Black Friday traditionally is the "biggest shopping day of the year.” The Monday following Thanksgiving (11/28/2011) is designated as Cyber Monday by the e-commerce industry. This is a day for merchants and manufacturers to offer online sales and promotions without interfering with the Black Friday traditional retail shopping.
On Cyber Monday and throughout the holiday season, consumers are encouraged to beware of bargain advertisements sent via unsolicited e-mails for one day only promotions for recognized brands or websites.
Fraudsters often use the hot items of the holiday season to lure bargain shoppers into providing credit card and other personal information. These items are usually the hard to get toys, electronics, televisions and computer products of the season.
Here are some tips you can use to avoid becoming a victim of cyber fraud:
Log on directly to the official website for the business identified in the e-mail, instead of a link from an unsolicited e-mail. This includes forwarded messages from someone on your contact list.
If the e-mail appears to be from your bank, credit card issuer, or other company you deal with frequently, your statements or official correspondence from the business will provide the proper contact information.
Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software and keep up with the security updates to prevent viruses and malicious programs from infecting your computer.
If you suspect your computer has a virus, have it serviced immediately from a trusted source.
Make purchases using websites with secure connections. Look for websites that use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) security which protects your personal information. Check the browser’s status bar for an unbroken “padlock” icon that indicates the sites is using SSL.
Use your credit card instead of debit card when making a purchase. Credit cards offer added protection from fraudulent transactions.
Avoid using websites asking for an “electronic check”. This will require you provide your bank routing number and your entire checking account number.
Never use your Social Security Number to make online purchases. A legitimate retailer or website will never ask for your Social Security Number.
Use passwords difficult to decipher. A strong password should include at least five letters and one number. Your login name and password should never be the same.
For more information on how to safely shop online this holiday season, please go to the Internet Crime Complaint Center website at www.ic3.gov/media/2011/111121.aspx You may also visit the FBI.gov E-scams and Warnings webpage at http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm
Pharmacy Robbery/Burglary Suspect arrested by Allegheny County Detectives on 11-3-11 11-4-11
After a diligent investigation involving multiple police agencies, Allegheny County Police arrested a Mt Lebanon man for the Burglary and 2 Robberies at the Lebanon Shops Pharmacy which occured from August through October 2011.
Patrick Sullivan (36) of Roycroft Dr was arrested on 11-3-11
Sullivan has not been charged in the October 30 Burglary of Asti's Pharmacy. That investigation is continuing.
The business owners and property managers of both building complexes on Mt Lebanon Blvd have been working with police to add significant security upgrades in light of the recent crimes.
Additional security and police patrols have also been assigned to the area.
FEMA & FCC Unveil New Tip Sheet for Consumers on How to Communicate During Disasters
9-23-11
Earthquakes, Hurricanes & Other Recent Emergencies Underscore Need to Empower the Public with Practical Information on Preparing for How to Communicate Before a Disaster Strikes - And How to Better Communicate During and After a Disaster
Release Date: September 21, 2011 Release Number: HQ-11-199
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- September 21, 2011 - As part of National Preparedness Month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today released new tips for consumers aimed at preparing them for major disasters when communications networks are more likely to be compromised or damaged. Nearly one month ago, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake and Hurricane Irene struck the East Coast. In the minutes and hours that followed, mobile networks experienced significant network congestion, temporarily making it harder for millions of people to reach loved ones and emergency services. This tip sheet aims to help prepare Americans about how to communicate with each other, and loved ones, in the event of another disaster.
"Between the East Coast earthquake, Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, and wildfires in Texas and California, we have had a lot of powerful reminders lately that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere - and can often make it difficult for the public to communicate with friends, loved ones or emergency personnel," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "An important part of preparing for disasters includes getting ready for potential communications challenges, whether caused by power outages or heavy cell network congestion. These simple tips are easy for anyone to follow and could make a world of difference when it matters the most."
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, "When disaster strikes, the ability to communicate is essential. However, power outages and other issues can interfere with the way people ordinarily communicate, making it harder to reach loved ones or emergency services. The FCC is committed to ensuring the public's safety through the reliability of our nation's communications networks. But there are also simple steps that consumers can take to prepare for a disaster as well as practical ways to better communicate during and after an event. I encourage all Americans to become familiar these tips and share them with friends and family."
To read a joint blog post by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, click here.
