Safety Tips

Law enforcement agencies frequently provide outreach and training to expand public awareness and crime prevention to citizens throughout their communities. In an effort to support and advance police/community interaction addressing cyber crime and victimization, the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (the COPS Office), U.S. Department of Justice, have developed a series of training modules to identify the most common types of Internet and computer-related scams, and instructional tools to help people avoid being victimized by these scams. The following tips to avoid victimization are taken from this collaborative effort.

Advanced Fee Fraud

Advance Fee Fraud occurs when a victim is asked to pay a fee in order to receive something of value but nothing of value is ever delivered.

Tips to Avoid Victimization

• Be wary if you receive an email asking you to send personal or identifying information in order to receive something else in exchange.
• Be skeptical of any individuals representing themselves as officials or humanitarians asking for help that requires you to supply money.
• Do not pay up-front fees for a "prize" or something that should be considered free.

Auction Fraud

Auction fraud is classified as fraudulent transactions that occur in the context of an online auction site such as eBay.

Tips to Avoid Victimization

• Pay attention to user ratings. Try to learn as much about the seller/buyer as possible.
• Use a well-known auction service and if possible pay with a credit card or third party escrow service, such as PayPal.
• Be cautious if asked to supply personal information (such as social security number or driver's license information).
• Be wary if asked to wire money rather than pay through another means.

Computer Crimes

Computer crimes are defined as
1. Crimes that target computer networks or devices directly or
2. Crimes facilitated by computer networks or devices.

Tips to Avoid Victimization

• Maintain the most up-to-date anti-virus malware protection available and make sure the patches and periodic software updates are up to date on your machine.
• Never respond to email solicitations from a source you are not familiar with and never open an attachment from a suspect source.
• Back-up contents of your hard drive as frequently as possible.
• If dealing with ransomware, do not pay the perpetrators.

Credit / Debit Card Fraud

Credit/ debit card fraud involves the unauthorized charging of goods or services or cash withdrawals to a victim's credit or debit card.

Tips to Avoid Victimization

• Call the credit card company and inquire.
• Scrutinize all credit or debit card statements when they arrive.
• Be sure to shred any credit card or bank statements when you are through with them.
• Notify your card issuer if your address changes or if you will be traveling.
• Never give your account number to anyone on the phone unless you've made the call to a company you know to be reputable.

Health-related Fraud

Any kind of health-related or health insurance-related fraud that someone can fall victim to online.

Tips to Avoid Victimization

• Affordable Care Act is only available through www.healthcare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596.
• Do not give your personal information to anyone contacting you regarding the Affordable Care Act.

Tips to Avoid Affordable Care Act Scams

• Never sign blank insurance claim forms.
• Never give blanket authorization to a medical provider to bill for services rendered.
• Don't do business with door-to-door or telephone sales people who tell you that services of medical equipment are free.

Dentity Theft

Identity theft is the illegal use of another person's identifying information

• Protect your personal identifying information, especially your social security number.
• Be sure you know who you are sharing personally identifiable information with over the phone.
• Be careful when disposing of electronic devices and documents containing personal information.
• Avoid leaving mail in your box for long periods.

Online Tips

• Use complex and varying passwords.
• Beware of emails from unknown sources.
• Use caution when accessing public Wi-Fi.
• Utilize security software on your electronic devices

Real Estate Scams

In real estate scams, perpetrators attempt to sell or rent property that does not exist or property that they do not own to victims.

Tips to Avoid Victimization

• Never wire money. It is the same as sending cash.
• Beware of below-market rate rental offers.
• Do not provide a security deposit or first month's rent before meeting the landlord or signing a lease.
• Use caution if a property owner claims to be outside of the United States or away on business.

Romance Scams

Romance scams occur when individuals use the promise of love and romance in order to manipulate victims into sending money or other things of value.

Tips to Avoidization

• When an online suitor requests money or material assistance, it is time to terminate the relationship.
• Check to see if the pictures used occur on any other websites.
• Look for frequent misspellings and poor grammar.
• Don't reply to messages asking for personal or financial information.
• Don't agree to deposit a check and wire money back.

Work At Home Scams

Work-at-Home scams involve the promise of the opportunity to work from home at one's own pace in order to make often substantial amounts of money, but these offers are often bogus.

Tips to Avoid Victimization

• Contact the Better Business Bureau to determine the legitimacy of the company.
• Be suspicious when money is required up front for instructions or products.
• Don't provide personal information when first interacting with your prospective employer.
• Do your own research into legitimate work-at home opportunities, using the "Work-at-Home Sourcebook" and other resources available at your local library.

Hire qualified / experienced watchmans only.

Check the antecedents / credentials of watchmans and domestic servants before hiring them. Insist on references from their previous employers. Furnish their full particulars to your police station in the format suggested by them.

