Prev | Next | Contents

7.0 HI-TECH CRIME AND MODERN THEFT; HOW TO PREVENT CRIME, ACCIDENTS, INJURIES

== Watch your garbage

Thieves can learn a lot about you through the garbage that you put out on the curb. You should never discard credit card statements, bank statements, etc. without shredding them first. What you discard may have all the information a crook needs to start accessing your account. With just a little information a thief could start to use your credit card account. For example, some companies only require a zip code for security. However, most companies require more than that. I have found the two most often requested pieces of identification are my social security number and/or my mother's maiden name (with spelling). Therefore it follows, NEVER give out this personal info unless absolutely necessary. Some accounts, such as health insurance accounts, may use your social security number as part of the account number. Shred these statements when discarded.

== Remote high tech devices

Some of these modern marvels come with security codes that each person can program into the gadget. Devices such as automatic garage door openers and cordless phones may have a preset code which you must change to your own personal code to gain security. The only problem is that many people never change the code from the one that was preset. A thief can drive around a neighborhood and open a number of garage doors with a remote control using the factory set code.

Prev | Next | Contents