Back to Safety Information

Equifax
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374
1-800-525-6285
http://www.equifax.com

Consumer Fraud Division
1-800-525-6285

Experian
P.O. Box 9530
Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742
http://www.experian.com

National Consumer Assistance
1-888-397-3742

TransUnion
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
1-800-680-7289
http://www.transunion.com

Victims have reported to the IC3 they were contacted via e-mail and U.S. mail to apply to be a mystery shopper. Applicants are asked to send a resume and are purportedly subject to an extensive background check before being accepted as a mystery shopper. The employees are sent a check with instructions to shop at a specified retailer for a specific length of time and spend a specific amount on merchandise from the store. The employees receive instructions to take note of the store's environment, color, payment procedures, gift items, and shopping/carrier bags and report back to the employer. The second evaluation is the ease and accuracy of wiring money from the retail location. The money to be wired is also included in the check sent to the employee. The remaining balance is the employee's payment for the completion of the assignment. After merchandise is purchased and money is wired, the employees are advised by the bank the check cashed was counterfeit, and they are responsible for the money lost in addition to bank fees incurred.

In other versions of the scheme, applicants are requested to provide bank account information to have money directly deposited into their accounts. The fraudster then has acquired access to these victims' accounts and can withdraw money, which makes the applicant a victim of identity theft.

Tips
Here are some tips you can use to avoid becoming a victim of employment schemes associated with mystery/secret shopping:

• Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.
• Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
• Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders. Virus scan all attachments, if possible.
• Avoid filling out forms contained in e-mail messages that ask for personal information.
  Always compare the link in the e-mail to the link you are actually directed to and determine if they match and will lead you to a legitimate site.
• There are legitimate mystery/secret shopper programs available.
• Research the legitimacy on companies hiring mystery shoppers. Legitimate companies will not charge an application fee and will accept applications online.
• No legitimate mystery/secret shopper program will send payment in advance and ask the employee to send a portion of it back.

Individuals who believe they have information pertaining to mystery/secret shopper schemes are encouraged to file a complaint at www.IC3.gov.

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste...and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..
5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids'rooms.
12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.
13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system . If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at http://www.faketv.com/<http://www..faketv.com/>)
14. If you buy a new expensive TV, please put the empty box out by your trash in plain site, so I'll know you have something new and expensive for me to steal.

8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

• Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
• Sand to improve traction on driveways and sidewalks
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
• Adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm.

Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan. Learn about emergency plans established in your area by state and local officials and make sure your family plans and contacts are up to date.

Finally, make sure to familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a winter storm hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe a winter storm hazard include the following:

• Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
• Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
• Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
• Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
• Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.

For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/winter.html

1.Shop during daylight hours whenever possible and dress casually and comfortably. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

2.Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.

3.Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.

4.Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.

5.Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible. Keep cash in your front pocket.

6.Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.

7.Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

8.Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.

9.Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.

10.Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Safe Online Holiday Shopping Tips From Better Business Bureau
While Thanksgiving weekend or "Black Friday" marks the traditional start of the holiday shopping season, it is Cyber Monday—the Monday following Thanksgiving—that marks the unofficial opening for online holiday shopping. This year as more shoppers than ever before hunt for great deals, many people are using the Internet to decide where, when and how to get the best deals for their money. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois advises savvy shoppers looking for good deals both in stores and online not only do their research on www.bbb.org, but consider the following advice.

Refunds and Exchange Policies
Whether shopping online or in stores, consumers should pay extra attention to refund and exchanges policies. Some businesses give refunds; some issue store credits only; some consider all sales to be final. A store is not legally required to accept items for refund, exchange or credit unless the merchandise is defective or was misrepresented. Your Better Business Bureau reminds shoppers to know their return rights before making the purchase. It's always better to ask, than to assume.

“Many consumers are extremely comfortable shopping online and simply don’t consider the threat of identity theft or unscrupulous retailers during the holiday season,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “While the online environment has become a thriving, trusted marketplace, e-commerce has also opened a door and created a ripe environment for scammers to set up shop online and start ripping people off.”

Top 10 Online Shopping Tips
BBB offers the following “Top 10 Online Shopping Tips” for holiday shoppers to help prevent being taken in by unscrupulous online retailers, scammers and hackers:

1. Protect your computer – A computer used for online shopping should always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a secure firewall.

2. Use trustworthy Web sites – Shoppers should start with the BBB to check on the seller’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction. Always look for a “trustmark” from BBBOnLine and click on that seal to confirm that it’s valid.

3. Protect your personal information – BBB recommends taking the time to read the site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn’t one posted, it should be taken as a red flag that personal information may be sold to others without permission.

