BE CAREFUL, Scammers read and USE the news

For many scam artists, getting the money can mean using your good intentions against you.  Con artists follow the world’s headlines to create new ploys to scam you out of your hard-earned money by way of pulling at your heart strings and your sense of charity. 

For example, as the world gathers their citizens and resources to reach out to the devastated people and country of Haiti, scammers are coming up with ways to get their greedy fingers on your cash.  The FBI is now warning people to be very skeptical of any unsolicitated appeals they receive.  Many scammers use world disasters to back their con efforts. 

If you want to give to support charity efforts, do your homework! Seek out legitimate agencies or referral agencies such as the Better Business Bureau or the FBI websites. 

Here are some tips that are provided by the FBI, Scam.Busters and the BBB to make sure your money goes to people in need.

• Be skeptical if someone e-mails you or contacts you through social networking sites claiming to be a quake victim or a government or charity official and asks for donations, the FBI says. Also, the agency says, do not click on any links within those e-mails. And do not click on attached files labeled photos or video because they may contain viruses.

• It's OK to be suspicious. Ask for the name, phone number and address of the charity. The American Institute of Philanthropy says honest charities encourage you to know about them and respond to your questions. Also, request that they put the information in writing.

• However, do not give them your personal or financial information, because that may leave you vulnerable to identity theft.

• Don't be misled by a charity name that "sort of sounds familiar." Scammers may change one word in the title to trick you.

• Ask if the charity is registered with any organization and get the registration number. Check for the organization on Web sites such as the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, or Charity Navigator.org.

• Ask what percentage of the money you give actually reaches the needy. You also can designate how your donation is to be used.

• Don't ever donate cash. Make the check out to the name of the charity, not the person asking for money. And get a receipt with the name of the charity on it. Do NOT give your credit card number to telemarketers or use it on a Web site of a charity you have not checked out.

• If the person seeking your donation asks you to give more, that may be a sign that something is wrong. Legitimate charities are grateful, not demanding.*

*(Source:http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/wayoflife/01/13/haiti.charity.scams/index.html)

Identity Theft-Prevention is Key

• NEVER give out your personal information on the phone, mail, etc. unless you can verify the source

• Shred all documents like credit card offers, bank checks, insurance papers or other          financial paperwork.

• Do not carry your Social Security Card, Birth Certificates, or passport unless necessary.

• Do not put your phone number on your checks.

• Passwords: Do not use your mother’s maiden name, birth dates, or last 4 digits of your    SSN.

What is Neighborhood Watch?

Very few people are in the position to protect their homes and property 100% of the time.  Vacations trips, business trips, shopping trips, or even a night out will leave our homes unattended and vulnerable to burglary.

Neighborhood Watch is a program of mutual assistance among neighbors aimed at reducing crime in our communities at the grass roots level.  Get to know your neighbors, introduce them to the concept of Neighborhood Watch.  Get involved.  A neighborhood where people are alert to the potential of crime and are willing to lookout for one another’s interests is a neighborhood where crimes are least likely to occur.

Neighborhood Watch is an invitation to you to be a good neighbor.  If a neighbor is away and you notice an obvious oversight in his home security that might attract a burglar, correct the situation.  Close that open garage; pick up the mail or paper; keep the yard in good condition; and be alert for suspicious people around the property.  Good neighbors working together through Neighborhood Watch can prevent crimes in their area the most effective way – before it starts.

Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program which enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their communities.

Why Should You Participate?

•          Because crime and the distrust and isolation it creates hurts each of us, our neighbors, and our children.

•          Because areas with active Neighborhood Watches have reported dramatic reductions in crime and the fear of crime.

•          Because by cooperating with each other and the police, people can help fight crime in their community in the most effective – before it begins!

•          Because your community effort needs you to make it work.  Please join.

COMING EVENTS:

Ø  Jan 18, Martin Luther King, Jr, Holiday

Ø  Jan 21, Distinguished Citizen Awards Ceremony, 6pm, Hermiston Conference Center

Ø  Jan 22, 4^th Annual Rocky Heights Spaghetti Feed, 4-7:30 pm

Ø  Jan 24, How Bazaar, Hermiston Conference Center, 1-5pm

Ø  Jan 25, Hermiston City Council, City Hall, 7pm

Ø  Jan 30,  Elks Hoop Shoot, Sandstone Middle School, 12pm

Ø  Feb 8, Hermiston City Council, City Hall, 7pm