The Tip Sheet for How to Communicate During Disasters is below, or check out www.ready.gov/tech or fcc.gov.
Consumers with questions about their particular mobile phone devices should contact their wireless provide or equipment manufacturer.
TIP SHEET
When disaster strikes, you want to be able to communicate by both receiving and distributing information to others. You may need to call 9-1-1 for assistance, locate friends or family, or let loved ones know that you are okay. During disasters, communications networks could be damaged, lose power, or become congested. This fact sheet provides two important sets of tips. The first will help you prepare your home and mobile devices for a disaster. The second may help you communicate more effectively during and immediately after a disaster.
Before a Disaster: How to Prepare Your Home and Mobile Device
Maintain a list of emergency phone numbers in your cell phone and in or near your home phone. Keep charged batteries and car-phone chargers available for back-up power for your cell phone. If you have a traditional landline (non-broadband or VOIP) phone, keep at least one non-cordless phone in your home because if it will work even if you lose power. Prepare a family contact sheet. This should include at least one out-of-town contact that may be better able to reach family members in an emergency. Program "In Case of Emergency" (ICE) contacts into your cell phone so emergency personnel can contact those people for you if you are unable to use your phone. Let your ICE contacts know that they are programmed into your phone and inform them of any medical issues or other special needs you may have. If you are evacuated and have call-forwarding on your home phone, forward your home phone number to your cell phone number. If you do not have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card to use if needed during or after a disaster. Have a battery-powered radio or television available (with spare batteries). Subscribe to text alert services from local or state governments to receive alerts in the event of a disaster. Parents should sign up for their school district emergency alert system. During and After a Disaster: How to Reach Friends, Loved Ones & Emergency Services
If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1. Remember that you cannot currently text 9-1-1. If you are not experiencing an emergency, do not call 9-1-1. If your area offers 3-1-1 service or another information system, call that number for non-emergencies. For non-emergency communications, use text messaging, e-mail, or social media instead of making voice calls on your cell phone to avoid tying up voice networks. Data-based services like texts and emails are less likely to experience network congestion. You can also use social media to post your status to let family and friends know you are okay. In addition to Facebook and Twitter, you can use resources such as the American Red Cross's Safe and Well program (www.redcross.org/safeandwell). Keep all phone calls brief. If you need to use a phone, try to convey only vital information to emergency personnel and/or family. If you are unsuccessful in completing a call using your cell phone, wait ten seconds before redialing to help reduce network congestion. Conserve your cell phone battery by reducing the brightness of your screen, placing your phone in airplane mode, and closing apps you are not using that draw power, unless you need to use the phone. If you lose power, you can charge your cell phone in your car. Just be sure your car is in a well-ventilated place (remove it from the garage) and do not go to your car until any danger has passed. You can also listen to your car radio for important news alerts. Tune into broadcast television and radio for important news alerts. If applicable, be sure that you know how to activate the closed captioning or video description on your television. If you do not have a hands-free device in your car, stop driving or pull over to the side of the road before making a call. Do not text on a cell phone, talk, or "tweet" without a hands free device while driving. Immediately following a disaster, resist using your mobile device to watch streaming videos, download music or videos, or play video games, all of which can add to network congestion. Limiting use of these services can help potentially life-saving emergency calls get through to 9-1-1. Check www.ready.gov regularly to find other helpful tips for preparing for disasters and other emergencies.
SCAM ALERT!! (Social Security) 9-16-11
A Castle Shannon resident recently received a phone call from someone representing that they were from Social Security and had money to disburse. The caller requested the resident's banking information.
The following SCAM ALERT was sent out in 2004, but the rules for protecting your information are timeless. DO NOT release personal information, bank account information or other sensitive data to someone who calls you, no matter who they say they are!!
SOCIAL SECURITY News Release SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS WARNED ABOUT POTENTIAL SCAMS Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security and Patrick O’Carroll, Jr., Acting Inspector General of Social Security issued a warning today about a number of scams that have surfaced recently throughout the U.S. They noted that the Agency has received numerous reports about telephone calls or visits from people alleging to be Social Security employees. In each case, the person attempted to obtain personal information, such as a Social Security or bank account number, from the Social Security recipient.
“I find it very troubling that our most vulnerable citizens are being targeted by these unscrupulous people,” Commissioner Barnhart stated. “I caution everyone to be extremely careful about releasing personal information.”
