PUBLIC EDUCATION

As a reference website, Crime Stoppers would like to provide the public with good education about crimes that happen more than they should. Crime Stoppers would like to extend a hand in educating the public and helping them become more aware of the things that are going on with a day to say basis.
Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the largest forms of theft in today’s world. Approximately every 3.8 seconds, somebody’s identity in the US is stolen. A thief can do this from the comfort of their own home if they so choose. Make sure that you know how to prevent identity theft by clicking here.
E-Mail Fraud/ Phishing

Phishing is one of the fastest growing forms of internet fraud. When perpetrators send fraudulent e-mails asking for private information, this is called phishing. If given out, this information gives the perpetrator access to victim’s accounts and could possibly steal the identity of the victim.

If you receive a suspicious e-mail requesting private and personal information, do not reply! Actual companies will not send out unsolicited emails containing attachments that will request information. If you do receive one of these from a company, call them to make sure that what you have received is legitimate.

Important tips to keep security:

  • Sign off of a website if logged in, especially when using a public computer or device.

  • Make sure to change your password regularly, and keep it difficult to guess with letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters.

  • When your computer is not currently being used, it is best to shut it down and disconnect it from the internet.

Browser security is another important aspect of keeping your information safe. When it comes to selecting a web browser, here are some of the ones that provide technology to keep your personal information private:

  • Internet Explorer (IE) 7 and 8

  • Safari 4Firefox 3.5 and 3.6

  • Google Chrome 4

ARSON



Reports from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) stated that there were more than 50,000 intentional structure and vehicle fires annually. These fires cause an estimated $1 billion in direct property damage.



PROPERTY ARSON



Property Arson is quite common today. There are many reasons why people would want to intentionally start a fire to a structure. It may be the job of juvenile offenders seeking a thrill for vandalism purposes, but adults usually do so for financial reasons. Arson-for-profit is a method for committing insurance fraud. Here are some reasons why somebody might want to do this:

  • 

To rebuild or remodel a home


  • To get rid of financial problems such as large debt or for pending bankruptcies


  • To replace old and damaged equipment with the insurance money


  • To dispose of illegal items


  • To claim losses on non existent property



VEHICLE ARSON



Vehicle arson is yet another ploy to commit insurance fraud against companies, and even for covering up crimes. With that being said people think that a vehicle, with many combustible fluids in it, will totally go up in flames, but safety engineering designs have made it very difficult for a vehicle to burn under normal conditions. The possibility of claiming the fire on a vehicle as ‘accidental’ becomes less likely. Here are some reasons why somebody may want to commit vehicle arson:



  • The vehicle is worth less than the payments that are currently owed

  • The owner may not be able to afford the payments on the vehicle


  • The owner may have exceeded the lease terms and conditions

  • 
The vehicle is in poor condition and the car cannot be sold


  • The vehicle may have been used in other insurance fraud or theft ploys, and the car may contain evidence of those crimes



SUICIDE

Even though Suicide is NOT a crime, it is a very important subject that should not be taken lightly. If somebody you know even mentions the thought of suicide, make sure to keep a close watch on them.



Common Suicide Risk Indicators:

  • A previous suicide attempt


  • Talk of being dead, or wishing that they were dead


  • Extreme mood swings, and depression


  • Acts of engaging in risky or thrill seeking behavior

  • 
Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities that once the person loved to do

If the situation escalates, call the suicide prevention hotline.