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What to Do about Teenage Runaways

Posted on April 13, 2015 by admin_aimee

There are about two million cases of teenage runaways in America each year. The majority of them are under the age of 18. To put it in more relatable terms, the annual number of teenage runaways is equivalent to the number of people in Houston, Texas. On average, 1/3 ofRead More

What to Do about Teenage Runaways

That’s why it’s imperative that every parent know the Dos and Don’ts of how to find a runaway. Time is of the essence in every case, and the following steps can help you save your child from becoming a statistic.

DO: Call the police. Immediately. Police are trained specifically in how to find a runaway, so alerting them immediately means they can starting looking as soon as possible.
DO: File a Missing Persons report, and ask your local law enforcement to issue an Amber Alert if possible. Contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, as well as any local community services that offer runaway hotlines.
DO: Make color copies of as many up-to-date photos of your child as you can. Distribute those photos in local hangouts, schools, restaurants and shopping plazas.
DO: Ask your child’s friends, schoolmates and teachers if they’ve seen your missing son/daughter. A number of teenage runaways will “let slip” valuable information about their whereabouts, or about their general plans for leaving.
DO: Activate the tracking devices for cell phones – yours and theirs. It may give the police a lead about your child has gone, and will help them keep in touch with you in case any evidence is uncovered. Ask other family members to install tracking devices for their cell phones, too, just in case your missing child makes contact.

DON’T: Touch your computer. At all. There could be valuable information stored in emails, instant messages and social media posts.
DON’T: Cancel any bank accounts or credit cards your child can access. Teenage runaways may use them for gas money or to make purchases, which can help law enforcement officials locate your child more quickly.
DON’T: List your home telephone number on “Missing” posters. Direct all inquiries and tips to your local police station.
DON’T: Turn off your child’s cell phone. Even if you haven’t activated any of the phone provider’s tracking devices for their cell phones, the cops may be able to get a location of your child by monitoring the number.
DON’T: Expect everything to be the same when your child returns. Remember that your child is frightened and angry, too. Seeking help from a counselor who specializes in teenagers and parenting is a good way to make sure everyone involved has a chance to air out their feelings.
DON’T: Be afraid to hire a private investigator. PIs work with the police all the time; their ultimate goal is to help you and your children reunite. When it comes finding teenage runaways, every little bit can help.

Professionals Know Best How to Find a Runaway Teen

It’s impossible to truly understand how a parent feels when a child runs away, but it’s safe to assume that you’ll be scared, angry, confused and/or depressed. You may also feel as though you’re better equipped to conduct a search than a private investigator or the local cops. After all – they’re “strangers,” right? Who knows your child better than you?

But it’s important to be realistic. A professional investigator will know how to find a runaway far more quickly and efficiently than you will. PIs have been trained to find missing persons, and they’re able to survey the situation in a much more objective manner. They may have access to police records that you won’t have, and can reach out to a vast professional network for help.

Teenagers and Parenting: How to Prevent Your Child from Running Away

Ideally you’ll never need any of the information you just read, because your child won’t leave home without telling you first. But most teenage runaways aren’t looking for attention: they’re looking for a way out of a bad situation. If you think your child might be planning to run it’s time to sit down and hear him/her out. Ask your child if s/he’s happy – and be open-minded about the response. Listen to what s/he says, and ask questions. You may not like what you hear, but becoming accusatory (“How could you hurt me like that?”) or placing blame (“It’s your fault I yell all the time: you never help me around the house!”) will escalate a bad situation quickly.

Make it a point to learn the names of your kids’ friends, teachers and employers/fellow employees. Keep a record of their license plate numbers and the types of cars they drive. Don’t be afraid to ask for the names of your children’s friends’ parents, either. Your teen may gripe a bit about you being “nosey,” but information like that makes it easier for you to stay up-to-date on your kids’ lives. In the end, it’s better to know what your child is up to than have to learn how to find a runaway teen.

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Important Safety Information for Parenting Teenagers

Posted on April 13, 2015 by admin_aimee

Important Safety Information for Parenting Teenagers

When you’re parenting teenagers, September might seem like the most wonderful time of the year: your children are back in school, so you know where they are at all times, right? But as any mom or dad will tell you, the academic year doesn’t give you a break from parenting. Teenagers are surrounded by their friends all day and may be connected online all night. As a parent, you need to be ever vigilant to ensure that your kids are safe.

