HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MONEY

1.    Shred credit card bills and bank statements.

2.     Check balances and usage of credit cards and bank accounts every month.  Most companies only have a 30 day window to report fraud  or unauthorized use.   

3.      If you purchase a money order:

 a.  Read and understand what the money order company will and will not do for you, including their rules regarding the          reimbursement  to you of the face value of such orders that are lost or stolen.

           b.   Fill out money order immediately

           c.   Understand that once a money transfer/order is sent or given, many companies will not "stop payment" to return your money.

4.    Do not keep large amounts of money in your home.  If you choose to do so, understand that the more people who know where it is kept, the more vulnerable you are to theft.

5.    Talk to your bank.  Understand that YOU are responsible for any and all money YOU withdrawal from your account.  Make sure you understand how long it takes for check/money order etc. to fully clear.

HOW TO AVOID SCAMS

1.   If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is!

2.    Possible indicators that you are being scammed:

        a.    You are to send money out  of the country.

        b.    You are supposed to deposit money sent to you and immediately send a portion of this amount elsewhere.

        c.    You are being asked to pay an advance fee or monetary collateral in return for promise of something.

        d.    Your "prize letter" is stamped bulk mail.

        e.    You are notified of having won something, and you never entered a contest.

3.    Check who you are dealing with, call:

        a.    the Better Business Bureau of the state the company exists in

        b.    check the Federal Trade Commission website www.ftc.gov

        c.    check the National Fraud Information Center, www.fraud.org

        d.    check the Bureau of Charitable Organizations, www.dos.state.pa.us or 1-800-732-0999.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR HOME

1.    Use a deadbolt lock and solid core wood or metal door on all outside entrances.

2.    Inventory, mark and photograph or videotape your valuables.

3.    Use automatic timers to illuminate your home.

4.    Secure windows and doors with locks, deadbolts or bars.  Do not overlook sliding glass doors.

5.    Trim landscape to reasonable height to provide good visibility and to hinder burglars from seeking hiding places around

        your home or apartment.

6.    Obtain a secure alarm system.

7.    When traveling at night, be aware of your surroundings.  Avoid using MAC or ATM machines at night.

8.    Do not accept rides from strangers and stay away from parked cars containing individuals unknown to you.

9.    If you leave your home, let someone responsible know where you are going and when you plan on returning.

10.   If possible, carry a cell phone with you when traveling.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE AND BELONGINGS

1.    Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you are away from it.

2.    Always roll up the windows and lock the car, even if it is in front of your home.

3.    Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked.  Put them in the trunk or at least out of sight.

4.    Park in busy, well-lighted areas.

Send mail to webmaster@perkasiepd.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 04/21/05