Finance and Safety

by Gay Beck November 2005 Have you ever thought that some financial programs and some safety programs work hand and hand together? Read and learn my friends...

Numerous women assume that junk mail is just that-junk-and throw it away. However, it has personal information that one might think twice about giving to a stranger. We find ourselves putting personal information into the computer because "they" say it is safe. A person of authority, we assume, calls on the telephone, and we not only part with the personal information they have requested, but volunteer even more.

We go shopping and use credit cards without giving it a second thought. Many of us have checks with our address, phone number, social security number, and drivers license number printed on them. When doing bank or other business transactions in person (or from the car), we tend to verbally part with code names/numbers, etc. These are just a few ways of parting with personal information that can come back and haunt us.

You may recall, from years gone by, these news stories: A woman in Denver smelled gas in her backyard. She called the gas company-a technician came out, took "pertinent information" about family routine, and six months later she was raped and murdered….by him! A New York Bank V.P. fell in love….she gave her boyfriend all kinds of personal customer information. The point? People that break the law have jobs.

Dreadful? Of course. However, don't get scared, get safe! Be street smart….not a victim!

Here are 20 suggestions to think about and to follow through with:

(1) When you're done with the mail (including junk mail), be sure to shred it or to tear it up. Don't forget carbon paper from credit cards (you know, that which the sales clerk pitches in the trash and then goes to the dumpster at the back of the store for I.D. thieves to find!)

(2) When leaving your home, take only personal papers and/or I.D. needed for that day. Don't carry your "life" in your purse or day timer; it can become "gold" for an ID thief.

(3) Remember-don't part with information about you or your family. Ask why the information is needed…then LISTEN to the answer…and still be wary!!!

(4) Keep in mind, our invasion of privacy is being invaded enough with the audacity of being asked for social security numbers, birthdates, and drivers license numbers to do volunteer work in our churches and community, and even to pay to attend some of the government grant funded seminars/symposiums.

(5) People that steal are usually experts-and very charming. It's step past push when thieves let us assume their authority figures just because we didn't ask!

(6) In larger markets it is inappropriate to invade another person's "space". Give serious thought to it the next time you write a check, or give out code names or numbers.

(7) Know who has your personal information and why they have it.

(8) Put locks on your mailbox.

(9) Discourage checks being sent to your home. Pick them up at the bank.

(10) Know that money orders are usually safer than cashiers checks. Money orders are insured!

(11) The Holidays are here. Stay on top of your "game".

(12) It is dark earlier-go home to property that's well lit. Your porch light is only a few pennies a day and worth it for the safety.

(13) Look under your car and in the back seat before getting in your car (that's day and night).

(14) Don't look or appear to be meek or easy pray-walk tall with purpose and confidence. Thieves and worse look for meek quiet ladies, not assertive women! They yell, scream, make a scene, fight back, and save their life.

(15) Don't walk close to buildings or cars.

(16) Don't load up, carrying so many shopping packages that you become vulnerable.

(17) Be aware of your surroundings and where you are.

(18) Don't go out after dark alone.

(19) If you do eye to eye business at home have a dog, a friend, a relative (and a sturdy baseball bat!) with you.

(20) Have a man put the message on your voice mail and use the word we rather than I. This one is for women living alone.

As small children, we're taught to look both ways before crossing the street, for the sake of safety. We didn't think then about the consequences, we just did it. Ladies, to have a full and successful life, follow the finance and safety suggestions mentioned above….just do it. Wichita Falls and all of the Red River areas aren't the warm friendly extended family type atmosphere communities of times from the past. What you don't know CAN hurt you both physically and financially.

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