7 Basic Home Security Tips

7 Basic Home Security Tips

by Andy Anderson - President, CPP Alarm & Video Systems
916.484.1484 - www.AlarmAndVideo.com

Before giving out the 7 basic home security tips, know first the most basic rule in deterring burglars and keeping your home safe: Never assume that it won’t happen to you, even when you’re at home. With this in mind, you’ll need to be careful with even the smallest things in keeping your home safe for you and your family.

1. Keep your keys with you.

Keep your keys to yourself only. Don’t go giving it to anybody. Don’t just leave it anywhere, especially not in obvious places like under the doormats or flowerpots or above the door. Burglars already know about these simple “tactics.”

2. Don’t let strangers into the house.

Don’t let anyone you don’t know of into your house. Make your children aware of the risk of this situation, too. Even before opening the door to accept anything or let somebody in, you should ask for identification or call with the company that the stranger (assuming he/she is a salesman) represents to make sure.

If the stranger requests to make a call, then make the call for them. If he/she has a medical problem, then call 911 for them. But do not let them in until you’ve made certain that they’re harmless.

3. Lock your doors and windows.

This is a given. Always keep your doors and windows locked. Keep them locked even if you’re at home. There have been cases wherein burglars perform a quick and quiet break-in while the residents are on other parts of the house. Teach your children to do this, too, and make it a habit.

4. Change your schedule often and be unpredictable.

Try not to stick to a regular schedule. Be unpredictable and spontaneous when going out and going home. There are burglars who would usually observe you and your house and plan out a break-in when he/she is sure that no one’s home. Of course, you can’t change your work schedule. But you could try to be unpredictable when buying groceries or going to the mall.

5. Don’t display your valuables.

A burglar’s goal is to steal your valuables. So displaying your valuables --- wallet, electronics, paintings, etc. --- would be like inviting them to break into your house. As much as possible, don’t show your valuables openly. Take a walk around your house and try to look through the windows and other openings if any of your valuables can be seen.

6. Watch what you keep outside your house.

When putting out your trash, be careful on what you expose. For example, you just bought a new television. In throwing out the box, cut them down to pieces and put them in trash bags. Shredding personal identification information is also important, since identity theft is also getting worse nowadays.

7. Be alert.

Look around and be aware of anything new in your neighborhood. You never know, you might spot someone suspicious hovering around. It would be for everyone’s safety, especially for your family, that you watch the area where you live from time to time.


Being careful and simply paying attention to what’s happening around you can be rewarding. Your efforts in making sure that every door and window is locked, that your trash is shredded well and hidden, that your valuables are out of sight and out of reach, and that you keep a sharp observation on what goes on around you will keep the burglars wary and hesitant in breaking into your home.

6 Red Flags Of A Financial Scam

6 Red Flags Of A Financial Scam
Posted: November 17, 2010 11:26AM by Claire Bradley

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is - how often have you heard that great bit of advice? Unfortunately, it's not always easy to tell if you're being taken for a ride or if you really are being smart and getting a deal. Financial scammers have gotten savvier and more aggressive in their pursuit of your money and identity. So what should you look for when you think you're getting a deal, but aren't sure if it's really a rip-off? Here are seven red flags of a financial scam, so you can avoid them. (Don't make yourself a target - steer clear of these attention-grabbing tax-filing practices.)

IN PICTURES: What Is Your Risk Tolerance?

1. Email From Someone You Don't Know

We all get our share of spam, those unwanted solicitations via email that software filters neatly away from your other message. There are those emails that slip through - you've likely heard of the Nigerian email scam that asks you to deposit money to an overseas account. Ignore email if you don't recognize the sender, particularly if there's an attachment that could send a virus to your computer. If a bank or business contacts you for some reason but you feel something's off, trust your gut. Don't reply to the email or click on any link - just visit the bank or business website to see if there's anything that requires your attention.

2. Callers Asking For Personal Information

It's in our nature to take information at face value, so if someone calls saying he or she is with XYZ Bank, it must be true, right? You can even hear the call center in the background. Don't assume the person calling is being truthful, particularly if this person is asking you for information like account numbers or passwords. Politely end the conversation, and call your bank. When in doubt, go to the source.

3. You Have To Pay To Apply

Guaranteed approval for your loan! Sounds too good to be true, right? Here's how this scam works: a telemarketer will tell you that for a fee ranging from $25 to several hundred dollars to apply for a loan or credit card. Customers are told they get this fee back, but they don't - it's all a scam. This scheme preys on people enduring financial hard times, making it particularly successful in dire economic times.

Another scheme like this one is the scholarship scam, where a company or advertisement promises to find you scholarships for a fee - free money for college! Scholarships searches and credit repair are things you can accomplish on your own for free. These services are scams.


IN PICTURES: 8 Signs Of A Doomed Stock

4. Promises To Fix Credit Problems

Bankruptcy or bad credit is a tough road, and those who find themselves with low credit scores are lured by easy fixes - like the credit repair companies. These companies promise to dispute any false things on your credit report, which is something you can do for free. Some credit repair companies even suggest people with bad credit get an EIN (Employee Identification Number - like a social security number), which is actually against the law. While there are legitimate companies that do offer credit repair help, make sure that you perform the necessary research prior to getting involved.

5. No Value, No Product

Work from home, make thousands a week! It sounds so good, you're thinking of calling after another bad day at work, right? These promises are hollow, and the scams often have you recruit more people to post ads, and so on - a pyramid scheme. If an advertisement is vague about the work, and sounds like they're selling you something, it's probably a scam. (Considering joining an "investment club" that promises phenomenal returns on your sign-up fee? Read this article and think again! What Is A Pyramid Scheme?)

6. No License

There's this smooth salesperson, maybe it's even someone you know personally, who is trying to sell you insurance or investments. It sounds really good. He or she promises high returns, low risk. But is this salesperson licensed? Ask - some of the biggest scams right now involve sales of unlicensed securities by unlicensed sales people. If there's no license, avoid the deal.


The Bottom Line

These are just a few of scams out there today, designed to steal your money. If you have elderly family members or friends, talk to them about these schemes - many scammers prey on the elderly, since they often have sizable retirement savings, and are deemed more vulnerable. Protect your identity, and don't be afraid to say no if something seems off. Trust your gut - it will tell you if something is too good to be true, like the old saying goes.