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

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Tax-Related Identity Theft

The IRS uses your Social Security Number (SSN) to make sure your filing is accurate, complete, and that you receive any money due to you. Identity theft can affect how your tax return is processed. An unexpected notice or letter from the IRS could alert you that someone else is using your SSN.

The IRS does not contact taxpayers by sending emails, text messages, or using social media to ask for personal or financial information. If you get an email that claims to be from the IRS, do not reply or click on any links. Instead forward it to phishing@irs.gov.

For more details to avoid becoming a victim, or if you are a victim, click the image below.

FTC- Tax related ID Theft

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Inaccurate Credit Reports Found In 2013 Study.

The FTC recently completed its fifth national study on the accuracy of consumer credit reports. The agency found that one in five people surveyed found at least a single error on at least one of their credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. After completing the dispute process, the good news was that some people saw improvement in their credit score. A higher credit score means you are not as much of a risk and in turn, means you can get credit or pay less for it. Consumers are encouraged to check their credit report annually.

The time it takes to request a credit report is minimal and you can get them for free. Click on the link for more details from the FTC. 

FTC- Reports

Facebook: Website Hacked Into January 2013

Facebook was the recent victim of a sophisticated cyber-attack discovered in January 2013. In this incident, a virus or malware was installed on employee’s laptops. In a blog entry posted by Facebook Security on Feb. 15, 2013, the company said it found no evidence that Facebook user data had been compromised. For tips on protecting your personal data on social media sites click on the image below to watch an ABC News special regarding this topic.

ABC News - Facebook data comprised

Michigan Attorney General: Warns Consumers Against Buying Cars Flood-Damaged by Superstorm Sandy

Attorney General Bill Schuette has issued a consumer alert advising Michigan residents to exercise caution before purchasing their next used car to avoid being scammed into purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle. The warning comes amid an influx of flood-damaged vehicles on the national automotive market in the wake of Superstorm Sandy's devastation. For additional details, click the link below.

MI AG's website

2nd Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night Feb. 23, 2013

Brent Clark
Law Enforcement Ambassador (Michigan)
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Museum



The long wait is over! Hockey is back in Detroit and the Detroit Red Wings, along with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, are excited to present the 2nd annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night as we honor law enforcement officers from city, county, state and federal agencies at the Joe Louis Arena.

 

The Detroit Red Wings have put together 2 incredible ticket packages that are open to all law enforcement personnel, non-sworn law enforcement employees, EMT, dispatchers, family, friends and anyone who respects and honors law enforcement and their service to our communities.

 

For just $45.00 or $60.00 you will receive admission to the

February 23^rd, 2013 game against the Nashville Predators. The First 1,000 ticket orders will receive a special edition Detroit Red Wings Law Enforcement Commemorative Challenge Coin. $10.00 from each ticket will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Museum!

For tickets click on the link below.

Detroit Red Wings

Kelsey’s Law: Bans teens with level 1 and 2 driver’s license from using a cell phone

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has signed a bill that makes it illegal for anyone with a level 1 or level 2 probationary driver's license to use a cell phone while behind the wheel.

Known as Kelsey's Law, the measure makes it a civil infraction and imposes a $100 fine on anyone with a level 1 or level 2 licenses that is caught using a cell phone while driving. For details, click the link below.



Kelsey's Law- Ban Texting and Driving Level 1 & 2 Drivers



January 28th 2013 National Data Privacy Day

On January 28th, 2013 residents and businesses across the country are encouraged to learn more about protecting your personal information.  Everyday millions are impacted by identity theft, data breaches, email accounts being hacked into, and someone accessing personal information from a social network.

StaysafeOnline.org has been a leading source for helping to provide resources on what can be done to protect your personal information.  Our challenge as consumers is to make everyday "National Data Privacy Day". Click on the link below for more details.

StaySafeOnline

Michigan’s “Internet Privacy Act” House Bill - #5523

Michigan’s “Internet Privacy Act” House Bill - #5523:

Michigan House Bill #5523: “An act to prohibit employers and educational institutions from requiring certain individuals to grant access to, allow observation of, or disclose information that allows access to or observation of personal internet accounts; to prohibit employers and educational institutions from taking certain actions for failure to allow access to, observation of, or disclosure of information that allows access to personal internet accounts; and to provide sanctions and remedies”. To read the bill signed into law by Governor Snyder on December 28th 2012, click on the link below.

