October 2024, "National Crime Prevention and Cyber Security Awareness Month",, "Scams and Fraud "2024" presentation

The Crime Prevention Association of Michigan (CPAM) will hold its annual crime prevention conference in Traverse City, Michigan, from October 15th to 18th, 2024. This year's conference will consist of three (3) days of essential training for crime prevention practitioners from throughout the state of Michigan. 

CPAM's continues to offer training and more resources for our member's "prevention toolbox" to take back to their communities by attending and participating in the conference. I've also said that the "networking" that occurs during this conference of "like-minded" personnel is priceless!

As a member of CPAM for over 30 years and serving our organization, I wanted to share a recent presentation, "Scams and Fraud 2024," that I've provided for the Pittsfield Twp. Seniors, Community Television Networks' "Senior Moments" program, and Second Baptist Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on October 5th, '24.

In this presentation, I've used the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Report and cited many resources that identify the types of scams and fraud and how they impact consumers. I've also identified how to block spam text and emails on iPhones and Android devices.  

This year we have been informed about being a data breach victim from third (3rd) party vendors working with health care providers, banking,  social security, and many more areas that have our personal information.  If you have been notified that you are a victim and a free monitoring service is offered "please take it" and freeze your credit,  it's no longer a matter of if but when we are victims of a data breach and your social security number, passwords, and more are on the "dark web" and is used to open credit cards and more.

This presentation is not designed to give legal advice, but to provide information and resources to consumers on how to avoid being a victim of a cybercrime and if you are what to do.

Please feel free to share this information from this presentation.

Rich Coleman, (PT) PSCC, Pittsfield Twp. DPS / Crime Prevention Consultant

Social Security Administrations Data Breach of "Social Security Numbers" what to know and what to do if you are contacted

In August of 2024, an announcement was made alerting consumers that millions of Social Security Numbers had been stolen in a data breach. Consumers have been asked to be on the alert for suspicious telephone calls and emails about their social security number being used for fraud. 

Scamers are calling consumers saying that they own money and need to get  "Gift Cards" to send money to avoid being arrested. When in doubt don't panic, you have a choice to hang up on the caller or question why you are getting this call since the Social Security Administration never calls that receiving benefits?

Before you respond to send funds please call or go to your local Social Security Administration Office to find out if your information has been compromised.  You can also contact your local law enforcement agency for assistance and be reassured that the police are not coming to your home or to arrest you.

Below is a link to the Social Security Administration blog with details on the data breach and what to do if you get a call or suspicious email.

Social Security Administration Blog 

CPAM 2024 Annual Conference October 15th - 18th, ,'24, Traverse City MI

 Greetings CPAM Members and those interested in learning and participating in Crime Prevention. 

The QR code below will take you to the website and register.

Michigan Fire Work Safety Tips and Law

 MI Fire Works law

Experian - Scams and Fraud Alert 2024

Consumers are challenged daily with scam text messages, phone calls, AI messages, and so much more. Below is the link to the Experain article providing details on what they are and how to avoid them.

Experian- Scams and Fraud 2024