That’s why we’ve collected this list of back to school tips for parents. Here you’ll find concrete advice and recommendations for keeping your kids safe – even when they’re out of your sight.

Staying Safe: Back to School Tips for Parents

For many teenagers, the best part of school is social. But when your children are making new friends – online or in person – it may introduce them to realities that you weren’t quite prepared for. In order to keep your kids safe, we recommend the following steps.

Meet the friends. Make sure to learn their full names, cell phone numbers and addresses of any new school friends. If you think you’ll feel safer, invite the new friends to your home for the initial meet and greet. Don’t allow your children to take trips or car rides with the new friends until you’ve met them.
Meet the parents. Ask your children for their friends’ parents’ telephone numbers. Your children may grumble – nobody said parenting teenagers would be easy – but two sets of parents keeping an eye out is safer than one. You should also consider exchanging information about what kinds of cars you drive, so that you (and the other parents) will know what to look for if your children go out together.
Meet the teachers. Your teen will spend more time in school than awake at home. One of the best back to school tips for parents is to get involved with your children’s education. Teachers may pick up on problems that you miss, and children whose parents are involved with their schooling tend to fare better while there.
Meet the bus driver. Parents tend to forget about school bus drivers, but you trust them to take your children safely to school and back home again. Plus, your children are making new friends on those buses who you may not know. It helps to know who the driver – and those new friends – are when you put your kids on the bus.

In the Cloud: Internet Safety Tips for Parents

Because schools are making the shift to web-based learning, your children will spend more time online doing school work than you may expect. To help you keep more children protected while online, we suggest the following internet safety tips for parents:

Use parental controls on all computers – even those belonging to your teens
Limit time spent on social media sites
Ask teachers about online homework assignments ahead of time
Stay with your children while they do their homework
Eliminate internet access on your child’s cell phone
Help your children with their online homework assignments
Remind your kids that anything they put online is public knowledge

Remember that there’s nothing wrong with asking for help when it comes to parenting. Teenagers are undergoing incredible hormonal changes, and their personalities may appear to change without warning. Teachers and school administrators have years of schooling and skills, and they may be able to offer some valuable advice about keeping your kids safe and sound, in school and out of it.

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Keep the Holidays Merry with Our Safe Shopping Tips

Posted on April 13, 2015 by admin_aimee

To keep your holidays the most wonderful time of the year, try some safe shopping tips that really work. By following a few simple guidelines, shoppers can avoid losing their money, their identity or even their lives this year. Shop during daylight hours. Try to avoid shopping later at night,Read More

Shop during daylight hours. Try to avoid shopping later at night, when it’s dark. If you must go out at night, choose shopping centers with well-lit parking lots or garages, and keep your keys out while you walk.
Don’t open car doors from far away. The remote that activates your car locks might seem like a useful tool — especially when you have lots of packages or bags — but if you open your doors too soon before you get to the car, you’re allowing potential predators to jump into your car.
Report “lurkers.” One of the most useful safe shopping tips comes from your gut: if it looks “wrong,” or if you feel uncomfortable, let a security guard or law enforcement officer know. Runaway teenagers may consider turning to theft if they’re hungry or cold during the holiday season, so report anyone who makes you feel unsafe, regardless of their age.
Avoid carrying a purse/wallet in your back pocket. Keep your driver’s license, cash and credit cards in your front pocket, for easy access and easy reach. It’s more difficult for someone to pick your front pocket, and purses and pocketbooks can attract thieves. Identity theft protection tips such as this may help you keep more than just your belongings safe, too.

Identity Theft Protection Tips that Work

For people who shop both in stores and online, we offer identity theft protection tips to keep your holidays from turning into your nightmares. Being alert may help you avoid losing your identity to hackers or thieves this year.

Don’t save your information online. It’s so much simpler to save your banking information on the sites you use often — but it makes it much easier for internet predators to steal that information. Take the few extra moments to fill in your credit card information every time you shop — and only use sites designated as “safe” by your online protection services.
Don’t carry unnecessary information with you. One of the best identity theft protection tips law enforcement or investigators can offer involves keeping your identification papers at home, where they belong. Carry only what you need, such as a driver’s license, and leave what you don’t, such as passports.
Get credit cards with your picture on them. If your bank card has your picture on it, it’ll be harder to use it in person for a thief who looks nothing like you. There are pro’s and con’s to this idea, so discuss with your credit card company as to what is the best option is for you.
Changes your passwords. Our safe shopping tips for online shoppers involve changing passwords and security questions and answers. If you use the same passwords for all of your social media and online shopping accounts, create new passwords for each site.