4. Trust your gut – Offers on Web sites and in unsolicited e-mails can often sound too good to be true. Consumers should always go with their instincts and not be afraid to pass up a “deal” that might cost them dearly in the end.

5. Beware of phishing – Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the “buyer” into revealing financial information. If a consumer receives such an e-mail, BBB recommends picking up the phone and calling the contact number on the Web site where the purchase was made to confirm that there really is a problem with the transaction.

6. Confirm your online purchase is secure – Shoppers should always look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying. If there are any doubts about a site, BBB recommends right-clicking anywhere on the page and select “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (Web site address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is not encrypted.

7. Pay with a credit card – It’s best to use a credit card, because under federal law the shopper can dispute the charges if he or she doesn’t receive the item. Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on their credit card, and many card issuers have “zero liability” policies under which the card holder pays nothing if someone steals the credit card number and uses it.

8. Keep documentation of your order. After completing the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or the shopper might receive confirmation by e-mail – BBB recommends saving a copy of the Web page and any e-mails for future reference and as a record of the purchase.

9. Check your credit card statements often – Don’t wait for paper statements; BBB recommends consumers check their credit card statements for suspicious activity by either calling credit card companies or by checking statements online regularly.

10. Know your rights – Federal law requires that orders made by mail, phone or online be shipped by the date promised or, if no delivery time was stated, within 30 days. If the goods aren’t shipped on time, the shopper can cancel and demand a refund. There is no general three-day cancellation right, but consumers do have the right to reject merchandise if it’s defective or was misrepresented. Otherwise, it’s the company’s policies that determine if the shopper can cancel the purchase and receive a refund or credit.

• First and foremost: When an offer seems too good to be true, chances are it is. You should never have to pay to receive a prize or enter a contest. If you do, it's illegal. If you're told you're a “guaranteed” winner or that “no risk is involved,” be skeptical.
• It's illegal to purchase or sell lottery tickets from foreign countries, so if you're asked to send a fee to enter an international lottery, forget about it.
• Don't give financial or personal information such as a Social Security number, or credit card or bank account numbers to callers you don't know. Reputable groups won't request such information.
• Don't be pressured into making an immediate decision. Get all information in writing before you agree to enter a contest, make a purchase or give a donation.
• Mail scammers purchase contact information from mailing list companies, and acquire addresses and other contact information through online phone books and Internet data mining. The perpetrators send millions of letters, offers and requests with a goal of hooking just a fraction of the recipients. Many mailings look so official they could fool even the most able-minded targets.
• Clearly, the scammers tend to target seniors with the assumption that there is some potential vulnerability there,
• In 2008 alone, senior citizens nationwide were cheated out of more than $2 billion by one estimate many cases go unreported because the victims are embarrassed or don't want their families to know.
• Approximately 99 percent of the scammers operate from foreign countries that complicate the investigation. And recovering lost money after it goes overseas is nearly impossible.

See it, Hear it, Report!

Often, the number of mosquitoes in an area can be reduced by removing sources of standing water around residences. For example, hundreds of mosquitoes can come from water in a single discarded tire. Local agencies should inform the public how to prevent mosquito production around residences and how to prevent mosquito bites. Individuals can reduce their risk by taking these precautions:

• Get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or any water-holding containers.
• Fill in or drain low places (puddles, ruts, etc.) in the yard.
• Keep drains, ditches and culverts free of weeds and trash so water will drain properly.
• Keep roof gutters free of leaves and other debris.
• Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater.
• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use.
• Unused swimming pools should be drained and kept dry during the mosquito season.
• Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water.
• Change the water in birdbaths and plant pots or drip trays at least once each week.
• Store boats covered or upside down, or remove rainwater weekly.
• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.
• Make sure ornamental ponds have fish that eat mosquito larvae.
• Repair window screens.
• When outdoors in the evening or when mosquitoes are biting, use personal protection measures to prevent mosquito bites (proper use of insect repellent and appropriate clothing). See the Department’s Web site for specific personal protection recommendations.

“These invasive pests and diseases have a damaging effect, not only on the environment but also the economy,” Polk said. “One of the easiest and most common ways for these pests to spread is by the unintentional transportation of infested firewood.” Palos Park’s effort is to emphasize and educate, to raise awareness of the dangers of moving firewood.

Asian Long horned Beetles have a wide range of preferred host trees. Most studies show that they prefer maple trees of any species. Its other top choices include: birch, horse chestnut, poplar, willow, elm, ash, hackberry, sycamore, mountain ash, and London plane tree as well as many others.

If you suspect the Asian Long horned Beetle anywhere in Illinois please contact: The Illinois Department of Agriculture at 1-800-641-3934.

