Don’t Fall for Bank Scams: Easy Tips to Protect Your Money
Protect Your Money from Bank Scams You’ve heard of door-to-door scams, and your home video system can even help spot those people. Also, many phone scams exist. Now, bank scams are a big problem. These bank scams happen in many ways. For example, you might get calls, emails, or letters that look just like ones from your bank. But remember this key thing: banks will never ask you for secret information over the phone. So, ifsomeone asks for it, it’s probably not your bank calling. This new bank scam makes many people very careful about sharing their personal details. The scammer on the phone will tell you there’s a safety problem with your account or bank card. They’ll also say you can fix the problem right then. However, normally, if there’s an issue with your account, you call 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, follow one quick rule: Wait at least five minutes. Then, call your bank using the number on the back of your bank card. Why wait five minutes? It’s for your safety. The scammer calling you isn’t your bank, so they won’t hang up right away. They want you to start dialing fast. If you dial right away, you might think you’re calling your bank, but the fake caller is still on the line! This could be very bad. Many problems can happen if you aren’t careful with your bank account and 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 Scams? Your bank won’t call you about problems with your account. Usually, you call them. So, remember this. Your bank will never ask you to move money between accounts. Again, you are the one who calls your bank or goes online to move your money. If someone calls and says they are your bank, wait five minutes before you call your bank back. Tell your bank what happened. They can then freeze your account. This stops the scammer from getting to your money, so you don’t lose money or become a victim of identity theft. Never give out any info to someone who calls and says they are your bank. This includes your name, address, phone number (they should have it if they called you!), secret questions, account numbers, Social Security number, and more. If you have older children who might answer the phone and know your bank info, warn them about these scams.Some kids might not know better and could accidentally tell a scammer your private details. Contact Your Rochester Security Alarm Company It’s important to keep every part of your life safe. You don’t just need to protect your bank accounts; you also need to guard your home and everything you’ve worked for. Luckily, home security systems help you do that. For example, if someone knocks on your door trying to sell you something fake or asking for your information, your home camera system can catch their face. Also, if someone tries to get into your home, whether you’re there or not, you and the security company will know right away, so you can deal with it fast. 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: Prepare Now, Stay Calm & Secure
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. This makes safety during power outages a must. A 2017 storm hit hard. For instance, hurricane winds left many in the dark for over a day. Some had no power for more than a week. RG&E reported big numbers. On March 8, 2017, at 2:30 PM, they said 31,000 customers in Monroe County lost power. That number grew all day. Many businesses closed early. School events were canceled. Then, on Thursday, many schools closed. By Sunday, March 12, 2017, 9,314 customers still had no 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. However, it lasts for a specific time. Know your battery life. If so, contact SPS Fire & Security today. Learn how an alarm system can protect your home during an outage. Remember, most outages last less than half a day. But also, burglars become more active then. They target empty places. 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 for seniors, 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, older people now use smartphones a lot, just like everyone else. This means learning to use smart home features won’t be hard for them. Luckily, security systems and their apps are very simple to use. So, it takes almost no time to learn. Protecting the Elderly from Burglars with Home Automation for Seniors 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 Burglars aren’t the only danger. In fact, floods, fires, leaks, and carbon monoxide hurt everyone, young or old. However, home security systems have fire and carbon monoxide alarms built in. These systems quickly tell the police or fire department what’s happening. Plus, you can push a panic button to get help fast if you can’t grab your phone during a problem. So, this is great for older people who live by themselves. There are different environmental protections put in place to make sure everyone inside the home is protected. Peace of Mind with Home Automation for Seniors Home automation lets older adults control their home even when they’re on vacation. If you travel a lot, video cameras help you watch your home from far away, giving you peace of mind. You can lock your doors remotely if you’re worried you forgot. You can also turn on certain lights each night. Plus, you can adjust the thermostat for pets left at home alone. You have endless ways to control your home and make your life easier! 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.