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Be a hard target: practice personal security

By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker, 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published December 07, 2011

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SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- So you just finished all your Holiday shopping and head home. After a big shopping trip, you're pretty exhausted and hungry, so you stop at a local restaurant just to get a quick bite and you leave your vehicle unlocked, because it will just take a second, and you're in a pretty good neighborhood right?

Wrong!

The second someone leaves their vehicle unlocked, no matter what is inside, they leave themselves open to be a victim of theft, no matter what part of town they are in, said Daniel Hux, 4th Security Forces Squadron Reports and Analysis technician.

"A person only needs an opportunity and when we leave ourselves open to be a victim, many times, that's what will happen," Hux said.

During the holiday season, many people are victims to physical thefts, such as car and residential break-ins, but identity theft is also on the rise as technology gives perpetrators several options to steal personal identifying information (PID), such as a birth date and social security number.

In November, the local police department reported more than 50 cases of attempted and/or successful efforts of larceny. More than 90 percent of the attempts were identity theft, Hux said.

Throughout the year, people are cautioned to keep their identities secure by taking necessary safety measures, such as locking doors and not giving out too much information. Sadly, new-age perpetrators do not have to steal. Their new tactic is the information super highway.

"People need to be really cognizant of their internet connection when making purchases online," Hux said. "Make sure your internet connection is secure and you have a virus protection plan, because there are viruses out there that record your keystrokes, making it possible to steal credit card information, passwords, birthdays and bank account information."

With so many avenues for would-be-thieves, the 4th Fighter Wing encourages Airmen and their families to remain safe this holiday season in all aspects of their lives. Using common sense and erring on the side of caution can help keep the holidays happy.

"There are two kinds of thieves," said Karl Burger, 4 SFS reports and analysis manager. "There's the kind who goes out looking for something to steal and those that work on the target of opportunity. These are the ones who may not be looking for trouble, but come across something that is unattended, an unlocked door or maybe a lost credit card and seize the opportunity."

Burger recommends these tips to protect against would be crooks:

· Shred any documents containing PID, addresses and phone numbers.

· In apartment complexes when trash is confined to one central area, ensure names and addresses on packages are completely blacked out.

· Never give your social security number over the phone.

· Avoid internet scams by ensuring a secure connection. Do not log into back accounts from public networks.

· Keep all identification cards, debit and credit cards on your person at all times.

While these tips may not stop a determined assailant, Airmen should do all they can to not be "that guy" who declines to practice personal security and becomes an easy victim.
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