The emerald ash borer is a small, metallic-green beetle native to Asia. Its larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing the trees to starve and eventually die. While the beetle does not pose any direct risk to public health, it does threaten the tree population. It is widely believed to be artificially spread by moving infested firewood. A quarantine to prevent occurrences in Illinois has been established in the 21 northeastern-most counties of the state. Those counties include: the entire counties of Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, McHenry, McLean, Putnam, Will, Winnebago, and Woodford.
The quarantine prohibits the removal of the following items from the regulated areas:

• The emerald ash borer in any living stage of development.
• Ash trees of any size.
• Ash limbs and branches.
• Any cut, non-coniferous firewood.
• Bark from ash trees and wood chips larger than one inch from ash trees.
• Ash logs and lumber with either the bark or the outer one-inch of sapwood, or both, attached.
• Any item made from or containing the wood of the ash tree that is capable of spreading the emerald ash borer.
• Any other article, product or means of conveyance determined by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to present a risk of spreading the beetle infestation.

Suggestions:

• Check through a peephole or window before opening your door to anyone.
• Steel yourself to be firm, although it may feel impolite to say no.
• Consider carefully before inviting solicitors into your home. It's much more difficult to rid yourself -of them once they are inside; it's also potentially dangerous.
• Decide if you want to listen to their spiel. Realize once you listen, it's once again harder to say -no.
• Have a standard speech to turn away fundraisers. For example, "I have my own charities that I -give to, thank you very much."
• Prepare one for other situations. "I have my own spiritual beliefs," or "I don't sign petitions without consideration."
• Thank them and say you must go. Then close the door.

Safety Tips:

• Staying calm and polite always leaves you in charge.
• Treat door-to-door solicitors as you would any stranger, with caution and polite impartiality.
• If you have a chain lock, keep it fastened.
• Don't bring your purse to the door. If you're giving, write your check or collect your cash in another room.
• Never let the solicitor know you're alone, or give out any personal information.
• A slight bit of wariness is safe and sane.
• Do not give them any information pertaining to yourself or your neighbors.
• If at any time you feel that you are in danger, please call 911. A police officer will be able to determine if the solicitor is who they say they are or not.

“This will give us the opportunity to quickly restore lost pets to their owners during nights and weekends when veterinary offices are closed and unable to help us “, said Police Chief Joe Miller.  

The chip reader will also give the police department the opportunity to reunite a lost pet with its homeowner, instead of it being taken to the Animal Humane Society.  

The Palos Park Police Department would also like to remind pet owners to chip their pets, and to register the chip with their local veterinarian.

Personal Safety in… 

Routine Banking
Protect your ATM personal identification number (PIN).  Stand directly in front of the ATM when you enter your PIN so no one can look over your shoulders to view your number entry.  When in your car, look in your mirrors and all around you, to ensure nobody is watching. Be prepared to conduct your transaction before you draw near the ATM or Night Deposit.  Complete your business promptly, secure money in your pocket or purse, always take your receipt (it shows your account number) and don’t linger in the area. Use care when going to and from your bank entrance and foyer. Be observant, and don’t display cash, checks or important documents.  Always be cautious of “odd” lurking strangers.  Watch over your deposit slips and check books.  These items present essential account information that should be safeguarded. 

While Walking
Stay alert and attentive to your setting and surroundings.  Walk confidently at a steady pace on well-traveled routes, and avoid walking at night.  Exercise caution when strangers (pedestrians or motorists) ask for information, and keep a safe distance to avoid being grabbed, clutched or dragged.  Carry a fully charged cell phone and participate in the In Case of Emergency (ICE) Program.  (The ICE program is simple!  In your cell phone  phonebook, place the numbers of family members or friends you would like emergency first responders to call if you are injured, incapacitated or involved in some catastrophic event.  List the numbers in your cell phone under the acronym ICE.) 

At the Workplace
Always lock your car in the parking area before entering the building.  If you are the last person to leave the building at night, go ahead to your car in an observant and watchful manner.  Know the locations of all fire exits and fire extinguishers, report malfunctioning exterior and interior lighting, and steer clear of allowing strangers access to the workplace.  In your work area, keep your purse, wallet and other valuables out of open view.  Keep track of all office keys in the event of emergencies or other urgent situations.  Don’t give out personal information to strangers, unfamiliar persons or unknown callers.  Lock doors and keep the lights on when working after normal hours.  Avoid entering elevators with persons who look “out-of-place” and don’t use stairwells by yourself.  Whenever possible, let your spouse, friend, or relative know you are at work.  Call 9-1-1 for police and fire. 