Prevent Kidnapping and Runaway Teenagers this Year

Tensions run high at the holidays. People are distracted, and sometimes we lose sight of what’s important. But by talking to your teens and children, you can keep your loved ones safe and prevent kidnapping attempts. As soon as possible, do the following:

Leave kids at home with a trusted babysitter during shopping trips, which can help you prevent kidnapping from a crowded place.
Don’t allow children to shop in the store without you.
Teach your children their full name and address, as well as their phone number, in case they become separated.
Teach children to wait for you at a register in the store. Store clerks and security officers can page you over the intercom.
Talk to your kids. Runaway teenagers are often under a lot of pressure, from themselves or someone else. Encourage them to discuss their problems with you in a stress-free environment, and really listen to their concerns.

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Talking to Children about Divorce and the Holidays Eases Stress

Posted on April 13, 2015 by admin_aimee

The holidays can be a stressful time, and talking to your children about divorce related topics – like who’s going to which house for Christmas dinner – can be hard for parents. But studies have shown that keeping your kids in the loop, and being willing to talk about theirRead More

Talking to Children about Divorce and the Holidays Eases Stress

So what can you do to keep your kids calm and collected this year? Try these ideas, and see how much better your holidays will be.

Plan out the child custody holiday schedule in advance. Kids get shuffled around a lot during the holiday season, and it’s not always fair to them. By planning out the child custody holiday schedule ahead of time, you can eliminate confusion and feelings of anxiety. Plus, kids like routines: telling them what they’re doing, where they’re going and how long they’ll be there will allow them to feel as though they’re still in control.
Create options for travel (when possible). If your child will have to travel extensively during the holidays, s/he may feel some anxiety over how much time s/he will have with loved ones. If possible, create some different traveling options for your child. If your child believes that all the holidays are going to be spent traveling, s/he might be less likely to see the point of celebrating. But if you give your kids some control over how and when you travel, you can avoid those feelings of anxiety.
Consider “moving” the holidays to another day. One of the more difficult aspects of preparing your children for a divorce is deciding how the holidays will be split up. It might be easier on everyone if holiday celebrations can be “moved” according to schedule. So instead of shuffling your kids around all day on Thanksgiving, plan a special Thanksgiving dinner on Friday night for you and your family.
Start some new traditions. Sure, Christmas Day is always fun – but there’s no reason that Christmas Eve can’t be just as fun. Instead of forcing your children to move from home to home on Christmas Day, split the holiday into two full days of Christmas joy. You and your ex can always rotate between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, if that’s best. Plus, your kids have the added bonus of two full days of celebration.

Helping Your Children through Divorce at the Holidays

The most important thing to remember when talking to your children about divorce is that positivity goes a long way. As the old saying goes, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” It’s imperative that you and your ex remain upbeat and positive around your children. If you have concerns about things you may have heard, don’t let your children know: address them separately with your ex at a different time.

And remember that kids are pretty smart. Asking them to “spy” on Mommy or Daddy creates big problems. Allow your kids to enjoy the time they’re spending with their other parent in a safe and guilt-free way.

By speaking to your children in a clear and age-appropriate way, you’re helping the children through the divorce process in a healthy way. Encourage them to tell you what they feel and to ask questions when they’re confused. If you keep the dialogue open and positive, your kids will end up happier and healthier. It may also have the added bonus of making the child custody holiday schedule easier to plan, because your kids will tell you outright what works best for them. Ultimately, you’ll make the decisions – but a little bit on input goes a long way.

