The President's Message
Khai Le
From PPAGLA President - Louis Gabriele
From our family to yours - 'Tis the Season… To Be Extra Cautious
The holiday season typically means many things: Celebrations, Family get-togethers and Resolutions. For lots of us, it also means increased spending— both online and in stores. The holidays presents increased opportunities for fraudsters and criminals. While you make your holiday list and search for the best deals, fraudsters and criminals gear up to take advantage of the increased sales volumes, email correspondence and preoccupied consumers whose guard may have been down leaving them more vulnerable to scams.
Whether you shopped online or in the stores, I am positive you took a moment to make your security list and checked it twice. Below are a few tips that can help you stay safe anytime.
Never put your personal ID, financial information or user IDs and passwords in emails.
Never send your debit / credit card numbers or social security numbers via email.
Think before you click. Do not click on a link in an email or open a file attachment unless you are 100 percent sure that it has come from a legitimate source. Links in emails can take you to fraudulent sites that look identical to the legitimate site.
Use only secure websites. When making purchases online, be sure the web address begins with https:// vs. http://. Most browsers will show a padlock icon.
Do not fill out forms in emails, especially those that ask for your personal information. Instead, go to the company's website directly and ensure you are using a secure server (see # 4 above).
Check your accounts. Debit/Credit Card and Bank accounts and statements. Many scammers count on consumer inattention to get away with fraudulent charges. If you see anything suspicious, contact your financial institution immediately.
Make security your first stop. If you received a new computer or mobile device over the holidays, familiarize yourself with how to best protect it. Never leave your device unattended or unlocked.
The holiday season is also a peak travel time. Be aware!
If you believe your email has been hacked or your credentials have been compromised, you should put a hold on your accounts, cancel credit cards and notify the credit bureaus.
Best Practices
No matter what time of year, follow the best practices below to help protect your online accounts and information:
Change your passwords on a regular basis.
Keep anti-virus software up to date. Scan and remove viruses frequently.
Never give your password to anyone.
Review your online accounts regularly. Make sure the appropriate security and functional settings remain in place.
The LAPD shared some safety tips that are good any time of the year:
The holiday season has always been a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crimes. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors.
Avoid driving alone or at night.
Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm.
Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. Lock them in the trunk.
Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels.
When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
Shopping
Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. Dress casually and comfortably.
If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
Carry your Driver License or ID card. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card.
Stay alert to your surroundings. Do not carry a purse or wallet. Don’t carry a lot of cash.
Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
Keep cash in your front pockets.
Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.
At Home
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house.
Have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
Hosting a Party
Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
Attending a Party
Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.
Never drink and drive.
Strangers at Your Door
Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
Criminals take advantage of the generosity of people by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
Be safe and donate to the Charities that you are familiar