Monthly Archives: March 2017

In today’s post I wanted to give you some examples of common cons and scams.  I find that you don’t have to have an encyclopedia of knowledge on the different types of cons and scams as long as you keep in mind that it is impossible to cheat an honest man.

If something seems to be too good of a price, or too good to be true then it is.

That being said, I do enjoy learning new things, and I am amazed at the resourcefulness of those trying to get rich quick.  The effort put into scams could make someone rich if they just worked like everyone else.

The Pigeon Drop Con

A person approaches you and says that he just found a large amount of money. What should he do with it? Maybe his “boss” can suggest something. He then leaves to check with his “boss” and comes back a few minutes later. His boss said to divide the money, but first, each of you must put up some, “good faith money”. Once you hand over your share, you’ll never see it or the con artist again.

The Bank Examiner

A con artist will contact you and tell you he is a bank official or police officer and that he needs your help to catch a dishonest bank teller. All you have to do is withdraw your savings and give the money to him so he can check the serial numbers. IF you do, you’ve been “stung”. A real bank official would NEVER ask you to withdraw your money.

Is it hard to believe that people fall for such tricks? Con artists may be the greatest actors you’ll ever meet. The pigeon drop and the bank examiner schemes are two of the most successful con games around. Don’t be fooled. CALL THEIR BLUFF BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.

People Fall for Manipulation all the Time.

When I left emergency management I went back to the prison system.  Currently I work a an instructor teaching new employees how to become effective officers.  Part of that is hardening them against falling for these types of manipulation tricks.  Inmates will do almost anything to trick naive individuals into breaking the rules in their benefit.  I even have a con game video from the national institute of corrections that shows an inmate bragging about the steps he takes to trick and con staff.

I want to give some tips on Halloween Candy Safety, this is particularly relevant to me because I have a 3 year old that will eat candy off the ground.

Be cautious. Whether it’s Halloween candy or a party buffet, your confidence should be lower whenever you consume food that hasn’t been either professionally prepared or just prepared in your own kitchen.

• Wash your hands before and after you handle food – whether you’re preparing or consuming.
• Serve food on several small dishes or platters rather than on one big one.
• Follow the same “cook thoroughly” instructions you would if you were going to eat right away:  poultry, 180° (breasts only, 170°); ground meat and whole or ground pork, 160°; steaks, roasts and chops, 145°.
• Put out the food as late as possible; the longer it stays in the refrigerator, the longer it stays safe.
• Never allow food to sit out at room temperature for more than two hours.
• When you need to re-supply, replace dishes or platters rather than adding to them.  Not only has the remaining food been out in room temperature for some time, many people have handled it.
• Assuming leftovers sat out less than two hours (if longer, they aren’t leftovers – they’re garbage), they’re safe in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for up to four months. Either way, they should be re-heated to at least 165°.
• From the consumer’s point of view, keeping food safe starts at the grocery:  make your purchases from refrigerated and frozen counters last, then put them away first when you get home.
• Halloween candy should be x-rayed for things like needles, but even that is not absolutely safe.  Have your children get candy from people you, and they, know.

Charity fraud does a lot of harm. The con artist takes advantage of people’s good will and takes their cash -money that was meant for people in need. You can make sure that any money you give gets into the right hands. Just remember these tips when somebody asks you for a donation.

I believe in charity I feel that it is the duty of those with resources to give some of those resources (time, money, skill) to those in need.  I don’t think it should be forced by the government, but should come from the good will of the common man.

What I don’t understand is the mindset of someone that will engage in charity fraud, It escapes me how someone can steal from the less fortunate.  I guess that is why one of the things I hate most in life is people that steal handicapped parking spots or abled body people that ride the electric scooters in wal-mart.

• Ask for identification -the organization AND the solicitor. Find out what the purpose of the charity is and how funds are used.
• Ask if contributions are tax deductible.
• If you’re not satisfied with the answers-don’t give.
• Give to charities that you know.
• Check out the ones you’ve never heard of before, or others whose names are similar to a well-known charity.
• Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics. If solicitors won’t take no for an answer, tell them NO anyway -BUT DON’T GIVE THEMYOUR MONEY.
• Be suspicious of charities that only accept cash.
• Always send a check made out to the charity and not the individual requesting the donation.

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Ninety per cent of commercial burglary prevention is physical security. If your complex is locked up and unauthorized entry is made difficult, time consuming, noisy and visible, chances are the burglar will pass up your business and look for an easier target.

Commercial Burglary Prevention

• LOCKS on all outside entrances and inside security doors should be double cylinder deadbolts with moveable collars. The deadbolt should have at least one inch throw containing a hardened steel insert and protected by a latch guard.
• PADLOCKS should be of hardened steel, mounted on bolted hasps and always locked to prevent exchange. Serial numbers should be filed off to prevent new keys from being made.
• DOORS (all outside or security doors) should be of solid construction, metal lined and secured with heavy metal crossbars. Jams around doors must be solid. All exposed hinges should be pinned to prevent removal.
• WINDOWS should have secure locks. Burglar-resistant glass treatments are also recommended. An example would be the installation of polyester security film. However, this must be used in conjunction with the alarm’s glass break sensor. Heavy metal grates may be used on windows of high vulnerability (such as rear windows). Check with the Fire Marshall for safety requirements.
• LIGHTS must provide optimum visibility, both inside and out, with those outside having vandal proof covers over the lights and power source. Entire perimeter must be well lit, especially the area around doors and other possible entry points.
• ALARM SYSTEM should be supplied by a licensed alarm company with a central monitoring station. Check the alarm system on a daily basis, and advertise its presence to deter break-ins.
• CASH REGISTER should be kept in plain view from outside the building so it can be easily monitored and should be left open when empty and not in use.
• SAFE should be fire proof, burglar resistant, anchored securely and in plain view. Leave it open when it is empty, and use it to lock up valuables when business is closed. Change the combination whenever someone with access to it leaves your employment.
• BUILDING EXTERIOR should be checked including the roof, cellar and walls. Secure all openings.
• MAINTAIN GOOD VISIBILITY by not allowing landscaping, boxes, trash bins, vehicles or equipment near building where they might provide concealment or access to the roof.
• PERIMETER FENCES need to be adequate enough to keep intruders out, and at the same time allow good visibility of your business by neighbors and police (i.e. vertical iron bar fence or 1/8 inch mesh vinyl coated chain link).
• KEY CONTROL should be done in a responsible manner. A master key system where one key opens all locks may be convenient, but it may not be the best for security. Code all keys, keep them locked up when not in use, and do not allow employees to leave them lying around or make duplicates. Change locks whenever you suspect key security has been jeopardized.
• ID NUMBERS should be marked on all equipment and stickers (such as Operation ID) should be displayed to make this plainly evident to would-be thieves. The best number to use is your personal driver’s license number. Also keeping a record of serial numbers on all equipment may help in recovery.