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Great Safety Tips for Spring Breaks, Vacations and Holidays

Posted on April 13, 2015 by admin_aimee

Vetting the safety tips for Spring break and vacations that you find on the Internet can be a tough job. You can find a number of sites that recommend good, common sense ideas. But the best safety tips for spring breaks, vacations and holidays go beyond the obvious, and offerRead More

Travel in a pack. The best travel safety tips you can follow remind you not to go it alone. Make trips to the ATM with all of the people in your group, and double-check your surroundings for suspicious looking characters. If you must leave your hotel alone, make sure to inform your group about exactly where you’re going — and keep your phone handy.
Keep your eyes on your drinks. Whether you’re in a bar or drinking an orange juice at breakfast, keep your drink with you at all times. It’s easy for dangerous people to slip something into your drink if you leave it unattended.
Stick to day time sight-seeing. Unless you and your group are planning a tour, it’s best to keep your sight-seeing experiences confined to daylight hours. By traveling in groups during the day, you’re less likely to become a victim of an abduction or identity theft. It’s also easier to scan your surroundings for people who seem out of place or dangerous.
Wear sunscreen. What list of travel safety tips for spring break would be complete without mentioning sunscreen? Sunburns are painful, yes, but they’re also dangerous — especially if you’ve been drinking. You can dehydrate quickly, or suffer severe burns that require medical attention.
Trust your gut. If you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or anxious, get out — fast. Make it a point to find the local police station. For those traveling abroad, any list of safety tips — for spring break, for vacations, for holidays — worth its salt will recommend that you find the American Embassy in the country you’re visiting.

Travel Safety Tips That Keep You Secure While Traveling

Not everyone who goes on spring break is in college, of course — and some spring break travelers include children traveling alone for the first time. Below you’ll find some travel safety tips for people of all ages. They’re effective whether you’re sight-seeing in another state or hopping a plane for another country, and everywhere in between.

Photocopy your documents. Your driver’s license, your passport, any form of photo ID that you carry: make copies of all of them. Make sure to give a copy to a friend or neighbor, and pack an additional copy in your bags. This applies to children traveling alone or with a group, too. A common form of identity theft involves stealing the Social Security numbers of kids. You can protect their futures in the long-run by making copies now.
Keep your wallets in your front pockets. It’s easier for pick-pockets to get to your back pockets, and you’re less likely to feel it. The same goes for men’s jacket pockets. To keep your wallet safe, place it in your front pocket. You may also consider keeping your money in one pocket and your wallet in the other.
Get your shots. Of all the travel safety tips we offer, this is among the most important. Other places carry other forms of germs and bacteria. (This is especially important for children traveling alone to visit relatives or friends around the country — or the world.) Being sick at home is bad: being violently ill in another country is dangerous. Make sure to get you and your family vaccinated before you travel.

Spring break is supposed to be fun. But “fun” and “safe” don’t need to be mutually exclusive. By following these basic travel safety tips, you can ensure that you have an exciting vacation while protecting yourself and your loved ones.

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Learn the Custody Laws in Texas to Ensure a Safe Summer Trip

Posted on April 13, 2015 by admin_aimee

Custody laws in Texas, like throughout much of the United States, are guided by specific rules set down by the courts. The main concern of the courts is always what’s in the best interest of the child. Because of this, child visitation agreements are designed with the rights of theRead More

Learn the Custody Laws in Texas to Ensure a Safe Summer Trip

But when holidays and summer vacation roll around, it may be hard for a custodial parent to remember that a child’s visitation rights are at stake — especially if your divorce wasn’t as amicable as you would’ve liked. And it can be hard for a non-custodial parent to stick to a strict visitation schedule, especially if you feel like your parenting time favors the other spouse. So to ensure that you’re not only sticking to the court-mandated guidelines around the custody laws in Texas, but that you’re also spending as much quality time with your child as you can, we recommend the following tips to create a stress-free summer visit for you, your former spouse, and most especially your kids.

Your Kids Have Rights, Too, under Child Visitation Agreements

Regardless of how you feel about child visitation agreements, it’s imperative that you and your ex work together to create a healthy and happy environment for your kids. When you’re handling the details of a summer visitation schedule, consider the following:

Sometimes, you have to be flexible. It’s possible that your children are the ones who are pushing for more time at the pool or another sleepover in the tree house outside. Remember: your kids don’t care about the custody laws in Texas; they care about having fun with their mom or dad. Before you fly off the handle at a former spouse who can’t stick to a rigid time table, or who needs to switch a weekend visit, take a deep breath and discuss concessions you’re willing to make to accommodate changes in schedules.
Sometimes, you need to be firm. “Child visitation rights” means that your child has a right to spend time with both custodial and non-custodial parents. If your ex tends to blow off his/her weekends and vacations, it creates stress not just for you but for your children. Make it a point to sit down with your ex and rationally discuss the importance of sticking to the holiday or summer visitation schedule, so that your children don’t feel unloved or unwanted.
Always, you need to think about safety. If you find that your children come home different than when they left, or resist going on vacation with their other parent, don’t ignore the signs: speak with your lawyer immediately. If you’re unsure whether or not your former spouse is being abusive, consider hiring a private investigator to collect evidence. Courts will grant modifications to child visitation agreements if the safety of the child is in jeopardy. Working with your lawyer and a PI may be the difference between a holiday of abuse and a holiday of relaxation.

