Theft Prevention Tips

Nationally, theft of mobile electronics is on the rise because they are used widely, are small, quickly removed, and can yield the thief approximately half their original purchase price when sold. Each year, a number of laptops and tablet devices are reported stolen on our campuses. The majority of the items reported stolen were left unattended for only a few minutes.

Thefts of mobile electronic devices can be prevented by taking a few precautions.

Keep your devices with you at all times; assume no space is "safe." This includes on campus while in a library or common space, study carrel, etc.
Consider a non-descript bag to carry your device; this may deter a thief from targeting your device.
If your device is left in your room, be sure to close AND lock your door at all times.
Register your laptop with Public Safety and Service; this service includes free engraving of your laptop so if it is found on campus we can return it to you.
Consider purchasing — and using — a laptop security lock. These devices are available at a wide variety of retail stores.
Do not store your device in an unlocked car. If you must leave it in a car briefly, choose an area such as the trunk where the device cannot be seen, and be sure it is locked. ** Note that extreme cold and heat can affect your device; avoid storing it in a car during these conditions.
If your device came with a theft prevention system, be sure to activate and use it. We have had some devices successfully returned to their owners thanks to such systems - not only do some make the device unusable, but they can provide contact information to folks finding them, and some can provide IP addresses if the device is connected to a wireless or wired connection. If your device did not come with a system, consider such a system.
Report suspicious behavior to Public Safety and Service, particularly people looking at electronic devices or leaving with them and don't appear to be the owner.
Create regular backups of your devices, particularly laptops. Imagine all of the important data you would lose if it was lost, stolen, or crashed.
If your laptop contains sensitive or confidential data, be sure to encrypt the laptop.
Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac Apple offers FREE service that will allow you to locate your apple device on a map, remotely lock your device, or erase your data. to learn more, visit the apple website and type the words "Find My Mac, iPad, etc."

What to do if your device is stolen

If your device is stolen, notify Public Safety and Service immediately. This increases the chance of the item being recovered. The device can also be entered into a national database.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) have revolutionized banking allowing customers to do their banking 24 hours a day. They also, however, have been a great help for thieves looking for quick cash. This workshop focuses on some of the things to be aware of when you use your ATM.

Memorize your PIN. Don't write it down on your card, or on a piece of paper you store in your wallet. If your card or wallet were stolen, the thief would have your PIN.
Be ready for your transaction. Have your card ready, have your code in your head, and fill out any deposit envelopes before you approach the ATM. Take some envelopes with you and complete them at home or in your locked car at your next transactions.
Be aware of your surroundings. Look at the area around the ATM; is it well-lit? Is it in a remote area, or are there many cars passing by? Are there any cars or people 'hanging out' in the area? Is your gut instinct telling you this is a safe area? Consider using the ATM during daylight hours, when you can see better and others can see you better. If you must use an ATM at night, consider one inside an open business like a grocery store.
Protect your code. When using the ATM, block other people's view; don't allow others to see your code, what type of transaction you are making, or how much money you are withdrawing.
Keep space around you. If there is a line behind you in the ATM and someone is too close to you, ask them to step back. If they do not step back, you may want to cancel your transaction and either wait in your car, or use the ATM at another time.
Put your money away quickly. Put your money in your wallet and put your wallet away immediately. Count your money when you are safely inside your car or home. Before you leave the ATM, check your surroundings - is anyone around? Also put away your card and receipt.
Avoid large cash withdrawals. If you were robbed or lost your wallet, at least you would only lose a smaller amount of cash.
Take all of your receipts with you. Don't let a potential thief know how much money you have withdrawn or how much you have in the bank.
If you are driving, park as close as you can to the ATM, and lock your doors. Keep your keys handy so you can enter your car quickly after completing your transaction.
If you are using a drive-up ATM, assess the surroundings of the ATM. Are people 'hanging around' on foot or in vehicles? If it feels unsafe to you, choose another ATM. Keep your doors locked. Keep all windows up except the one you are using. Keep the car running and keep aware of your surroundings.
Check your account statement. Notify your bank and the police if you notice any suspicious or unauthorized ATM transactions on your monthly statement.
If your card is stolen, immediately contact the police department where you are, and contact the financial institution responsible for the ATM card. Thieves typically have about a four to eight hour window they can use stolen ATM and credit cards since owners don't report them stolen right away. You may not be liable for any items debited from your account if you report it right away.
Bring a friend. A thief is less likely to attempt to rob you if you have someone with you.
If you are followed, go to an open business and call the police. Provide a description and direction of travel of the person or vehicle following you.

Bicycle theft tips

See the bicycle registration and safety page for tips on preventing your bike from being stolen.