House/htm/2012-HNB-5523.htm

US Department of Education: Talking with your children about traumatic events

In response to the tragic events in Newtown Connecticut The U S Department of  Education has provided resources for parents and community with responding to traumatic events.

US Dept of Ed, Homeroom Blog

        

                                  

National Association of School Resource Officers & School Psychologists: Responding to Tragic Events

On behalf of the members of the Crime Prevention Association of Michigan are hearts and prayers are with the families of  Clackamas Oregon Shopping Center and Newtown Connecticut's Sandy Hook Elementary school after the reports of the tragic shooting events this week.  Officers are trained to engage and stop incidents such as these and both incidents weight heavy on all involved. At our recent C.P.A.M. conference, we had a representative from the National Association of School Resource Officers provide a presentation to our members and participated in a video interview that will be posted in an upcoming blog. We talked about the role of the School Resource Officer (SRO) and the importance of having police interact with students daily, information being brought to their attention, and students concerns about a rumor or something being planned that may cause harm to others. S.R.O.'s establish relationships and students trust them and are more willing to share a concern, a very important part of maintaining school safety.

Many of our school districts are having to eliminate the S.R.O. positions due to budget constraints but if there is any possibility to bring those officers back into your buildings, we strongly encourage school boards and administrators to adjust your financial forecasting to bring them back! We applaud police administrators and municipalities that make school safety a priority even during these tough economic times.

The National Association of School Psychologists has a list of great resources for schools, families and the community. I've added the link to their website for additional resources. We'd also like to recognize the tremendous acts of bravery by the teachers and staff today at the Sandy Hook Elementary school to keep the students out of harms way and to protect them. Schools across the country participate in lock-down and fire drills. Today exemplified why those drills are so important.

I've also provided a link to the N.A.S.R.O's website with resources and tips on protection in our schools.  Please, we need every person in our community to be the "eyes and ears" and report suspicious persons and activity that may impact others. Furthermore, students if you are reading a message forwarded from a  social network or text messages about a student planning to commit a dangerous act at a school or in the community, please tell a trusted adult immediately! Thank you, the life you save may be your own.

NASRO - 12/14, statement on school shooting

National Assoc.of School Resource Officers

National Association of School Psychologists

N.A.of School Psychologists

National Assoc. of School Psychologists

FTC- Kids' Data Still Collected, Shared without Parents' Knowledge, Consent

The FTC has published it's second report on Smartphone Apps targeted at teens and children that is a recommended read for parents, teachers and those who recommend Apps for teens use. The Federal Trade Commission issued a new staff report, “Mobile Apps for Kids: Disclosures Still Not Making the Grade,” examining the privacy disclosures and practices of apps offered for children in the Google Play and Apple App stores.  The report details the results of the FTC’s second survey of kids’ mobile apps.

I've provided the link to the report from the FTC for review.


FTC Report 2012, Mobile Apps for Kids

The Bully Project: Milan H.S. Peer Mediation / Life Saver's Program

The Bully Project movie released in April 2012 has opened the eyes of school administrators, teachers, students, parents, and communities across the country. Michigan's "Matt's Safe School Law" was signed into law providing a road map for schools to follow on addressing bullying in their schools and the reporting process. 

On May 5th 2012, schools throughout Washtenaw County were provided access to see the movie at the Rave Cinema in Pittsfield Township and sponsored by Sam's Club of Ypsilanti MI. Pittsfield Township D.P.S. host agency and municipality coordinated the viewing and there were two panel discussions prior to the showing. One with adults and elected officials and the second with youth from the local schools. 

The Bully Project movie will be available for purchase in Feburary 2013. Go to www.bullyproject.com for more details.

The Milan Police Department's School Resource Officer (S.R.O.) and students from Milan High School's message about their "Peer Mediation and Life Saver's" program were outstanding and featured in a Prevention Corner TV Show special. See what the students had to say about their programs. Click on the link to the YouTube channel.