It’s hard to see your children leave for the summer, but by putting their best interests first, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary stress. If you’re suspicious of your ex’s behavior, speak with an investigator who can help. If you’re angry that your spouse can’t stick to the appropriate time frame to drop off the kids, think before you yell. Ultimately, the parenting time plan should allow for you and your former spouse to spend enough time with your children — not just for you, but for your kids. By remembering that your child has visitation rights too, you’re in a better position to create a safe and secure environment for your kids that can satisfy everyone.

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Important College Safety Tips for Every Student

Posted on April 13, 2015 by admin_aimee

Planning for the new school year is fun and exciting — but thinking about college safety is imperative, even for returning students. College campus security is a fundamental right for any student, but sometimes things happen that are out of your control. With the new school year upon us, it’sRead More

Start with the college Campus Security building. Find out where it is, how closely it’s located to the dorm, what its hours of operation are and where security officers will be throughout the campus.
Next, check the student handbook for emergency services. It’s a smart idea to save telephone numbers for security and the health center in your cell phone: relying on Wi-Fi to boot up the school’s website could cost you valuable time. You should also have the telephone number for a local hospital in your phone, as well as a cab service: you never know when you might need them.
Finally, take a walk around the campus during the day. Many college safety programs utilize emergency phones on campus that offer a direct line to the security building. It’s a smart idea to know where they are, in case you need help and your cell phone isn’t available or operational.

College Campus Security in Your Dorm Room

In this case, safety begins at home. Not all crime on college campuses happens outside: you may find yourself in a predicament right in your own dorm. To reduce the risk of being harmed, follow a few basic rules:

Always, always lock your door — even if you’re just popping into another friend’s room.
Keep your school ID, your license, your Social Security Card and any documentation with your SSN or ID number in a safe or a lockable drawer.
Lock up your lap tops, cell phones or other gadgetry when you’re not in the room.
If you’re allowed to light candles in your room, make sure they’re fully out when you leave. Double check: it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Keep your floors clean — and not just because Mom says so. You’ll want a clear pathway in and out of your room at all times.
Find out where the emergency exits and stairwells are in your dorm.
Report suspicious looking people to security. If you see an unfamiliar face in the hall, let your residence director know.

Crime on College Campuses and the Surrounding Areas: How to Stay Safe

One of the most exciting parts of any college experience is getting to know the people around you. But for the average college student, safety takes a back seat to exploring new areas and spending time with new people at parties. When you’re out and about, these college safety tips can help protect you off campus, too.

Never go anywhere alone. The buddy system is crucial. Studies show that an attacker is far less likely to approach a group of people than a single person. Whenever you can, take a friend — or three — when you venture off campus.
Tell someone where you’re going. Even if it’s a trip to the library at 2:00pm on a Tuesday, let someone know where you are.
Stay in well-lit areas. Many crimes on college campuses occur in poorly lit areas, or in places that are less visible to other students simply because of their structural design. Whenever you can, walk as closely to the lights on your campus.
Keep an eye on your drinks. Whether your school allows open containers or you’re off campus completely, never leave a drink unattended. You can ask someone you trust to hold onto your drink or take it with you when you leave the room: just make sure someone you trust has eyes on it. Because in this scenario for college students, there’s safety in numbers once again.

The most important rule for any college student is to use common sense. If it feels wrong, it probably is. If you make it a habit to follow these basic tips, you can protect yourself more fully. You can have an even better experience at school this year by doing so — and who wouldn’t want that?

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Being Thankful Should be a Part of Every Day

Posted on April 13, 2015 by admin_aimee

The importance of being thankful can’t be underestimated. It not only makes us feel better; it makes the world a little brighter. To express gratitude towards those who are kind or helpful to us is part of the American culture. It’s why we say “thank you” when people hold theRead More

With the holidays upon us, our thoughts turn to being thankful for family, for friends, for our professions – whatever it is that makes us remember how great it is to be a part of something bigger than us.

