Many of us today carry little cash and rely upon the convenience of  a debit or credit card. The credit card industry is always improving on this technology to make usage as easy as possible. The “smart card” is an example of this. “Smart cards,” known in the trade as “RFID” or Radio Frequency Identification cards, are embedded with a small chip which emits a radio frequency. When making a purchase the user does not have to swipe the card or enter a “PIN” they only need to hold the card in proximity of the cashier’s card reader.

Not to be left behind, the Identity Thief has also improved on their technology and has the ability to “Electronically” pick pocket the “RFID” signal and duplicate your card. So please take a few moments to check your cards and verify if they are equipped with “RFID”. Smart cards may be branded as “PayPass, blink, expresspay, and will have a symbol such as this  somewhere on the card.

Analysts state, card skimming devices generally work when a victim only carries a single smart card.  When carrying multiple “smart cards,” the transmission creates a jumbled, unintelligible data stream.

If you are carrying a card equipped with “RFID” consider purchasing a protective sleeve to store your card, these sleeves reduce the ability of an identity thief to read the “RFID” signal. A simple internet search for “RFID protection” will provide you with multiple options for protecting yourself.

OEM Tip of the Week: Foil Fire Hazards this Holiday Weekend

Each year, barbecue grills on residential properties cause more than 1,500 structural fires and 4,200 outdoor fires, according to the New York City Fire Department. This Memorial Day, practice safety when firing up the grill. Never operate gas or charcoal barbecue grills in an enclosed space, and never leave a grill unattended once it is lit.

-Learn more about fire safety from the FDNY here.

-Read OEM’s Tip of the Week online here.

Beware of Deception Burglaries!!!

Deception Burglary- a burglary committed by a person(s) that gains entry to the home by posing as an employee of a particular company. This impersonation includes but is not limited to, utility companies, delivery companies and construction companies such as plumbing or electrical contractors. A common explanation is “A pipe broke down the block and we have to check the water”,…Once inside the perpetrator(s) manipulate and distract a victim in order to obtain their valuables.

-Don’t Become  A Victim, Don’t Let them In

-Verify The request by calling 311 for DEP water company issues

-To verify Con Edison call 1-800-752-6633

-Don’t hesitate to call 911  

These crimes are often targeted at elderly victims during normal business hours (9am-5pm) making them less likely to question the situation.    

The Crime Prevention Section would like to share the following information to help avoid you becoming a victim of a deception burglary:

-If someone comes to your door offering work inside your home and you were never contacted in advance or requested such work:

-Don’t open the door

-Stay inside your home

-Verify his/her I.D. through the view finder

-Contact the company to verify employee’s I.D. (company numbers could be looked up via internet or on your bill)

-Keep a list of utility companies phone numbers in a convenient location

-Do not invite anyone into your home while you verify a “work order” and person at your door

If you can’t verify the I.D. ,you feel unsafe or suspect criminal activity call 911 immediately. Remember never give out any financial information, especially… 1) Social Security Number 2) Credit card information 3) Bank account information.

-BE ALERT.

-BE AWARE OF SUSPICIOUS PEOPLE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE OF ATM LOCATION.

-DON’T SWITCH/LEAVE ATM MACHINE WITHOUT CLOSING TRANSACTION FULLY.

-BLOCK THE VIEW OF BYSTANDERS WHEN DOING YOUR TRANSACTION. USE MIRRORS, POSITIONED AT THE ATM, TO SEE BEHIND YOU.

-IF YOU FEEL SOMEONE IS LOOKING OVER YOUR SHOULDER, CANCEL TRANSACTION AND LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.

-USE WELL LIGHTED, WELL POPULATED ATM’S.

-AVOID ATM’S THAT HAVE UNLOCKED DOORS OR ARE DIRECTLY OUT ON THE STREET.

-PUT YOUR MONEY AWAY AND TAKE YOUR CARD AND RECEIPT BEFORE EXITING THE ATM.

-USE YOUR CARD EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOUR ENTRY ONLY, MAKE SURE DOOR CLOSES DIRECTLY BEHIND YOU.

May marks Older Americans Month. Show your commitment to those who have contributed to our communities by offering to become part of their emergency support network. Disasters can present additional challenges for seniors. Help them prepare today!

-Find out how seniors can prepare for emergencies here.