The perpetrators, who identify themselves as Social Security employees, have used a variety of tactics to obtain personal information. In one instance, the caller said the Agency was experiencing a power outage and needed to verify the person’s information. In another, the caller posed as an employee who needed to verify the recipient’s direct deposit information.
In a third, the recipient is told their Social Security benefits are being cut because they have inherited a house from a relative; an event that would not result in a reduction of their Social Security benefit according to Commissioner Barnhart. To help perpetrate the fraud, the caller then places the recipient on hold and plays the same on-hold recordings used by Social Security. When the caller gets back on the line, the recipient is then told proceeds from the sale of the house will be sent to them if they pay the back taxes.
Acting Inspector General O’Carroll recommends people always take precautions when giving out personal information. “You should never provide your Social Security number or other personal information over the telephone unless you initiated the contact, or are confident of the person to whom you are speaking,” O’Carroll said. “If in doubt, do not release information without first verifying the validity of the call.” Barnhart and O’Carroll recommend contacting the local Social Security office or Social Security’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 to verify the legitimacy of the call. (If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call Social Security's TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.)
Acting Inspector General O’Carroll notes that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is working closely with the Agency to investigate all reports of suspicious activity. To report suspicious activity, please call the OIG Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. (If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the OIG TTY number at 1-866-501-2101.) A Public Fraud Reporting form is also available online at OIG’s website: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/oig/.
STOPPING UNINTENTIONAL SHOOTINGS STARTS WITH GUN SAFETY EDUCATION
8-11-11
The Allegheny County Health Department is reminding County residents that unintentional firearm deaths, especially involving children, can be prevented by taking simple precautions.
Health officials offer the following tips to prevent gun injuries and deaths:
• Keep firearms out of children’s reach and in a locked cabinet, drawer or gun safe. Store keys and lock combinations separately and out of the reach of children.
• Use trigger locks and keep guns unloaded. Lock ammunition in a place separate from guns.
• Do not keep firearms in a home if someone has a history of depression or talks of suicide.
• Always assume that a gun is loaded. Be sure guns are unloaded when removed from storage.
• Take a gun safety course if you’re a gun owner. Children and guns are a dangerous combination. Everyone should teach children that if they find a gun they should stop, not touch it, leave the area and tell an adult where the gun is. This gun safety information is provided by the Allegheny County Health Department and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Castle Shannon Man Arrested, Charged In Attempted Robbery 8-6-11
CASTLE SHANNON (KDKA) — Police have a man in custody following an attempted robbery at a convenience store and gas station late Friday night in Castle Shannon.
Investigators say they arrested 26-year-old Christopher Veltre of Castle Shannon overnight. He is facing several charges including robbery, simple assault and narcotics violations.
Castle Shannon police say they were called to the Marathon Mini Mart and Gas Station in the 3600-block of Library Road around 10:45 p.m. for the report of an attempted robbery.
According to police, the suspect came into the store wearing a mask and holding a knife.
“Approached the clerk with a knife, was going to direct him over towards the register, the clerk was able to get ahead of the suspect and run out the door thus thwarting the robbery,” said Chief Ken Truver, of the Castle Shannon Police Department.
Authorities say the suspect fled, running behind the store and into a wooded area near Route 88.
When officers arrived, police say a Brentwood canine officer tracked the suspect south along Route 88.
A short time later, officials report that a Dormont officer took a man matching the description of the suspect into custody in the 4000-block of Willow Avenue.
DEBT COLLECTOR SCAM 7-29-11
The latest in a long list of Scams being conducted via phone or mail in the Castle Shannon area is a DEBT COLLECTOR SCAM.
Victims of the Scam attempt report that an official sounding caller or recording calls their home number and instructs them to call a 1 800 number with a “claim” or “reference” number.
When the victim calls the number they are presented with identifying data to include phone number, address, social security number, etc… and told that the firm is trying to collect a debt.
Usually there is some threat of “charges” to be levied against the victim if payment is not made.
The scam is further described on an FBI website at: http://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press- releases/paydayloanscam_120710
If you get a call of this nature hang up. Legitimate debt collectors must send you notification in writing outlining your responsibilities for collection and payment.