When Driving
Park in highly visible areas in full view; in the evening, make certain that the lighting is satisfactory.  After parking, turn up windows and lock the doors.  When returning to your vehicle, approach your car cautiously with keys in-hand, looking around and inside the vehicle before entering.  Know the “Bump-and-Rob” scam.  That is when a vehicle jolts your car to force you to stop, thus making you a potential crime victim.  If it happens, remain in your locked vehicle, call 9-1-1 if you have a cell phone and drive to a busy, noticeable area.  Be very guarded if you spot a stranded motorist; if you wish to help them, call 9-1-1, instead of stopping.  If you are having serious car trouble, pull to the shoulder, raise your hood, engage four-way flashers and stay in your locked vehicle.  If you sense that you are being followed or pursued, call 9-1-1 and drive to the nearest police station.  When stopping allow sufficient room to maneuver around cars, in case an urgent situation arises or to avoid an accident.  If an auto thief threatens you with a firearm or weapon, exit the vehicle and give up your car.

The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race and other relevant data.

“Most people are rightfully cautious and won’t give out personal information to unsolicited phone callers or visitors, however the Census is an exception to the rule,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Unfortunately, scammers know that the public is more willing to share personal data for the Census and take advantage of this opportunity by posing as a government employee and soliciting sensitive financial information.”

During the U.S. Census, households will be contacted by mail, telephone or visited by a U.S. Census worker who will inquire about the number of people living in the house. Unfortunately, people may also be contacted by scammers who are impersonating Census workers in order to gain access to sensitive financial information such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers.

Unfortunately, people may also be contacted by scammers, who impersonate Census workers to get access to banking and financial information. Law enforcement in several states have issued warnings that scammers are already posing as Census Bureau employees and knocking on doors asking for donations and Social Security numbers. How do you tell an authorized U.S. Census worker from a con artist? The BBB offers the following advice:

• Currently, Census workers are only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations.
• U.S. Census workers will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.
• Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by e-mail, so be on the look out for e-mail scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

We understand your personal information is sensitive, and go to great lengths to protect the data we collect. Although we cannot stop or warn against all bogus or false collections of data -- here are some tips to help you recognize fraudulent activity or unofficial data collections.

If you are contacted for any of the following reasons -- Do Not Participate. It is NOT the U.S. Census Bureau.

Phishing:
'Phishing' is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, social security numbers, bank account or credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Phishing is typically carried out by email and it often directs users to enter sensitive information at a fake web site whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one.

Other Scams:

• The Census Bureau does NOT conduct the 2010 Census via the Internet
• The Census Bureau does not send emails about participating in the 2010 Census
• The Census Bureau never:
  • Asks for your full social security number
  • Asks for money or a donation
  • Sends requests on behalf of a political party
  • Requests PIN codes, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.

REPORT
How to report scams and bogus Census web sites If you believe you have been contacted as part of bogus or fraudulent activity falsely representing the Census Bureau:

In Person Scam

• Check for a valid Census ID badge
• Call your regional office to verify you are in a survey

Email Scams

• If you think it is a bogus email, do not reply or click on any links within the email
• Do not open any attachments. Attachments may contain code that could infect your computer
• Forward the email or web site URL to the Census Bureau at ITSO.Fraud.Reporting@census.gov.
• After you forward the email to us, delete the message. You will not receive a confirmation email after forwarding the information to us.
• However, the Census Bureau will investigate the information and notify you of its findings.

Mail Scams

• Contact the United States Postal Inspection Service
• Is your survey legitimate? You may further verify if a collection activity is legitimate by calling your regional census office regarding mail surveys, and our National Processing Center for phone surveys. Other questions may be answered through our Are You In a Survey? page.

IDENTITY THEFT 

There is a type of Internet theft called “phishing”  (pronounced fishing), and that is exactly what these thieves are doing...  “fishing” for your personal financial information.  The robbers want your account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other private information to raid your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards. 

In a typical phishing swindle, you receive an e-mail that appears to come from an legitimate company like your bank.  Sometimes, the e-mail may appear to come from a government agency.  The e-mail may warn you of a serious problem requiring your urgent attention, using phrases like “Contact us immediately about your account.”  Then, you are encouraged to click on a button to go to the institution’s Web page. This phony Web site may look like the real thing, or it may be the company’s actual Web page from which a pop-up window will quickly appear for harvesting your financial data.  In either case, you are asked to update your account information.

 If you provide the information, you may find yourself the victim of identity theft. 

You can protect yourself, and here is how.

 *Never provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited Internet or phone request if you did not initiate the communication.