Ways to Express Gratitude that Don’t Cost a Thing

We want to express gratitude to our loved ones, but sometimes we feel obligated to spend money or time that we don’t think we have. So in the interest of expressing our gratefulness and thanks to those who help us along the way, we’ve developed a list of ways to say thanks that cost little and give so much.

Say thank you – always. It may seem obvious, but a simple “thank you” goes a long way.
Smile at strangers. When you smile, it shows that you’re happy and non-aggressive. By smiling at everyone you pass, you’re passing along that good mood. (Studies have proved it; a smile decreases stress and makes other people less stressed, too.)
Meditate, pray or sit quietly and reflect. Being thankful for what you have can increase your own good feelings and decrease personal stress. By reflecting upon those feelings, you’re giving yourself time to perpetuate them – both in yourself and for those around you.
Volunteer at a local charity. Volunteer work is not only good for society; it’s good for your soul. Being thankful for what you have seems much easier when you help others who have less. It’s perfectly normal to engages in volunteer activities that make you feel good about yourself, as those good feelings will, most likely, lead you to continue to do good works.
Keep a gratitude journal. It doesn’t have to be an arduous task. If you express gratitude in writing on a regular basis, you’ll see how much good there is in your life every time you open it. It can also help you get through more difficult times by reminding you how much you have to be grateful for.
Spend time with your family and friends. Even if your family is kooky, they’re still yours – and being thankful for your family and loved ones can help you appreciate them more. It may also help you build strong bonds between you and your children as an added bonus.

Being Thankful for What You Have as a Teenager

As adults, we understand the importance of gratitude. But for teens who are undergoing massive changes (culturally, hormonally, ideologically – the list goes on), it can be hard to find a reason to say “thanks.” As any private investigator or police person can tell you, teenagers around the country run away every year to escape their living situations. Perhaps that’s because most teens don’t know that being thankful can lead to:

Better mental health
Better grades in school
Increased confidence levels
Closer and deeper friendships
Healthier sleep
Healthier hearts

By teaching our kids to express gratitude more often, we’re giving them a boost of positive reinforcement that could let them have happier, more productive lives.

Inspirational Quotes for Being Thankful

To sum up, we leave you with these thoughts about gratitude and thankfulness:

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” – Albert Schweitzer

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero

“If the only prayer you say in your life is ‘Thank You’ that would suffice.” – Meister Eckhart

“In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it’s wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

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Holiday Safety Tips to Make Your New Year Bright

Posted on April 13, 2015 by admin_aimee

Every year, the local police put out a bulletin of holiday safety tips intended to keep you and yours safe and sound during the season. As we turn to e-commerce, however, we put ourselves at risk for more than just pickpockets. Every holiday, hundreds of people become victims of identityRead More

This year, we want you to have a happy and healthy holiday. That’s why our holiday safety tips are geared towards protecting you and your loved ones no matter where you go.

‘Tis the Season for Avoiding Identity Theft Online

Identity thieves don’t just target shoppers; they target anyone who banks online. To keep yourself safe from identity theft while online, try doing the following:

Choose reputable shops. Even “Big Box” stores can get hacked, so choosing a reputable store doesn’t mean sticking with the same old places. But you should pick your online sites carefully. Many internet security programs have a feature which tells you if the site you’re on is secure. Also, choose a store with a secure check out, and one that requires you to enter verification that you’re a human being. The major credit cards also put “look for the padlock” at the top of their holiday shopping safety tips, because that little icon means your purchase is secure.
Consider setting up one online card. You can open a secure credit card with a specific limit at any bank. Consider using a secure card for online transactions, to limit the amount of money a potential hacker or virus can access.
Don’t give anyone your Social Security number. Ever. Any store that claims to need your SSN is either up to no good, or could be vulnerable to attack.
Don’t put personal information on social media outlets. If you want to avoid identity theft online, make sure your social media is clear of personal information. Remove your address and your phone number, don’t “friend” or “follow” anyone you don’t know in person, and don’t discuss your travel plans.