Auto theft prevention tips

Due to the large number of vehicles in parking lots on campuses, they are susceptible to car thefts. Though Mount Holyoke College has typically had very few vehicles stolen each year, unfortunately, thefts do still occur.

1. Park in a well-lit area

Park under a light, near an emergency phone, or in a well-travelled area such as the outside rows of a parking lot. Report any burned out lights to Facilities Management (or Public Safety and Service after hours) so they may be repaired for your safety and the security of your vehicle.

2. Lock Your Doors and take your keys

It is much easier to try the doors of vehicles parked in an area than it is to break the windows or jimmy locks, which would bring attention to a would-be thief. This is a simple but effective step in protecting your car. Be sure to take your keys with you.

3. Do not leave valuables in view

Take any valuables with you, including removable stereo equipment, wallets, CDs, etc. Thieves not looking to steal an entire car could easily make off with the contents of your vehicle in only a few short minutes. If you must leave valuables in your car, lock them in the trunk compartment.

4. Park in the Gorse Parking Lot while on vacation or not using your car often

When you are away on break and have to leave your car on campus, park in the Gorse Parking Lot. This is where most vehicles left for the break will park, and Public Safety and Service is better able to watch several cars in one area than cars spread throughout the campus during the breaks. Also, you increase the likelihood of others being in the lot deterring thieves as others will be using their vehicles. Put someone in charge of your vehicle to check on it, and to move it from time to time so a thief does not know you are away (you may want to list their phone number on your registration form in the Parking Office in case something happens to your vehicle - we can attempt to notify this person in your absence). If you are on campus but do not use your vehicle frequently, be sure to move it and clear it of snow in the winter so a thief does not think the car will be left unattended for him to take.

NOTE: while students may leave vehicles on campus during academic recesses (fall break, December recess, spring break), the college does not have spaces available for longer term storage. This means vehicles may not be left on campus for the summer or while a student is not attending courses at Mount Holyoke (during leave, etc.).

5. Report Suspicious Activity to Public Safety and Service

Call if you see someone trying handles on the cars in a lot or "hanging around" the cars. Call if you hear glass breaking or other sounds which may indicate someone is trying to get into cars. Provide a full description of the person, including clothing and a direction of travel if s/he leaves the area.

Auto theft prevention devices

Alarms

Alarms can alert others to a problem with a car. However, vehicle owners should be aware that often times alarms can be ignored due to the large number of false alarms. Officers on campus respond to every report of an alarm sounding, but calls do not always come in immediately; usually we are called only once an alarm becomes an annoyance to those in the area and the alarm has been sounding for some time. Use an alarm in conjunction with other theft prevention devices. Visible decals warning a potential thief of an alarm may cause him to look for another target to avoid drawing attention to himself.

Steering wheel locks

These are a visible deterrent to a potential thief. They prevent the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. They are not infallible, but when used in conjunction with other crime prevention methods, may make your vehicle a less desirable target.

Auto etching

Many cars are stolen for parts. Professional thieves may shy away from a vehicle that has had the vehicle identification number (VIN) etched into the doors, windows, windshield, etc.

Anti-theft systems

Typically such systems include siren alarms, starter disablers, motion senors, remote control activation, panic buttons, and shock detectors on doors, windows, or trunk lids. A beeper can alert the owner when someone trips the system. These again can deter a thief who is looking for an easy target. Prices range depending on the options an owner selects.

We all need to remain vigilant for scams designed to steal money and personal information. Your best defense against online attacks is to use strong passwords. In addition to securing your banking and credit accounts with strong and different passwords, secure all your other accounts that contain anything of value, such as: rewards accounts, online accounts that save your payment information, or accounts containing your private, personal information.

Email fishing scams

Do not open any unsolicited emails and do not click on any links provided.
Never open attachments from people you do not know. The safest practice when opening an attachment from someone you do know and trust is to save it first and run a virus scan on it before you open it. Be sure to keep your virus scanning program up-to-date to catch the newest viruses. This not only protects you, but also anyone you may email and everyone in your address book.
Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) emails.
Beware of providing credit card information when requested through unsolicited emails.
Avoid filling out forms contained in email messages that ask for personal information.
Verify any requests for personal information from any business or financial institution by contacting them using the main contact information on their official website.
Spammers can get addresses from jokes, pleas for emails going to a sick person, or any other forwarded email with a list of addresses. Do not forward such lists.
Try to avoid listing your email in public. Once it is public, it becomes a target for spam.