Complaints about this scam may be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at : http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx
The Federal Trade Commission at: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
and/or the PA Attorney General Consumer Complaints at: http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/complaints.aspx?id=451
Additionally, victim of these fraud attempts should check and flag their credit history with the credit reporting agencies TransUnion, Equifax and Experian.
Questions may be directed to your local police department CSPD 412.885.9300/412.473.3056
Latest SCAM! (Lernks Financial Services sends you a PNC check for $4500 in a bogus lottery winner scam) 7-11-11
CSPD has been working with local media to bring you the latest in an abundance of SCAMs in all sorts and sizes.
The latest one to hit the area is a letter postmarked Canada from Lernks Financial Services. The letter alleges that the recipient is a winner of $450,000 in a lottery. It also contains a check for $4500 on PNC stock supposedly issued in the name of Carnegie Library.
Our complainant believes he may have entered a sweepstakes on behalf of the library in recent months.
The letter instructs the recipient to call a phone number to "activate" the check. Our reporting person took the bank to PNC and learned it was fraudulent. He was then supposed to obtain $4100 in cash for someone to pick up on behalf of the lottery officials.
This notice should serve as yet another warning that you should be wary of anyone who calls you or sends you an unsolicited letter and/or check and asks for cash in return.
Also be on the watch for anyone who asks that you wire money for receipt of winnings, and any other contact where the promise of reward sounds too good to be true.
A wise person once told me if it sounds too good to be true, it is probably neither good nor true.
Castle Shannon Man Falls Victim To Mystery Shopping Scheme
June 17, 2011
Castle Shannon man lost $1,400 in a mystery shopping scheme.
Mike Black said he's unemployed and was hoping to make some fast and easy cash by answering an email to become a mystery shopper.
Black said after responding to the email and agreeing to shop at Walmart, he was sent a check.
"After I was done buying the stuff I was to evaluate the store. How clean the store was, how friendly the customer service was. I was to evaluate just about every aspect you can think of," Black said. "When they sent me the check everything looked legit"
The check was issued for $1,850, Black said. He said he was instructed to send back $1,400 within 48 hours to make $450 for a 20 minute shopping trip.
But the check eventually bounced and Black said he wound up losing $1,400.
"Until I get this paid off I can't have a bank account," Black said.
Castle Shannon police said they have opened an investigation and issued a warning to all residents.
"If somebody wants you to send them a check, that should throw up the red flag. That is probably not a legitimate business," said Chief Ken Truver.
Castle Shannon police said they are working with U.S. Postal Service investigators in an attempt to make an arrest.
Castle Shannon Police report two recent incidents of the so called “Grandparent Scam”
On 5-6-11 at 1055am a 78 year old female resident reported an attempted phone fraud. She relayed that a young male caller phoned her and said’ “Grandma, it’s me and I’m in Spain for a wedding.” The suspect went on to say that he was involved in a car accident and needed $2800 for bail money. When the targeted victim explained that she didn’t have that kind of money in the house, the caller hung up. The woman immediately called her 19 year old grandson and found out that he was home in Greentree.
On 5-12-11 at 305pm an 89 year old male resident reported a similar occurrence with a different twist. He said that he was contacted by a man alleging to be an attorney from New York. This suspect said that the targeted victim’s grandson was involved in an accident and needed $945 for fine money. The suspect said that the grandson was intoxicated and had a blood alcohol of .9 and that if the money was received immediately, the grandson could avoid a criminal record. The suspect instructed the victim to wire the money via Western Union to New York with instructions to allow the retrieval without identification. (because the grandson’s ID reportedly was confiscated). The victim found this to be suspicious and asked the suspect for a phone number where he could call back. The suspect said he would call again later, as he was in court.
These incidents are a continuation and variation on a scheme which has been ongoing for years. Castle Shannon Police has the information posted on our website at www.csboro.com. In September 2010 residents/victims of this scheme lost over $5500 when they were convinced to send 2 separate money transfers to an address in Spain because they thought their grandson had been arrested in Canada. In that incident, the victims received calls from a male they thought was their grandson and a male posing as a police officer.
A simple Google search for the words “Grandparent Scam” will reveal that the activity is prevalent in several states. Several Attorney General and Consumer Protection websites offer simple advice to avoid being victimized by these and other fraud attempts.