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips for In-Store Purchases

No list of holiday safety tips would be complete without a list of ways to keep yourself safe when you’re not at home. Those who work in the areas of security, law enforcement and private investigations recommend the following holiday shopping safety tips for everyone:

Avoid dark parking lots or alleyways. If you have to shop at night, bring a friend with you, and try to park near the lights.
Keep your car keys where you can reach them.
If you carry a purse, keep the closure as close to your body as possible.
If you carry a wallet, keep it in your front pocket.
Make multiple trips to the car with smaller amounts of bags, rather than one trip with multiple packages.
Ask a security guard or police officer to escort you to your car if you feel uncomfortable.
Report all suspicious looking activities.
Bring only the credit cards you intend to use. Leave passports and Social Security cards at home.
Avoid wearing expensive or flashy accessories.
Try shopping during “off-peak” hours to avoid being crushed by crowds during big sales.
Keep your cell phone accessible in case you need to call for help.

Even if your packages aren’t physically stolen from you, you could risk losing much more if you don’t know how to avoid identity theft while out shopping. By following these holiday safety tips, you’re protecting yourself from those who view the holiday season as a way to make a quick buck. Your safety and security should always come first, so that you can enjoy every part of the season.

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How Cyber Crimes Are Changing the Way We Communicate Online

Posted on April 13, 2015 by admin_aimee

For most people, cyber crimes are what happen to other people; other people have their internet hacked or their credit card numbers stolen. But after the latest security breach at Target, cyber crimes have become much more real in the eyes of the average American. Because internet scams and virusesRead More

How Cyber Crimes Are Changing the Way We Communicate Online

For most people, cyber crimes are what happen to other people; other people have their internet hacked or their credit card numbers stolen. But after the latest security breach at Target, cyber crimes have become much more real in the eyes of the average American. Because internet scams and viruses are so prevalent, we’re actually changing the way we communicate online – and rightfully so. Recent studies have shown that we’re putting less personal information on social media outlets, to avoid hackers and advertising. To make up for this loss, however, companies are extrapolating that same information through purchase history, and search providers are using your page views as a direct line to push other sites.

That’s why it’s so important that you take your cyber safety seriously. Protecting yourself from cyber crimes in a digital world isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely necessary.

Common Internet Scams and Theft Techniques

By now, most of us know there is no foreign prince interested in giving us millions of dollars simply for using our bank accounts for a little while. These types of phishing scams are relatively passé, but criminal entities aren’t giving up so easy. The more common internet scams include:

Receiving emails or calls from the IRS. These phishing scams pop up around tax time, but some thieves use them throughout the year. Since the IRS never contacts anyone unless it’s through certified mail, you can assume all phone calls and emails are fraudulent.
Hacking e-tail and service websites. Much online identity theft can be avoided by simply checking the security of the site you’re visiting. Virus and malware protection companies will certify certain sites and warn you about others. You can also look to see if the little padlock icon pops up when you’re on a payment page.
Using your mobile devices to access information. We use our phones and tablets for everything we can – and often rely on “hot spots” or open wireless networks to do it. Using an unsafe network makes it easier for thieves to commit cyber crimes because your tablet or phone isn’t as protected as it should be on your home network.

It’s worth noting, too, that the demographic for most internet scams is changing. As we age, our ability to spot “fishy” scenarios decreases, making an elderly online population ripe for online identity theft and scams. Encouraging older relatives and loved ones to be careful when online will make it harder for criminals to retrieve sensitive and personal information.

Avoiding Online Identity Theft

To protect yourself and your loved ones from cyber crimes, it’s important to take the proper precautions. Aside from deleting emails that are obviously internet scams, you should also:

Buy protection software that blocks malware, viruses, phishing software and spyware, and that offers firewall protection.
Change your passwords often, and use combinations that aren’t easy to guess.
Keep your computer up to date when it asks.
Use software protection in public hot spots.
Set your social media settings to private, to keep strangers from learning about your likes and tastes.
Report suspicious emails to the proper authorities.

If you believe that you may have been hacked or scammed, a computer forensics investigator can help you track where and when the cyber break-in took place. Here at She Spies, our computer investigator, Mike Adams can assist you with all your computer forensic needs. His expertise is often put to good use for our clients who need to put their lives back together after a cyber crime.

We live in a world where cyber crimes are a reality. But as the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

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Professionals Know Best How to Find a Runaway Teen

Teenagers and Parenting: How to Prevent Your Child from Running Away

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‘Tis the Season for Avoiding Identity Theft Online

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips for In-Store Purchases

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Categories

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AUSTIN, TX (ADMIN ONLY)

DALLAS, TX (ADMIN ONLY)

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