Four ways to increase your personal safety are:

• Reduce or eliminate opportunities that may make you a target.
• Increase awareness in places you’re most comfortable.
• Trust your instincts regardless of feeling embarrassed.
• Prepare your schedule daily with safety in mind.

Ways to minimize the damage if you do become the victim of a crime:

• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle (wallets, spare keys, debit/credit cards, money, firearms etc)
• Always observe the device where your card is swiped at atm’s, gas pumps etc.  It is possible for scammers to attach a device to these machines and extract important data from your card.
• Never leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart while at the store.  It only takes a second for someone to walk by and grab it.
• Never send cash in the mail.
• If it sounds too good to be true, chances are it is.  Never send money to someone who claims you have won something.  Do your research before engaging in any type of transaction with someone you don’t know.  It is possible you could be engaging in an unlawful transaction and you could ultimately be held responsible as well as the other party.  When in doubt contact law enforcement.

If you have additional questions you may always call.  You may also check out the websites below for additional information.  By clicking the links you will be taken to a website outside of the Police Department.  These sites are not endorsed by the Police Department and we are not responsible for their content.  They are suggestions of sites you may start your research.  If you have additional questions regarding specific crimes and ways to avoid becoming a victim please feel free to contact any officer of the Police Department and they will be happy to assist you.  For public speaking events please contact Captain Dan Contarini at (636)586-8891.

Below we have included some links to websites with valuable information regarding scams and how not to become a victim.  As always if you have questions or concerns please contact our Detective for more information or specific information regarding your situation.

Federal Trade Commission –  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts

USA.gov scams – https://www.usa.gov/scams-and-frauds

Better Business Bureau (BBB) – https://www.bbb.org/council/bbb-scam-stopper/

FBI –  https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes

FBI- Contact Link  https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us