Just one day after the January 12, 2020 earthquakes that struck the island republic of Haiti, the FBI issued a warning to the public to beware of scammers. In the wake of the disaster, which reportedly killed and injured numbers in the hundreds of thousands, fraudsters set to work to con people into giving to fake charities.

On its web site (fbi.gov), the FBI reports that the fraudulent activity is being conducted by telephone, door-to-door, on the street and on the Internet. Even social networking sites such as Twitter and facebook are being used as tools to steal money from well-meaning donors.

What can you do to safely help Haitian earthquake victims or those of other disasters? Don’t ever agree on the spot to anything a stranger is asking you to do. Make sure you check out any charities you’re being asked to consider for a donation. You worked hard for your money, so don’t give it away to scammers. You can research charities online by using sites such as Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org). No legitimate representative of a charitable organization will take issue with your wanting to take some time to learn more about his or her cause. Don’t be afraid to simply say no.

Bob Temme, Community Services Coordinator for the Southern Pines, NC Police Department, says that North Carolina residents should report suspected scams to the office of the North Carolina Attorney General. You can call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or (919) 716-6000 or visit http://www.ncdoj.gov/ for help. Your local law enforcement agencies are also there to assist you if you’re not sure what action you can take.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of Haitian earthquake victims, the FBI requests that you contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721. You can also fax information to (225) 334-4707 or e-mail it to disaster@leo.gov.

You can also report suspicious e-mail solicitations or fraudulent websites to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov.

Anndee Soderberg, with ADT Security Services, said, “Taking home fire safety precautions can help keep seniors safe and can also mean the difference between life and death.” So it is important that everyone keep the following senior fire safety tips in mind:

* The American Burn Association recommends keeping your eyeglasses, hearing aids and a flashlight close to the bed. Looking around for these things during a fire can cost you valuable, life-saving time.
* Never smoke in bed or while lying on the couch. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoldering cigarettes are the leading cause of fire deaths in the U.S.
* Never leave food unattended on the stove. When leaving the kitchen, take a wooden spoon or potholder as a reminder to return and turn off the oven and or burners.
* Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep. Space heaters can be a serious senior fire safety risk. Be extremely cautious when using both space and kerosene heaters and always keep at least three feet between portable heaters and anything that can burn, including clothing, drapery, blankets, furniture, papers and even pets.
* Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and consider monitored detection services. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, every year over 1,200 senior citizens die in fires. Many of these fire deaths may have been prevented with monitored smoke detection services connected to a monitoring center that operates 24/7 and can alert seniors, their care givers and first responders to a home fire.
* Consider technology such as bedside fire alarm clocks and bed shakers. These are designed to awaken heavy sleepers and seniors with hearing loss.

Soderberg said, “We hope these tips help seniors create their own fire safety plans so they can live longer and more independently in their own homes.”

About ADT Security Services:

ADT Security Services is a unit of Tyco International and part of ADT Worldwide, the world’s largest electronic security provider. In North America, ADT provides electronic security services to nearly five million commercial, government and residential customers. ADT’s total security solutions include intrusion, fire protection, video systems, access control, critical condition monitoring, home health services, electronic article surveillance, radio frequency identification (RFID) and integrated systems. ADT’s government and commercial customers include a majority of the nation’s Fortune 500 companies, all U.S. federal courthouses and over 70 mid to large airports. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, ADT has more than 24,000 employees at approximately 240 locations in the U.S. and Canada. More ADT information is at http://www.adt.com.

SOURCE ADT Security Services

RELATED LINKS

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Governor Says Offenders Will Not Be Turned Loose

When I learned that the Supreme Court had issued a ruling that meant offenders serving life in prison would be released after a mere 35 years, I was appalled. Like most of my fellow North Carolinians, I believe life should mean life, and even if a life sentence is defined as 80 years, getting out after only 35 is simply unacceptable.

Since that ruling, my staff and I have been doing everything we can to stop the release of these rapists and murderers. These are people who have been denied parole repeatedly, and many who have numerous infractions during their prison stay. I do not believe they are ready for release onto the streets of our communities.

While I understand the decision of the Supreme Court, I believe there remain unresolved legal issues that were not addressed. Before Mr. Bowden or any other offender affected by the Court’s decision is turned loose, these issues must be heard.

At issue is the application of good behavior credits to these violent offenders serving life sentences since the 1970s. Since last week, we have been scrutinizing the good behavior credits applied to the 20 inmates eligible for immediate release. This morning, legal counsel and Department of Correction staff met with officials who oversaw the application of those behavior credits during the 1980s. At the time, the DOC gave inmates day-for-day credits under the authority of the then-secretary. There is a real question whether the General Assembly intended for the DOC to have that kind of authority. I do not believe they did, and my legal counsel agrees. This raises the very real question that these inmates should not be eligible for early release.

Mr. Bowden’s case is in the process of being sent back to the trial court to recalculate his sentence. These issues can be resolved by the courts.

Until these new legal issues have been resolved by the courts, Mr. Bowden and the other violent offenders will not be released.

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gov.perdue mailing list
gov.perdue@lists.nc.gov

If you are unsure of what such theft involves, check out this overview from the U.S. Department of Justice. To obtain additional information on phishing and other identity theft matters, start at this page of the FTC site. You can also file an FTC complaint at this site.

As any watcher of television will know, there are several companies who promise to protect you from identity theft. A comparison of several programs such as Debix and LifeLock can be found here as the NextAdvisor site, a consumer comparison site.

For an oversight and omnibus identify theft resource, go here to visit the non-profit identify theft resource center.

Considering purchasing commercial insurance against identity theft? For an unenthusiastic look at such a move, consult this issue of Forbes. And just google identity theft insurance to find a variety of companies offering to take care of any woes that may come down your path.

Southern Pines Police Department

• Keep your car doors locked while driving and when the vehicle is parked, even while it is parked in your driveway.

• Always check the back seat before entering the vehicle.

• Park in well-lit areas. Observe your surroundings as you leave your vehicle.

• Never leave valuables, including GPS devices, cell phones, audio systems, cameras,  computers, packages, etc. in plain sight.  Leave them at home or lock the items in your trunk before driving to where you plan to park.

• If you are followed by another car, blow your horn and go to the nearest open gas station, store, police or fire department.  Draw attention to your car in a safe manner.

• If someone threatens you while you are in your car, blow the horn in short bursts to attract attention.

• Keep your car in good working order and fueled with a sufficient quantity of gasoline. Keep a flashlight and reflectors handy.

• Don’t pick up hitchhikers.

• Stay alert and report suspicious behavior or vehicles to the police.

For more information on this, and other Safety Tips, go to
www.southernpines.net/police.

Bob Temme
Community Services Coordinator
Southern Pines Police Department
801 SE Service Road
PO Box 330
Southern Pines, NC 28388-0330