• If you receive an emergency call asking for money, always check with another family member to verify if your loved one really is in trouble and needs help. • Take the time now to talk with your family about this and other scams. • Make it a policy never to wire money without being sure the story being told is true. • If there is ever any doubt about suspicious phone calls or activity call your local police department to assist you in assessing the situation BEFORE you wire money anywhere. (Once the money transfer is complete, you can rarely get your money back)
iPhone App Leads To Police Impersonation Charges 3-19-11
Publisher''s Clearinghouse SCAM ALERT 12-13-10
Castle Shannon Residents continue to report phone calls from callers identifying themselves as representatives of Publisher's Clearinghouse, announcing that the resident is a "winner" of a substantial amount of money.
The caller goes on to explain that in order to "process" the award, the resident must send money (usually several hundred dollars) to a provided address.
Residents are reminded that calls of this type are common fraud attempts and that no legitimate award requires you to send cash to receive a prize.
Castle Shannon Police report another incident involving the so-called “Grandparent Scam” Ongoing
Castle Shannon Police report another incident involving the so-called “Grandparent Scam”
This fraud has been reported on our website http://www.csboro.com/police-message-03-10.asp
A male caller reported to be in his late teens/early 20s called our victim and stated, “ Grandma it’s me.”
The victim wasn’t sure who it was , but eventually guessed the name of one of her grandchildren.
The suspect/actor then assumed that identity and said he was in trouble. He provided a story that he was arrested in Canada and needed bail money.
The caller begged the victim not to contact his “parents” and asked that $5500 be wired to him.
Unfortunately, the victim wired the money in 2 separate transactions on 9-9-10.
The intricate story included a reported call from a “Police Sergeant” which added the appearance of authenticity.
Today, when the victims didn’t hear from their grandchild, they called the number back for the police (which is more than likely a disposable cell phone) and were asked to wire more money for attorney’s fees.
The scam was only uncovered by an alert store clerk who refused to process the additional victim’s wire transfer
The investigation will be referred to the PA Attorney General and the US Postal Inspector, but these cases are inherently hard to track because the perpetrators work from out of the Country.
Residents are again warned about Property Tax Rebate Assistance.
Ongoing
Residents are again warned about Property Tax Rebate Assistance. By: kmt
Attorney General Corbett warns seniors to be cautious of fee-based rebate assistance mailings HARRISBURG - Attorney General Tom Corbett urged Pennsylvania seniors to be wary of mailings and other unsolicited offers that attempt to charge consumers a fee for information about Pennsylvania's property tax rebate program. "Pennsylvania seniors are NOT required to pay a fee to apply for the state's property tax and rent rebates program," Corbett said. "Rebate forms and instructions are available free-of-charge and can be easily obtained from the Department of Revenue, as well as Area Agency on Aging offices and the offices of many state legislators." Corbett said that homeowners across the state have reported recent mailings that ask seniors to complete an information form and return it with a payment in order to receive assistance in filing a property tax or rent rebate claim. He noted that the letters do not disclose that seniors can apply for rebates directly with the Commonwealth for free, or that forms and assistance are readily available. "Consumers should be on the alert for questionable offers that attempt to capitalize on programs intended to provide much-needed financial relief to older Pennsylvanians," Corbett said. "We encourage consumers to avoid unsolicited offers that ask for payment in return for assistance obtaining government funds and urge all consumers to check directly with official agencies to determine if applications or other information can be obtained free-of-charge." Corbett noted that Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older who meet certain income requirements. The deadline for Pennsylvanians seeking a rebate for property taxes or rent paid in 2009 is June 30, 2010. Forms and instructions are available online from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and consumers with questions may call the Department at 1-888-222-9190 for assistance. Consumers with questions or concerns about suspicious mailings or offers can contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555.
http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/press.aspx?id=5157
Police Receive High-Powered Rifles 12-5-09
Using the new Crime Reports Mapping 12-1-09
Please visit the link to CrimeReports on our webpage and navigate through the various tools available. There are fields available to add email addresses for daily alerts, blogs, facebook contacts, and additional methods to receive information relative to crime and police activity in Castle Shannon. The site subscriptions are FREE to residents, and proprietary police information is kept secure by parameters set in our agreement with the vendor.
In order to view the most comprehensive list of crimes, click on the bar for "Crime Types" and when the dialogue box opens, click on the "Show All" bar and then choose "Done".
On the "Calendar" Bar you can choose your time parameters, such as 3,7,14,30 days or a window of time "from/to".
