts. Our prayers are also with the Michigan State Police Troopers who lost one of their one. God's speed Trooper Butterfield.

 

 

Safe Kids World Wide: Take Action to Prevent Distracted Walking:

Teenagers under the age of 19 account for half of all pedestrian deaths among kids. Injuries among older teens have increased 25 percent over the past five years. The reason: Distractions. Help stop these tragedies from happening. Get the facts, spread the word and take action today. Raise awareness about the dangers of distracted walking by participating in the “Moment of Silence Campaign”. Our goal is to get parents to educate teenagers to put devices down when crossing streets. Please take a pledge to make it happen and keep our teenagers safe. Will you help? Click on the link below for campaign details.

 

 

SafeKids

National Safety Council - Back to School Safety Tips:

As summer draws to a close, back-to-school season is approaching fast. Safety should be a priority for every family as children return to classrooms this fall. It’s very important for parents to stay up to date on proper safety measures. Keeping children from harm with good information regarding their safety is essential. For more “back to school” safety tips click on the image below.

National Safety Council

2013 National Night Out, August 6th 2013, Join the celebration and participate in being the "eyes & ears" to report crime!

     August 6th 2013: National Night Out is coming to community near you!

The 30^th Annual National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support and participation in local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and lastly send a message to criminals to let them know that your community, your neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. 

2013 National Night Out (NATW)

State of Michigan Health Website Breached - "50,000" individuals from MI Cancer Consortium- reported on July 5th 2013

July 5^th 2013, The Michigan Department of Community Health's cancer section was utilizing a password-protected portion of the Michigan Cancer Consortium website, hosted by a private company, to post cancer test reports, according to a statement provided by an MDCH spokesperson.
Hackers were able to access a portion of the website, but it's unknown if the reports were accessed, the spokesperson said.
The compromised information includes names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, testing results and testing dates.
Impacted individuals were notified of the breach and were provided information about protecting against identity theft, the MDCH spokesperson said. It's unclear whether the department is providing impacted individuals with complimentary credit monitoring services.

*The MDCH nor the MCC has posted an update as of 7/8/13. This breach is being reported on the Gov In Security and website and WWJ News Radio 95 in Detroit MI.

MCC

Michigan 2012 Fireworks Law Amended / National Fire Prevention Assoc. Fireworks Safety

Michigan's Fire Works Law- Amended to provide local government controls

On June 12^th 2013, the Michigan legislature amended the 2012 Fireworks Safety Act. The proposal would allow any city, township or village to enact an ordinance banning overnight "ignition, discharge or use" of consumer fireworks on the day before or after a national holiday. Local units of government already have the ability to limit usage on other days of the year. Smaller communities (townships and villages) will be able to prohibit use from 1 a.m. and 8 a.m. around all national holidays. A maximum civil fine of $500 could be imposed on violators.

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) has posted information on the dangers of fireworks and a video interiew with personnel from a New Hampshire CT. fire department and a family that was attending an event and became the victim of a fire due to fireworks.

Patrick and Marci Foy, and their daughter, Olivia, were attending a family celebration in Pelham, NH, on July 3, 2012. They were among the more than dozen people injured during a consumer fireworks incident. Watch as the Foy’s give a first-hand account of their experience and the impact it continues to have on their lives.

Click on the link below to see the video posted at the NFPA website:

NFPA- Fireworks Safety Video

FBI Warns of Spear-Phishing Attacks: Be careful of responding to emails from financial institutions

Cyber Criminals Continue To Use Spear-Phishing To Compromise Computer Networks

On June 25^th 2013, the FBI reported that spear-phishing attacks continue to rise. What is spear-phishing? The phisher deploys a web site, which mimics portions of a legitimate financial institution or other e-commerce websites. The phisher then creates an e-mail message that appears to be from the organization represented on the phishing website. The e-mail message notifies a potential victim of a problem with their account and instructs them to login to the phishing site where the account information will be "verified". Utilizing spam, the phisher sends this e-mail to hundreds and thousands of potential victims. If the victim falls for the scam, they end up compromising their account, their credit card, and potentially could become a victim of other identity theft crimes. For more details on the current spear-phishing, attacks click on the image below.