-View the Ready New York: My Emergency Plan guide here.

-Read OEM’s Tip of the Week online here.

Monday, May 6, 2013 – OEM Tip of the Week: Take the NYC Readiness Challenge

Think you’re ready for the next emergency? Test your skills with OEM’s brand new NYC Readiness Challenge, an online tool that outlines how users can prepare for a real-life emergency situation, and challenges them to make quick decisions. Preparing for disasters is something New Yorkers should do every day. Are you up for the challenge?

-Take the NYC Readiness Challenge here.

-Read OEM’s Tip of the Week online here.

NYTimes: Cellphone Thefts Grow, but the Industry Looks the Other Way

Police officials say the cellphone and handset industry has not done enough with technology to solve the theft problem. Read more here.

LEARN ABOUT THE MISUSE/ABUSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

  Prescription drugs are the 2nd most commonly used substance among high school students in NYC after marijuana.

  7% of NYC High School students (1 in 14 students) reported misusing opioid painkillers in the past year. It’s an epidemic that has fueled an illegal prescription drug trade.

  The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse of Columbia University states that teens who abuse prescription drugs are twice more likely to use alcohol, 5 times more likely to use marijuana, and 12 to 20 times more likely to use illegal street drugs such as heroin, ecstasy, and cocaine than teens who do not abuse prescription drugs.

WARNING SIGNS OF POSSIBLE PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

Physical Signs

- Dramatic changes in behavior and appearance

- Pinpoint pupils, Bloodshot eyes

- Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination

Behavioral Signs

- Drop in attendance from school

- Involved in secretive or suspicious behaviors

- Frequently getting into trouble (ex., fights, accidents, and illegal activities)

Psychological Signs

- Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outburst

- Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “out of it”

- Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Telephone Numbers

1-800-LIFENET

1-855-DRUGFREE

Websites

Here.

Here.  

TO LEARN MORE

  The School Safety Community Outreach Unit offers an interactive PowerPoint presentation to bring awareness to this growing epidemic of the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs.

  To schedule a presentation or for more information please call (718) 730-8550 or visit our website here.

Monday, April 29, 2013 – OEM Tip of the Week: Don’t Get Washed Away in a Flash Flood

During Severe Weather Awareness Week, OEM encourages you to take some time to learn about flash flood hazards and what you can do to stay safe. Slow-moving thunderstorms and heavy rains are enough to produce flash flooding in streets, which can create dangerous situations for both pedestrians and drivers. Six inches of water is more than enough to knock you off your feet or cause a loss of vehicular control. Avoid walking through moving water, do not drive into flooded areas, and stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

-Learn more about flash floods here.

-Read OEM’s Tip of the Week online here.

Motorcycles are an attractive item for thieves. .

National  statistics show only 3 in 10 stolen motorcycles will be recovered and returned to their owners. The rest end up on the black market, stripped and/or sold for spare parts.

It takes seconds to hoist a motorcycle into a van and take off. In 2011 New York had 1,460 motorcycle thefts, but if you follow these basic tips you help yourself or a friend avoid becoming a victim of motorcycle theft:

* Lock your ignition and remove the key. National statistics show most bike thefts occur when the ignition is shut off, but not locked.

* Lock the forks or disk brakes with locks that have large, brightly colored tags.

* If traveling with other riders, lock motorcycles together when not in use.

* If riding alone, lock your bike to a secure, stationary object that can’t be easily dismantled.

* Add an audible alarm to your motorcycle.

* When traveling and spending the night at a hotel, locate an outdoor security camera and park your bike in the camera’s view. If this is not possible, park your bike close to your room.

* Keep an eye on your bike. When parking at a public event, check your motorcycle periodically, especially right after leaving your bike.

* If parking in a garage, block your bike with automobiles, close the garage door and make sure it is locked.

* Don’t store your title in your bike’s storage compartment, tank bag or saddlebag. The safest place for your title is at home.

* Uniquely mark and then photograph your bike. If thieves take your bike, note its unique markings to law enforcement using the photos you have taken.

* Keep your bike registration and insurance identification card on you when you ride.

If the bike is stolen make it impossible to sell. Mark everything that could be sold as a second hand spare part with a clearly visible identifying mark, both in visible and secret places, preferably with the bikes frame number.

For further safety tips, click here, or by calling the Community Affairs Bureau at 646.610.5323