Employment scams

Be wary when replying to unsolicited emails or links for work-at-home employment.
Be cautious of exaggerated claims of possible earnings or profits.
Beware when money is required up front for instructions or products for employment.
Do not give out your personal information when first interacting with a prospective employer.
Be leery when a job posting claims “no experience necessary.”

Online shopping scams

If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often scheme to defraud consumers by offering too-good-to-be-true deals via phishing e-mails or advertisements. Such schemes may offer brand name merchandise at extremely low discounts or promise gift cards as an incentive to purchase a product. Other sites may offer products at a great price, but the products being sold are not the same as the products advertised.
Steer clear of un-trusted sites or ads offering items at unrealistic discounts or with special coupons. You may end up paying for an item, giving away personal information and credit card details, and then receive nothing in return except a compromised identity.
The emergence and prevalence of secondary markets for airline miles, gift cards, rewards credits, and the like have inadvertently increased the demand for, and resale value of, your stolen information.
Be vigilant when receiving items purchased from online auctions and third-party marketplaces. If an item arrives from some other online merchant, it may have been purchased using a stolen credit card number or stolen rewards points, etc. and then shipped directly to you. Report such cases to both the marketplace where you bought and the merchant who sent it.

Social media scams

Beware of posts on social media sites that appear to offer vouchers or gift cards, especially deals that are too good to be true, such as a free $500 gift card. Some may pose as holiday promotions or contests. It may even appear one of your friends shared the link with you. Often, these scams lead you to participate in an online survey that is actually designed to steal personal information.
If you purchase or receive theater, concerts, or sporting event tickets as a holiday gift, do not post pictures of the tickets on social media sites. Fraudsters can create a ticket using the barcode obtained from the photo and resell the ticket. Protect ticket barcodes as you would your credit card number, and never display them on social media.

Smartphone app scams

Be careful when downloading mobile applications. Some apps, often disguised as games and offered for free, may be designed to steal personal information.
Before downloading an app from an unknown source, research the company selling it or giving it away, and look online for third-party reviews of the product.
Be mindful that alternative app marketplaces available to “jailbroken” or “rooted” devices can potentially include copyright-infringing, stolen content and compromised versions of otherwise trustworthy applications.

How to protect yourself

Check your credit card statement routinely. If possible, set up credit card transaction auto alerts, or check your balance after every online purchase to ensure the proper amount was charged to your account. It is important to keep checking your card after the holiday season, as many fraudulent charges can show up even several weeks later.
If purchasing merchandise, ensure it is from a reputable source.
Ensure a site is secure and reputable before providing your credit card number online. Don’t trust a site just because it claims to be secure.
Do your research to ensure legitimacy of the individual or company you are purchasing from.
Secure your credit card accounts, even rewards account, with strong passwords, change passwords and check your account routinely.
Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.

Who to contact if you suspect you’ve been victimized

Contact your financial institution immediately upon suspecting or discovering a fraudulent transfer.
Contact law enforcement or if on campus contact Public Safety and Service at 413-538-2304.
Request that your bank reach out to the financial institution where the fraudulent transfer was sent.
File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov, regardless of dollar loss. Provide all relevant information in your complaint.

Identity theft is the unlawful use of another person's personal information, such as name and date of birth, credit card numbers, Social Security number, or driver's license information for the purpose of committing fraud or some other form of deceptions.

The Federal Trade Commission has estimated that 43% of fraud committed in the United States in 2002 was related to identity theft.

Although the unauthorized use of another person's identity is in itself a crime under federal and Massachusetts law, it is almost always a means of committing other crimes such as bank fraud, check fraud, credit card fraud, internet fraud, the fraudulent obtaining of loans, or the avoidance of criminal prosecution.

Knowing how to protect yourself, and what to do if you become a victim is essential to protecting your finances and credit rating. Read more from the Federal Trade Commission: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft.

How your identity may be stolen

Identity thieves use a variety of methods to gain access to your personal information including:

Stealing your wallet or purse containing your identification, credit, and bank cards.
Stealing your mail, including your bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, and tax information. Also stealing your garbage and looking for discarded information.
Fraudulently obtaining your credit report by posing as a landlord or employer.
Buying your personal information from "inside" sources. For example, an identity thief may pay a store, restaurant, or hotel employee for information about you.
Taking information about you from the Web.