Scam Alert – Unsolicited telephone calls offering “free” Med Alert device

5/30/13
Residents across the country are receiving telephone calls from telemarketers selling a device called “Med Alert”. The target audience for this scam are seniors who potentially will respond for the “free” device and provide their banking information for the service not knowing it is a health care product scam.

If you know of someone who has been a victim of this type of crime and provided “financial” information please have them contact their local police department to file a report. If you just received the telephone call or email, do not respond, there is no crime unless a financial transaction has occurred.
You can block the telephone number and put the email address in your spam folder to stop receiving unsolicited offers from that email address.

Information published in the Consumers Digest has been provided on these scams. Please pass this information to your neighbors, friends and especially seniors.

Telemarketers targeted seniors in medical-alert scam
Federal Trade Commission exposed another company for allegedly ripping off senior citizens.

FTC says telemarketers for Instant Response Systems pressured seniors to purchase medical-alert services.
In some cases, FTC alleges that seniors who declined the offer were sent a medical-alert device anyway, so Instant Response System could try to shake down those seniors for payment.

According to the complaint, Instant Response Systems created bogus billing invoices and threatened seniors with legal action if they didn’t pay for the device.

At FTC’s request, a U.S. district court ordered Instant Response Systems to cease operations. Instant Response Systems also does business as Response Systems, B.B. Mercantile, Medical Alert Industrial and Medical Alert Services, FTC says.

The regulatory agency charged Instant Response Systems with making illegal misrepresentations and violating the Unordered Merchandise Statute for sending consumers products that they didn’t order.

FTC’s complaint is the latest example of why seniors must be on guard against the threat of scammers at all times, as we reported in “The Fleecing of America’s Elderly” at Consumers Digest.com.

FTC - Scam Alert "Med Alert' free device

MI Senate Bill # 374 -May 21st 2013 ~ Create Statewide School Violence Okay-2-Say "Hotline"

The MI Senate has introduced a bill focusing on creating a "hotline" for reporting of any potential harmful or dangerous act. The MI Attorney General, Lt. Governor and the MI State Police are working together to create a frame work for this proposal.

Attached is the language defining the bill and a link to the MI Attorney Generals press release on the hotline.


2013 Senate Bill 374: Create statewide school violence “hotline”

• Introduced in the Senate on May 21, 2013, to require the Attorney General and the State Police to create a “hotline” manned 24 hours a day all year long to collect “confidential reports of unsafe, potentially harmful, dangerous, violent, or criminal activities.” These could include cell phone camera and video images. While the bill does not limit the hotline to school related threats, other parts of it require the information to be shared with local law enforcement and school officials.
• 
  
• Referred to the Senate Education Committee on May 21, 2013.
• MI Senate bill #374

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, Lt. Governer Calley, MI State Police Commander Etue's press release promoting the "Ok-2-Say" hotline.

MI Attorney General's, MSP PR on proposed - MI Okay-2-Say hotline

FDIC Consumer News Spring 2013 - Protecting Your Plastic from High-Tech Criminals

FDIC Spring 2013 Newsletter to Consumers:

The FDIC has issued an alert regarding the Internet "hacking" of financial institutions websites.  The banks and credit unions across the country are dealing with a daily barrage of malware and virus attacks of their websites. Consumers are inconvenienced as well as concerned that they may fall victim to a scam / fraud with accessing their accounts. When the banking site is under attack it is taken off line and consumers are left out wondering what now?    Before you response to a phishing email, mobile device message or telephone call to give your bank account numbers "Hang up, don't reply" call your financial institution to advise that you've been contacted. Your bank will not email or call you requesting your personal information if you have not initiated a call.  Forward the email(s) and give as much information about the attempt as you can to your banking site so they can track and help stop the fraud before someone falls prey to the attempts.


