Subject: Information regarding CrimeWatch measures for community
To each of you, with the impending bad weather, as CrimeWatch Coordinators, Block Captains and Concerned Neighbors:
Please make sure that you are staying safe,
When home, be very careful when you answer a door or phone, not toput your security in jeopardy.
Check on neighbors regularly to make sure the are safe and well, especially the elderly.
If you become concerned about the welfare of a Senior or child, do not hesitate call the police. You just may safe a life.
Make you home looked lived in, mail and papers picked up, trash set out, snow shoveled from walk and drive.
Make sure to have a “just in case” home emergency kit together, with items such as a working flashlight, extra batteries, foods that do not require heating. Cellular phones and cordless phones charged, (if power goes out) do you have a hardwired telephone you can use in your home. (cordless will not work if no power.)
If you have children in the home, make sure to have extra batteries in for their games, and and keep them charged. You can include laptops and other such computer equipment in this also.
If you have to be out keep a means of communication in working order, and with you at All times.
Keep an emergency kit in the vehicle also.
Make sure someone knows your itinerary if traveling.
Don’t forget about your pets, make sure they have food and drinkable fresh water, as well as a warm place to stay.
If you are out in the weather make sure to dress in layers and do not over do, take breaks and stay hydrated.
If you have questions please feel free to contact me or go to: www.redcross.org/
Shirley Purvitis, ICCPS
CrimeWatch/Crime Prevention Specialist
North District
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
Fraud Alert: Seller Beware
Attorney General Greg Zoeller warns of an emerging trend where classified advertisers are being targeted by con artists posing as potential buyers. The potential buyer scam typically involves an individual expressing interest in your vehicle or merchandise posted for sale. The majority of inquiries come from outside of the U.S. and are nearly untraceable.
What you can do to ensure a potential buyer is legit:
When posting an ad, be leery of anyone offering to pay more for your item than the listed price. This is often the first sign of a fake check scam.
Never accept or transfer money from a Cashiers Check or Money Order. Let the buyer know that you will be waiting for the bank to finalize the funds which may take up to four weeks.
Investigate your buyer and talk by phone or meet in a public place to discuss important details of the transaction, such as payment and condition of the item.
DO NOT ship or release interest in your merchandise until you are confident that the funds have cleared or you have the money in cash.
Be cautious of offers to buy an item sight-unseen.
Online and print classified ads can be safe ways to buy, sell and trade items. Remembering to practice a few precautions can help eliminate your risk of becoming scammed.