Prevention of identity theft

While we cannot prevent identity theft entirely, here are some tips to minimize our risks:

Before revealing any personal information, find out how it will be used and whether it will be shared with others.
Pay attention to your billing cycles. Contact your creditors immediately if your bill does not show up on time.
Minimize the number of credit cards you carry; only carry the ones you need.
Guard your mail from theft. Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office.
Keep items with personal information in a safe place. Shred or tear up your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, bank checks, and statements that you are discarding, expired charge cards, and credit offers you get in the mail.
Do not carry your Social Security card; leave it in a secure place. Give out your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary. Ask to use other forms of identification when possible.
Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus at least once a year. Review the reports to make sure they are accurate and include only the activities you have authorized.
Do not be a victim of phishing which is when thieves send e-mails that look as if they come from legitimate companies requesting certain personal information. Never provide personal information such as Social Security, credit card, and bank account numbers or user names and passwords to these e-mails. Be very suspicious of e-mails that were sent to you unsolicited.
If you are shopping online, make sure the Web site is secure. Sites that have technology to secure transactions will have "https" instead of "http" in their web address on the page that asks for credit information. Another way to tell if the site is secure is if you see an icon of a locked padlock which is usually at the bottom of the screen.
Write "check photo ID" in ink on the back of your credit cards near your signature. This will alert the store clerk to check the credit card against your photo identification.
If you still use your Social Security number as your driver's license number, get it changed to a generic number.
Be careful to protect yourself while shopping in malls and stores. Do not leave purses or wallets unattended or in easy places on your person to pick. Watch for people standing nearby with a cell phone with a camera. With camera cell phones available now, someone can easily take a clear picture of the information on your credit card. Block your ATM transactions with your body so no one can see your PIN number.
Immediately open your credit card statements and check for unfamiliar purchases. Keep your credit card receipts in one place and cross check them against your monthly statement. Shred the statement and receipts when you are through with them.
Do not give out information to companies that should already have that information. For example, your bank should never call you asking for your checking account number. They have that information.
Commit all passwords and personal identification numbers to memory. Be creative when you select a password.

What to do when you think you are a victim of identity theft

1. If you feel that there is a chance that your credit or bank accounts may be compromised, contact all three major credit bureaus.

Request that they each place a fraud alert and a victim's statement in your file. A fraud alert is supposed to result in creditors contacting you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts.
Request a FREE copy of your credit report to check whether any accounts were opened without your consent.
Request that each remove inquiries and/or fraudulent accounts stemming from the theft.

2. Close your bank accounts but notify the bank that your account numbers have been compromised and that you would like a new account. If you have any problems doing this, change banks.

If checks were stolen, place stop payments on them.
If bank accounts were set up without your consent, close them.
If your ATM card was stolen, request a new card, account number and PIN number.

3. Notify the issuers of the credit cards you carry. If unauthorized charges appear on your legitimate credit cards or if unauthorized cards have been issued in your name, request replacement cards with new account numbers. Request that the unauthorized cards be closed.

Monitor credit card bills for new fraudulent activity. If found, report it immediately to the credit card issuers and credit reporting agencies.

4. Check with any online accounts, merchants, or payment services that you use for any fraudulent activity against your account

5. Contact your local police department to file a criminal report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors.

6. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC keeps records of identity theft cases used by law enforcement for investigations.

7. Contact the Social Security Administration's Fraud Hotline to report the unauthorized use of your personal identification information. Hotline: 800.269.0271

8. Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of your identity theft. Check to see whether an unauthorized license number has been issued in your name.

9. Be sure to document the names and phone numbers of everyone you speak to regarding the incident. Follow up your phone calls with letters. Keep copies of all correspondence.

Review the steps to prevent identity theft to avoid any additional problems in the future.

Identity theft resources

Better Business Bureau/BBB
4200 Wilson Blvd., 8th Floor
Arlington, VA 22203
703-276-0100
The Federal Trade Commission
Identity Theft Resource Center
858-693-7935
National Consumer League's National Fraud Information Center
Fraud hotline: 800-876-7060
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
619-298-3396
Consumer Affairs How to Check for Identity Theft

Theft Prevention Tips

How can you prevent theft?

Keep a list and photos of your valuables

What should I do if something is stolen?

Information and tips to protect yourself from specific types of theft

What to do if your device is stolen

Bicycle theft tips

Auto theft prevention tips

1. Park in a well-lit area

2. Lock Your Doors and take your keys

3. Do not leave valuables in view

4. Park in the Gorse Parking Lot while on vacation or not using your car often

5. Report Suspicious Activity to Public Safety and Service

Auto theft prevention devices

Alarms

Steering wheel locks

Auto etching

Anti-theft systems

Email fishing scams

Employment scams

Online shopping scams

Social media scams

Smartphone app scams

How to protect yourself

Who to contact if you suspect you’ve been victimized

How your identity may be stolen

Prevention of identity theft

What to do when you think you are a victim of identity theft

Identity theft resources

Contact us

Department of Public Safety and Service

Margaret Brown