FDIC: FDIC Consumer News Spring 2013 - Protecting Your Plastic from High-Tech Criminals

FTC:How to Make Sure Oklahoma Tornado Victims Benefit From Your Donation

Law enforcement agencies across the state are receiving inquiries from residents about suspicious phone calls and emails regarding donating to the Oklahoma Tornado Disaster Relief efforts.

These type of calls and emails should be handled with caution when asked to provide credit card and banking account information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has put an alert out regarding the Oklahoma Tornado relief efforts and how to find reputable charity organizations.


Click the link below to the FTC’s website for the information. Thanks
FTC - Oklahoma Tornado Disaster Relief Scams

Washtenaw Area Council for Children - Free local Workshop "Cyber Safety Initative Tweens & Teens Camp"

We're proud to promote the outstanding work of our Washtenaw County Area Council for Children. The service they offer to our local schools and community groups has been amazing!   If you are looking for a free workshop being offered June 24th - 28th, '13, here in Washtenaw County click on the link below for the details.

If you are interested in bringing this program to your community contact 734 434-4243 for information on costs.

Rich Coleman, PSCC, Pittsfield Twp. DPS

Special Events | Washtenaw Area Council for ChildrenWashtenaw Area Council for Children

National Missing and Exploited Children: Take 25 Conversation Starters

Take 25 is a grassroots safety initiative created in honor of National Missing Children’s Day. Annually honored on May 25^th, this day serves as a reminder to the nation to make child safety a national priority. Designed to raise awareness of the issues surrounding missing and exploited children, the Take 25 Campaign encourages parents, guardians, educators, and others to take 25 minutes to talk to children about safety. Use these Conversation Starters to help begin the discussion. Click on the “Take 25 “ image below for the “conversation starter tips”.

NME - Take 25 Conversation Starter Tips

National Police Week 2013 will be Sunday, May 12th through Saturday, May 18th

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.  Please consider attending events hosting in your community to honor those officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our communities.

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund: National Police Week

City of Westlands Fire Department: Fallen Firefighter Brian Woehlke Chairty Fund

On behalf of the Crime Prevention Association of Michigan we extend our  condolences to the City of Westland, it's  Fire Department personnel and the family of fallen Firefighter Brian Woehlke. The Westland Firefighters have setup a fund to assist the family.  Our hearts and prayers are with the Westland Fire personnel and families.

A link has been provided to their website.

Support for Westland's Fallen Firefighter Brian Woehlke

National Privacy Week April 28th - May 4th '13

April 28^th  through May 4^th  is Privacy Awareness Week, and to mark the occasion, the FTC and other members of the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (APPA) are teaming up to talk about why privacy matters and what individuals and businesses can do about it in today’s digital world. The FTC has a number of resources to protect important information. Click on the image below for more resources.

FTC- National Privacy Awareness Week 2013

The FTC has released a great report worth reading. See the article caption and link below.

R. Coleman, CPAM

Fraud harms 25.6 million people: Anyone you know?

• By Bridget Small
• April 23, 2013 - 2:05pm

The FTC is always working to know more about the types of fraud being committed and who spends money on them.  Periodically, we survey consumers and ask them to share details about their recent marketplace experiences and a bit about themselves.  Our most recent survey found that nearly 11% of U.S. adults — an estimated 25.6 million people — paid for fraudulent products and services in 2011.
There were an estimated 37.8 million incidents of fraud because some respondents, especially those who bought bogus work-at-home programs, made multiple purchases.  The survey report has rich details about the financial circumstances and demographics of consumers surveyed, including how they found and paid for fraudulent products, and how shopping and payment methods have changed since 2005.


Click the link to the FTC site for the report.FTC Fraud Survey Report 4/23/13

C.P.A.M. 2012 Conference: Interview with US Eastern District Attorney General Barbara McQuade

The Crime Prevention Association of MI's 2012 conference "The Power of Prevention" was well attended and the speakers on point. This year's theme focused on all aspects of crime prevention practitioner's taking the tools learned and applying them in our respective communities.

