Camaraderie Club members hear about how to stay safe
By Julia Wolf
Cornell and Lake Holcombe Camaraderie Club members learned tips on how they can keep themselves, and their belongings, safe. Cornell Police Chief Glenn Rehberg gave a presentation, Dec. 13, where he talked about warning signs that something is a scam, as well as steps to take to prevent break-ins at home.
There are many different types of scams. Some common scams are phones scams, where people pretend to be a grandchild in need of money quickly; contest scams, where the victim is asked to pay taxes or fees on something they supposedly won; romance scams, where a scammer builds a relationship with the victim online, before asking for money when “tragedy” strikes; or scams that demand quick payments in order to avoid arrest.
“There are a lot of warning signs that should automatically send up red flags,” said Rehberg.
He says many of the scams are successful, because they prey on basic human instincts, such as love and care for family, greed, and the desire for relationships and love.
Rehberg says scams also often try to get action quickly.
“Exercise caution anytime you have to do it (any action asked/demanded) now,” said Rehberg.
Finally, scammers will frequently ask for money through gift cards.
“Nobody takes payment by gift cards,” said Rehberg. “Not for a bill. Not for taxes. Not for police fines.”
Other red flags, are when someone selling something wants to move a conversation off the selling platform or the deal appears too good to be true.
Rehberg also encourages everyone to hover over links online, to check where it will take you, to confirm the link does not lead to a falsified website.
Rehberg says it doesn’t take a stupid or un-wise person to fall for a scam. He says we all have cracks in our armor that make us susceptible and says that is where a second opinion from a trusted person comes in handy.
“Having the ability to reach out and expose your potential vulnerability to somebody, is really a strength,” said Rehberg.
Rehberg encourages everyone not to engage with potential scammers over the phone, since that shows a willingness to communicate and gives them time to explore your weaknesses. Instead, he says people should simply hang up.
“You only hurt yourself by continuing to talk to them,” said Rehberg.
When it comes to calls about credit cards, Rehberg says it is best to hang up, and call the number on the back of the credit card or the bank number at the top of the statements to check for issues, and not to call any numbers given over the phone by a suspected scammer. He says it is also important to remember that credit card companies will not ask for your account numbers, since they already have that information.
For home security and preventing breakins, Rehberg says the easiest thing people can do is lock their houses and cars. He also says windows are another easy way to enter, if they are not closed and locked.
“I’m a huge believer in deadbolts,” said Rehberg, who says they are more secure than other types of locks.
Rehberg says there is no house that can’t be broken into, but the goal is to make it a more difficult, and less attractive, target.
He says just locking the doors and windows is a great first step. Rehberg says there are other ways to reinforce locks and doors, to help prevent break-ins, which are available online.
Another way to increase the security of a house, is to install an alarm system. Rehberg says an expensive system, like ADT, isn’t always necessary, and systems like Ring or SimpliSafe also work for a lower price. He says there are also systems that do not detect animals, for those who have pets.
