February 2, 2004
Phones are criminal's paradise
Gee, haven't heard this one before. Sgt. Tim Philips of The Baxter Bulletin from Arkansas, reports that the "use of cameraphones by criminals has increased identity theft crimes by as much as 20 percent in some areas" and gives some advice on how to protect yourself:
- Do not remove your credit card from your wallet or purse until you are immediately ready to use it.
- Avoid handing your credit card face up to the cashier. Hand it face down, covering your signature on the back with the palm of your hand or thumb.
- Do not sign your receipt where others can easily read it.
- If someone is standing a little too close to you while using a cell phone, it is better to politely ask him or her to kindly allow more space than to become a victim of identity theft.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. This is especially true when traveling out of town.
- Casinos, professional stadiums, concert halls and large amusement parks are a criminal's feeding grounds. Be careful here.
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