One of our speakers was the U.S. Attorney General for the Eastern District of Michigan Mrs. Barbara McQuade who provided an overview of the role of the US Attorney Generals office in the East District of Michigan and how the residents that are served by the local law enforcement agencies can obtain assistance from any of the U.S. Attorney Generals offices.

Rich Coleman, Legislative Liaison, C.P.A.M. had the opportunity to interview Mrs. McQuade highlighting the presentation and the importance of working with Identity Theft and Fraud, senior safety, families, crime in our neighborhoods, our youth as we deal with bullying, gang violence, drugs, and issues that impact all of our communities.

Click the link below to see the video.

Interview: East District US Attorney General, Barbara McQuade

2012 CPAM Conference - Interviews with CPAM members

Crime Prevention Association of MI 2012 Conference- Interviews with Members
http://vimeo.com/63791830

"CPAM President Lt. Lee Hoeksema, Ottawa County Sheriff's Dept. welcomes members and guests to the conference and thanks Michigan chiefs, Sheriff, and Directors of Public Safety for their support of crime prevention. Deputy Chief Rick Smiedendorf, Berrien County Oronoko Twp., and other C.P.A.M. members talk about their experience as members and the importance of the conference. Plan to attend the 2013 CPAM conference, Oct. 8th - 11th, in Traverse City MI. It will be held at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. For more details go to www.crimepreventionassociationofmichigan.org

 

Vimeo Link - CPAM 2012 Conference and Interviews with Members

CPAM 2012 - Awards for Outstanding Efforts in the field of Crime Prevention for 2012

CPAM 2012 Conference "The Power of Prevention"

2012 Awards for Outstanding  Efforts in the Field of  Crime Prevention

In October 2012, the Crime Prevention Association of Michigan hosted it's annual conference in Mt. Pleasant Michigan. Opening the conference the night before was the Awards for Outstanding efforts in the field of Crime Prevention. This is one of our most important nights of recognizing our peers and their agencies for their outstanding work for their community. 

We would like to thank the Michigan Chief's, Director's of Public Safety and Sheriff's throughout the state  that support, provide personnel, and resources to members of C.P.A.M.

Our elected C.P.A.M. officers, training committee members, and awards committee worked very hard to reach out to find agency leaders and members to recommend those members who had gone over and beyond the day-to-day efforts of protecting and serving our respective communities for these awards.

The following awards were presented:

 Crime Prevention Practitioner's of the Year: * Two members selected

Officer Charles Henly, Detroit Police Department, "The Detroit Blue Pigs Band"

Deputy Phil Green, Newaygo County Sheriff's Dept.

Volunteer of the Year

Mr. Glen Buller, Walker Department of Public Safety

Outstanding Media Award

WDIV Channel 4's "Defender's"

"K-2 Spice Impact on families"

Ro Coppola, Producer

Outstanding Corporate Award

Chris Yeager, "PRINTEK"

Outstanding Project in the field of Crime Prevention

Deputy Tom McCutcheon, Kent County Sheriff's Dept.

"National Night Out"

Outstanding Unit Award

Community Patrol Unit, Pittsfield Twp. Police Dept.

Officer Matt Hornbeck

Officer Kevin Cassette

Outstanding Youth / School Officer

Officer Chuck Mendham

West Bloomfield P.D.

C.P.A.M Members who served in leadership roles

Mike Kazyak, Auburn Hills P.D.

Rick Trabusley, West Bloomfield P.D.

Dave Robinson, Rockford D.P.S.

CPAM 2012 Video- Awards for Outstanding efforts in the field of Crime Prevention

FTC - Resolving Identity Theft? How to Help

The FTC has created a video that will help show victims of ID Theft .  See the note below from the FTC staff and the video link.

FTC staff has a proud history of collaborating with legal services and victims’ rights groups, sharing legal resources and information and training hundreds of advocates throughout the country about a number of important consumer protection issues. Along the way, we’ve gotten many questions about how to help people reduce their risk of identity theft — and how to help them recover from the crime.


FTC website Resolving ID Theft video

Use Blue Tooth? B.B.B.- Protect yourself from Hacking Scams

Use Blue tooth? Protect your self from hacking scams.