*Do not be intimidated by an e-mail that suggests grim consequences if you fail to immediately provide or verify financial information.

*In no way click on the link provided in the e-mail if you believe it could be a sham.  Besides, it may contain a virus that will contaminate your computer.

*If you think that an e-mail (with link) is legitimate, go to the company’s Web page by typing-in the site address

directly rather than using the e-mail link, or call your bank to verify they need the information. 

*Monitor your bank and credit card statements to discover unusual account activity.

*Report strange e-mails to the Federal Trade Commission online, at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT. 

Don’t become a casualty of identity theft.  “Phishing” charlatans can acquire loans, procure money from accounts, obtain credit cards and even secure driver’s licenses— ALL IN YOUR NAME—and the devastation to your financial history and personal standing could take years to untangle!

ALL NICOR GAS EMPLOYEES WEAR IDENTIFICATION

Ask To See It Before Allowing Anyone Into Your Home 

If you receive an unexpected visit from someone stating he/she is an employee or contractor working on behalf of Nicor Gas and wants to enter your home, please request to see their company-issued photo identification badge before allowing them into your home. 

The identification card features the employee’s photo, name and the Nicor Gas logo on the front side. The backside states the company’s address and toll-free customer care telephone number, 1 888 Nicor4u. 

Nicor Gas also wants to remind you that your Nicor Gas account and meter numbers are confidential.  Therefore, in the event Nicor Gas would need to contact you, our representatives will already have access to this information.  If you choose to enroll in an alternative supplier program, such as Customer Select, please be careful to only share this information with a supplier once you’ve decided to sign up with them.

Palos Park Police Crime Tip  -  Bad Checks 

1. Amount of check:  limit the amount for which a check may be written or limit the amount of purchase; require management approval for any check written in excess of a set dollar amount. 

2. Two party checks.  Two party checks have a higher incidence of unreliability and can be more difficult to collect. 

3. Local vs. Out of state checks.  Local check writers are easier to contact for collection.  Illinois courts cannot prosecute out of state check writers unless they can be contacted within our state. 

4. Identification.  The primary identification for collection purposes is a driver’s license or special identification card issued by the state of Illinois 

5. Other limits.  Specify any other limits so they will be clearly understood by customers and employees. 

6. Returned check fee.  Collect a returned check processing fee of up to $20.00.   All checks should accurately reflect the name, address (mailing & physical) divers license number of the check writer.  If this information is not on the check, your employee should write it clearly on the check. 

Basic rules of thumb: 

• Make sure the name and picture match the check  writer’s signature

• Correct date is on the check (not post dated)

• Make sure the written & numerical amounts agree

• Check any erasures, alterations or abnormalities

• Low check number (new accounts can be less reliable) 

Please contact the investigations division of the Palos Park Police Department at 708 671 3770 for further information regarding the passing of bad checks at your business.

Other types of repair cons include:

• Weather-stripping.... for those cold and drafty windows
• Insulation, because your heating bills are so high
• Driveway seal coating, to protect against cracking and deteriorating
• Basement waterproofing, for controlling damp basements
• And just about any other thing you can imagine.

Again, there are legitimate businesses and professionals who can correctly identify a maintenance or home repair concern. These are people, for example, who are listed in the YELLOW PAGES, or registered and licensed with the Village. As wise and business savvy as we perceive ourselves, con artists are expert at separating you from your money. Con artists spend a great deal of time preparing to penetrate a community. In other words, they do their homework. They will appeal to any weakness possible. The law enforcement community tracks these con artists as they move throughout the country. For example, recent tornadoes and severe weather in the southern regions of the U.S. has evidenced an increase in the activities of these types of con artists. 

These are unscrupulous people. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Protect yourself by confirming the legitimacy of the business, or by asking for references in the area. Again, be aware of the fact that the Village requires businesses to be licensed and insured. This requirement is a protection against unprincipled businesses who are out to con you. If you are in doubt as to the legitimacy of a business, call to confirm them as licensed with the Village.  

Palos Park Police Department Firearm’s Safety Program “Putting a Lock on Safety in your Home” 

Palos Park Police Commissioner John Mahoney has announced that the Palos Park Police Department will be participating in “Project Child Safe” a nationwide program to help ensure safe and responsible firearms ownership and storage, developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and supported by a U.S. Department of  Justice Grant. 

Palos Park residents are encouraged to stop by the Palos Park Police Department at 8999 W 123^rd Street and pick up a free Cable-style Gun Lock.  The Palos Park Police Department can also make arrangements to drop off  a gun lock if someone is unable to come into the police center and pick up the gun lock.  Call Chief Joe Miller for further details at 708 671 3770.