 The Prevention Corner TV Show- Milan H.S. "Peer Mediation & Life Saver's Program"

I-Pad and Phone Security Tips 2012

I-Phone / I-Pad Safety Tips: Residents who own Apple products such as IPhones, I Pads and other devices should password protect your devices. You have access under the “I Cloud” menu to set your passwords and to activate “Find my IPhone” which allows you to locate the phone and remotely lock or erase the device. Click on the link below for details on the procedure.

Apple Support for Security Tips

Home Security Tip: Patio Doors

Home Security Tip – Patio Doors: 

Home Invasions through patio doors are on the rise. Securing your doors by locking them and using an "after market" device to prevent access to your home is important.  Residents are encouraged to lock your patio doors, use a “Charlie bar” in the base of the door, and auxiliary locks to prevent the doors from being lifted from the frame. For more tips on securing patio doors click the link below.

E How to secure your Patio Doors

The Childen's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) What Parents Should Know

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA): What Parents Should Know

Congress and the FTC have taken special steps to assure that children under 13 years of age don’t share their personal information on the Internet without the express approval of their parents.  Congress passed the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act in 1998 and the FTC wrote a rule implementing the law.  The FTC has taken law enforcement actions against companies that failed to comply with the provisions of the law and has issued a report to Congress assessing how companies have complied with it.  The FTC charged that the website operator, Artist Arena, violated COPPA and the FTC’s COPPA Rule, which require that website operators notify parents and obtain their consent before they collect, use or disclose personal information from children under 13.  The settlement will impose a $1 million civil penalty on Artist Arena, bar future violations of the Rule, and require that Artist Arena delete information collected in violation of the rule.  Parents should check the Apps on Smartphones. A report released this week confirms that that some "apps" on teens phones are tracking their activity and selling the obtained information. Click on the link below for tips.

COPPA- Protecting Children's Privacy Online

Cyber Security Tip: Holiday Shopping Online

The Department of Homeland Security’s, Stop Think Connect campaign offers the following tips to help safeguard your personal information and transactions on Cyber Monday and throughout the holiday season:

• Keep your computer, browser, anti-virus and other critical software up to date. Security updates and patches are available free from major companies.
• Pay attention to website URLs. Malicious websites may look identical to a legitimate site, but the URL may use a variation in spelling or a different domain (e.g., .com vs. .net). Also look in the address box for the "s" in https:// before any transaction. That “s” tell you that the site is taking extra measures to help secure your information.
• Beware of deals that sound too good to be true. Use caution when opening email attachments and do not follow unsolicited web links in email messages. Pay special attention to extremely low prices on hard-to-get items.
• Check privacy policies. Before providing personal or financial information, check the websites privacy policy to ensure your safety.
• Use a credit card. There are laws to limit your liability for fraudulent credit card charges, and you may not have the same level of protection when using your debit card.
• Keep a record of your order. Retain all documentation from the order in the event your purchase does not ship or if there are unauthorized charges on your bill.
• Check your statements. Keep a record of your purchases and copies of confirmation pages, and compare them to your bank statements. If there is a discrepancy, report it immediately. 

For more information on online shopping, click on the link below.

Stop Think Connect- Homeland Security

US Postal Inspectors: Bogus E-Mails / Spam

BEWARE OF SPAM!               BOGUS E-MAILS SENT TO POSTAL CUSTOMERS

These e-mails claim to be from the U.S. Postal Service and contain fraudulent information about

an intercepted package being delivered or online postage charges. You are instructed to

click on a link, open the attachment, or print the label, but Postal Inspectors warn: Don't do it! The email has a virus that will access your personal information from your computer.

Click on the link below for more details from the U.S.Postal Inspector.

US Postal Inspectors: Fake return package labels

                     

Holiday Shopping Online: Tips to prevent package theft 2012

Holiday Shopping Online: Tips to prevent package theft

This year consumers will spend a record amount online making purchases for the holidays. Packages left on porches visible from the roadway create a perfect “crime of opportunity”.  When placing orders online arrange to have them delivered when you will be home. If not have your delivery services leave a tag saying when/where the items can be picked up instead of being left unattended or ask neighbors to hold on to your deliveries.  UPS and FedEx have provided information on their services and what to do if your package is missing.

Click on the links below for details from the companies.

UPS- Tips on package safety

FedEx- Delivery options/ tags on packages when your not home