Miscellaneous Personal Security

1. If someone solicits you by telephone or e-mail, be very careful. Do not give them or repeat your telephone number. Do not provide any personal information about your family or yourself. Buy caller ID and install this equipment so that you can see who they are before you answer. Keep a logbook of unusual or suspicious calls and contact the police immediately.
   
   
2. Having an answering machine is fine as long as you don't state your name or telephone number or where you may be in the message. A good message may simply state, "Hello, we can't come to the phone presently. Leave your message after the tone, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible."
   
   
3. You must always provide yourself another means of alternate communications, such as a cell phone. If the criminal cuts or disconnects your phone line, you're in trouble. Store or keep a cell phone in an easily accessible place and have a plan. Having an additional separate phone line is good, but a cell phone is better.
   
   
4. Try not to provide your financial history, credit card account information, or similar to people by way of e-mail, fax, phone. If you can hand carry it, this is the best method. If you do e-mail such documents, make sure you use a security encrypted secure server to send your materials. If you have to mail same, request a return receipt and try not to type or write "Mortgage Payment," "My Payment" or similar outside the envelope. Use thick envelopes or wrap your documents so that others cannot see through and get your account number, etc.

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