Always employ different watchmans for day and night duties

Secretaries of Societies are advised to brief all the security-men / watch-men / lift-men about various aspects of security. Some of these are:

• To make an enquiry if a taxi or auto-rickshaw is seen parked inside the compound or outside the building for a long time.
• o inform the police in case they find any vehicle parked inside the building (if ownership not known) for a long time

Secretaries of societies are advised to brief all residents on the following:

• Whenever they employ a new servant, the local police station should be informed. His or her photographs, fingerprints and other details should be obtained and submitted to local police station.
• They should be advised to install a door with iron bars inside the flat, superior quality night latches and special eye lens on the main door. Ideally, interaction with strangers and vendors should be through the grilled door. High wattage light source with pilfer proof cover outside the main door should be installed.
• They should not keep huge amounts of cash, valuable ornaments etc., in the house.
• They should avoid discussing money transactions and other important family matters in the presence of servants/outsiders.
• They should not humiliate servants on petty matters. Nor should they penalize them for small damages.

It is important to inform the police about any suspicious happening or unclaimed object found in suspicious circumstances. Extend full cooperation to the police.

A special register should be maintained in every society and kept in the custody of the chowkidar or in the society's office. Whenever Police officers visit the area, they should get an entry in such registers.

Workplace precautions are those actions that are taken to reduce identified risks to an acceptable level. The most appropriate workplace precautions for any activity are decided by applying the following priorities:

• If possible avoiding the risk altogether.
• Where possible combating the risks at source.
• Giving priority to measures that protect the whole workplace.
• Wherever possible, adapting work to the individual.
• Taking advantage of technological & technical progress.
• Using personal protective equipment to minimising risk is considered a last resort.

A wide range of workplace precautions are available, some more effective than others. Typical workplace precautions include machinery guards, personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe systems of work. are able to provide guidance on appropriate workplace precautions for a range of regular work activities. In many instances, effective control of significant risks will only be achieved by implementing a proper method statement and/or a permit to work system that is appropriate to the task. Where a permit system is used, it must be followed.

Every year, nearly 36,000 vehicles, which amount to Rs. 115 crore, are stolen in India out of these, only about 14,500 are traced, often in un-roadworthy conditions, with many components missing. These vehicles are stolen only because thieves are provided with the opportunity to steal them. Very often, cars are left improperly secured and unattended. It is only with the installation of anti - theft devices that a thief's attempts can be frustrated. Parking in a secure parking facility (garage, petrol pump, etc.) at night also safe-guards against theft. If such parking facilities are not available, parking in a well-lit area is the next best alternative. It is advisable to get the number of your car etched on your windscreens and window glasses. It helps the authorities to trace your car if stolen.

What Should You Do?

• Use securing devices like steering lock, clutch lock, brake lock, etc.
• Double-check all doors, including the boot.
• If possible, install loud alarm systems in your car, so that thieves can be discouraged even if they manage to break into your car.
• Try and use detachable music systems and take them with you whenever you park the car for a long time, so that there is no temptation for thieves to make a quick steal when they see expensive items in parked cars.
• Paint your car number on the front and rear end of the body, apart from the number plates. Ideally, have it etched on the windscreens and window glasses too. This prevents them from being misused by criminals using fake number plates.

What You Should Not Do?

• Never leave the vehicle door unlocked, nor the windows partially open. Make sure that the quarter glasses are properly secured.
• Do not leave valuables inside the car, even if it is locked, as this will attract thieves.
• Do not overdo extra fittings, as these tempt prospective thieves.
• Never leave the key dangling in the ignition.

In Case Your Car Is Stolen

• Report the theft to the nearest police station.
• Inform your insurance company.

Instructions to members of public about CO. OP. HSG. Societies and how to prevent cheating at the time of purchasing flats.

Verification Of Ownership Of Land

• Ensure from the City Survey office that the developer has been granted the N.O.C and the land is Non-Agricultural (N.A.).
• For clear title, 7/12 (Sat Bara) Extract to be verified from the "Talathi" OR "Tahasildar" office.
• For Land in Dispute or in legal litigation - approach "Bailiff" or "Arbitrator" from High Court.

N.O.C.'s Of various Authoritie

To Check The Legality Of The Construction:

• Checking of Commencement Certificate or Intimation of Disapproval by the Municipal authorities.

Contact the Builder / Developer for:

• Plans submitted by the architect.
• Notice in Newspaper for clearance of title of the land.
• Certificate from solicitor.
• Confirm whether Residential or Commercial.
• F.S.I. permitted, and utilized by the builder.
• Percentage of reservation made for Government flats or any special category.
• Whether covered under Urban Land Ceiling Reservation.

• Never introduce an unknown person for the purpose of opening an account in your Bank.
• Never encash cheques / drafts of an unknown person through your account.
• Do not keep your account in-operative for a long time.
• To avoid theft in postal transit or courier services and subsequent cheating, keep a track on the cheques / drafts / pay orders sent through post and courier services.
• As far as possible, bank transactions should be handled personally.
• Take care of your cheque books. Do not keep signed cheques in the drawer or any place where outsiders have an easy access.
• All bank transactions should be counter checked to ensure that deposited cheques have been realized.
• Monthly statements of your bank account should be invariably checked.
• At the time of withdrawal of cash, the account holder must physically check the cash. Never hand over the cash to a third person for counting.

To Avoid Bouncing Of Cheques

• Insist for D.D. or Pay Orders if you are dealing with an unknown party.
• Postdated cheques should be avoided.
• If a cheque bounces, you should give a notice to the person within 15 days of such intimation. If you do not receive a reply, file a complaint in the court under section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1981, where effective remedies are available to the public. All cases of bounced cheques may not be offences of cheating under the Indian Penal Code.