Tips for Dealing with Bank Scams
Protect Your Money Not only has there been door-to-door scams (in which your home video surveillance system can identify the individual) and many different kinds of telephone scams, one of the most recent scams that have come about is the bank scam. These bank scams happen in many different ways such as telephone calls and emails or letters similar to the ones the bank may send you. One important source of information to remember is that banks will never ask you for confidential information over the phone, so they are most likely not the ones calling you. This newest bank scam has many individuals super careful about the way they gave out their personal information. The person that calls will inform you that there is a safety or security problem with your account or your bank account card. They will also tell you that you can fix the problem right over the phone. Normally, when there is a problem associated with your account, you, as the account holder, are the one that contacts the bank, not the other way around. While keeping your bank accounts secure, don’t forget your home by contacting SPS Fire & Security. Consequences of Bank Scam Calls If this ever happens to you, one fast rule of thumb is wait at least five minutes and then contact your bank at the number on the back of your bank card. The reason for waiting five minutes is for security proposes due to the fact that the person calling you is not your bank and therefore they have not terminated the call. They are waiting for you to start dialing right away. What will happen is your think that you have dialed your bank when really the fake bank caller is still on the phone? It could be very bad. There are many things that could happen if you do not be careful about protecting your bank account and your bank account cards. Your account will become empty. The bank account card that has certain limit on it will be used to the max. You will and could become a victim of identity theft. Chances of other accounts you are associated with being hacked increases. What Can You Do to Avoid Bank Fraud? Your bank will never call you when your bank account is having issues. Normally you are the one that is calling the bank. So keep that in mind. Your bank will never call to ask you to transfer any amounts of money from one account to another. Like stated above, you are the one that is calling the bank or going online to transfer your own money. If for any reason someone calls you and claims to be your bank, wait five minutes before calling your bank. Let your bank know what has happened and they can put a freeze (put a stop to having access to your account for a period of time) on your account. That way the scammer can have no access to your account and you don’t loss money or become a victim of identify theft Never provide ANYONE that calls and claims to be your bank with information such as: name, address, telephone number (they should already have that one since they are the ones that called you), security questions, account numbers, social security number and more. If you have younger children in the house that might know any information associated with your bank account and they are old enough to be answering the telephone, make them aware of this bank scam and any other scam that is going on. Some children don’t know any better and might slip, telling the scammer personal information. Contact Your Rochester Security Alarm Company It is important to keep all elements of your life secure. Not only do you need to protect your bank accounts, but you need to protect your home and everything that you have worked for. Home security systems are a way to do that. If someone knocks on your door, trying to sell you something that isn’t legit or they want information from you, you can capture their face on a home surveillance system. If someone tries to enter your home, whether you are there or not, you and the central monitoring center will know so that the matter can be addressed promptly. If you have become a victim in any bank scams contact your bank you are associated with for help. If you have any questions associated home and phone security contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.
Safety During Power Outages
What to do When the Power Is Out Every year, Rochester, New York sees some of the craziest wind. In some places, it has been known to reach speeds over 80 MPH which is considered hurricane force wind. One storm in 2017 had hurricane force winds that left many in the dark for a little over a day. Others had no electricity for more than a week. RG&E stated that on Wednesday March 8, 2017 at 2:30 PM there were an estimated of 31,000 customers in Monroe County without power and that number grow over the course of the day. Many businesses even closed early, and school events were canceled and rescheduled. The next day, Thursday, many schools closed. As of Sunday, March 12, 2017 there are 9,314 customers without power. During weather-related power outages like Rochester, New York faced, there are many residential and commercial security factors that should be kept in mind. Power Outage Safety Tips Keep in mind that if you lose power that you should contact a neighbor to see if they have also lost power. Sometimes it might just be a blown transformer or fuse from the power lines. If your neighbor tells you that they don’t have power, then go head and contact your local electrical company to report an outage. They will be able to look into the outage and send an employee out to assess the situation. If possible, check the local weather on the internet or a battery powered radio. To prevent overloading outlets, unplug any unnecessary appliances such as microwaves, coffee makers, and refrigerators and electronic devices such as computers, TVs, etc. Once you have unplugged the refrigerator and freezer, keep the doors closed as much as possible. If it is cold outside, think about getting a cooler or two and filling them with ice for the items that you might have to take out of the fridge. Food will last no more than 24 hours if you minimize the door being opened. If the outage is due to windy weather, don’t use outside grills or go outside for any reason because it could become dangerous with falling trees, falling power lines, and airborne debris. In the event that you ever experience an outage contact your local electrical company (RG&E 1-800-743-1701 or NYSEG 1-800-572-1131). Contact Your Rochester Alarm Company Today! Alarm systems have backup battery power that can last up to a specific amount of time. Know your battery life. If you want to keep your home secure during a power outage, contact SPS Fire & Security today to learn about how an alarm system can still protect your home even while the power is out. Remember that most power outages last less than half a day, but power outages can also be a time when burglars become more active around places they know won’t be occupied. Call today at 585-770-0348.
Home Security and Home Automation for Seniors
Smart Homes Protect the Elderly Home security systems protect anyone of any age, but there are different features that, while they benefit all people, can especially benefit seniors. Most of all, a home security system, especially one with home automation, can put seniors more in charge of their own security. That also goes for those that may not be as tech savvy. A professional home security company installs the system and teaches the homeowner how to use the system using a smartphone. Yes, the elderly now carries smartphones, as they have become a way of life, and they use them well. Fortunately, security systems and automation apps are very easy to use. The learning curve is very small. Protecting the Elderly from Burglars The good news is that the violent crime rate is lower among seniors than younger people, but, unfortunately, burglars will target the elderly because they may be in search of pain medications or other medications they can use to satisfy a drug problem. They also believe that senior citizens have money stashed under their mattresses. This means that seniors tend to be the target of property crimes. One out of five burglary victims are over 65 years old, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. They are seen as easy targets, which is why it is important to lock down the home as much as possible. Dealing with Environmental Threats Burglary isn’t the only threat to the elderly. Floods, fires, leaks, carbon monoxide, and other events don’t care about how old someone is. Home security systems can have built-in fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors so the authorities can be notified as soon as possible. A panic button can also be used when there is an emergency and a phone can’t be accessed. There are different environmental protections put in place to make sure everyone inside the home is protected. Peace of Mind Through home automation, seniors can also have control of their home while on vacation. For those that travel a lot, they can have peace of mind that their home is safe through video surveillance that allows them to watch remotely. If there is ever fear that the doors haven’t been locked, they can be locked remotely. If certain lights need to be turned on each night, they can be. If pets are left at home alone, the thermostat can be controlled. The sky is the limit when it comes to giving the elderly more control over their homes and lives. Call A Qualified Rochester Home Security Company If you are ready to see how home automation and security can make life easier, call SPS Fire & Security today at 585-770-0348.