Scammers use specialized software to intercept your Bluetooth signal and hack into your device. It is called "bluebugging”. Doing this gives them access to all your texts, contacts, photos, call history and everything on your phone. For tips on protecting your device and personal information, click on the image below.

Better Business Bureau: Blue Tooth protection from scams

Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft: What to do if your Social Security # is stolen

The I.R.S. has reported a rise in social security number fraud cases this year. Individuals have had someone file an unauthorized tax return “online” using their social security number. If you have discovered that, you are a victim the Federal Trade Commission and the IRS have joined forces to help correct the problem. Click on the image below for details and resources.

Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft

American Poison Control Center: 2012, 2,654 calls of exposure to "Bath Salts"



American Association of Poison Control Centers

"Bath Salts- 2,654 calls about exposure to bath salts Jan.- Dec. 2012"

Synthetic cathinones, often marketed as “bath salts,” have names like Cloud 9 and Bliss. They are NOT the bath salts you use in your tub. These are powerful illegal drugs that have not been tested for safety, and users don’t really know exactly what chemicals they are putting into their bodies. The side effects they cause may be permanent.

Poison center experts say these substances are among the worst they have seen. Users have experienced many side effects and some have died from exposure to excessive abuse.

For more details and resources to help loved ones and your community click on the link below.

American Assoc. of Poison Control Centers " Bath Salts"



National Consumer Protection Week March 3rd – 9th 2013

N.C.P.W.'s website is more than a destination for consumer information; it is also a source for outreach tools to share with your family and friends. Thanks to 64 federal, state and local agencies and nonprofits that are putting the spotlight on the critical consumer protection work they do year-round, consumers have easy access to a tremendous variety of timely, useful information about recognizing and reporting frauds and scams, managing credit and debt, using technology, and staying healthy and safe. Click on the link below for more details.

National Consumer Protection Week 2013

2012 Consumer Sentinel Report- Michigan Data

The Federal Trade Commission's 2012 Consumer Sentinel national report was released on 2/26/13. This national data has been analyzed and broken down by state. The State of Michigan's data has been purged from the report and provided in this post (click on the link below to see the complete report). Contact a member of the Crime Prevention Association of Michigan or an officer from your local police department to get the latest information on how not to be a victim of any of the "reported" crimes listed below. R. Coleman, CPAM

Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Michigan Consumers = 49,501

1

Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Michigan consumers (49,501).

                                      

                                      MICHIGAN

    Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures

                        January 1 - December 31, 2012

 Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer   

                                Complaints = 61,576

                               Identity Theft Types Reported by Michigan Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Michigan Victims = 12,075

1

Percentages are based on the 12,075 victims reporting from Michigan. Note that CSN identity theft

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types.

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Michigan Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 44 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage

1

1 Debt Collection                                                           7,330 15%

2 Banks and Lenders                                                      3,986 8%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales                                3,109 6%

4 Impostor Scams                                                           2,194 4%

5 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries                                1,829 4%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services                                    1,795 4%

7 Internet Services                                                           1,699 3%

8 Auto Related Complaints                                              1,493 3%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams    1,317 3%

10 Credit Cards                                                              1,106 2%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage

1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud                   6,512 54%

2 Credit Card Fraud                                                       1,380 11%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud                                               1,254 10%

4 Bank Fraud                                                                    630   5%

5 Employment-Related Fraud                                            387   3%

6 Loan Fraud                                                                    299   2%

Other                                                                             1,602 13%

Attempted Identity Theft                                                    770   6%

2012 FTC Consumer Sentinel Annual Report

National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA): Safety Tips Using Portable Generators

Portable electric generators can offer many benefits when a long-term electrical outage occurs due to a storm. However, if generators are not used properly things can turn deadly.

Carbon Monoxide deaths associated with generators have spiked in recent years. Running a generator in a closed garage or using a generator improperly are only two reasons why safety is key. Click on the image for NFPA’s tips on using a portable generator.

   

NFPA - Generator Safety use tips