Email Phishing: Fake emails from trusted sources to steal information or money.

Phone Call Fraud: Scammers posing as bank representatives to gain access to accounts.

Business Email Compromise (BEC): Hackers send fraudulent wire transfer instructions.

Social Engineering: Manipulation to gain confidential info.

Fake Invoices: Invoices for services not rendered.

Fraudulent Change of Address: Redirecting mail to intercept checks and sensitive info.

Deed Fraud: Forging documents to transfer property ownership.

What are the signs of identity theft, and what should I do if I suspect I’m a victim?

Avoid Mailing Checks: The U.S. Postal Service is known to be vulnerable to theft.

Be Cautious with Credit Card Soliciting Mail: These can be stolen, allowing someone to file for a card in your name without your knowledge.

Credit Monitoring Services: Sign up for services that check your credit and alert you of suspicious activity.

Example: LifeLock, Aura, Identity Force Top 2024 Credit Monitoring Services

Credit Verse Debit:  Dispute Resolution-Credit card companies are usually more effective at handling disputes and reversing charges. Using your credit card for non-secure transactions such as gas stations, secondary online sites, Venmo.

Venmo: Do not attach a debit account to Venmo, if hacked they can gain access to your liquid money and disputing can be excessively difficult with apps like Venmo, facebook, instagram etc. Verses attaching your credit card you can dispute unwanted charges. 

Secure Practices: Use encrypted emails and two-factor authentication.

Monitor Accounts: Regularly check for unauthorized activity.

Secure Practices: Use encrypted emails and two-factor authentication.

Lower Liability: Credit cards limit your liability for unauthorized charges to $50, often waived by issuers.

Credit Verse Debit On File: If compromised, a credit card limits thief access to your credit limit, not your bank balance.

Who are the typical perpetrators of these crimes? Are they gangs or individuals?

In Ventura County, various organized gangs are typically involved in break-ins. Majority of these groups are not looking for violent confrontation, their goal is to be in and out without anyone home. 

When are our homes most vulnerable?

Times can vary depending on which organized group is planning the break-in. Certain groups target homes between 10am-12pm. Others target homes after dark. It's more important to have a global view of security on your home, don't only consider one time of day. 

3M Window Film | Home Depot

Concealed Carry Permit: Required to carry a concealed weapon for self-defense.

How do criminals typically enter homes in this neighborhood?

Criminals in this neighborhood typically enter homes through upstairs windows using lawn furniture, not ladders, as these windows are often left unlocked, open, and without security cameras or lights. They are also entering through back or side glass sliding doors using tools that quickly break the glass for easy entry. They usually target the primary bedroom for valuable items. 

What items are most commonly taken during these crimes?

Groups are looking for items that they can either keep for themselves or sell for immediate profit. Some organized groups are specifically targeting guns, while the majority are after expensive jewelry and high-end designer bags. They often fill one designer bag with jewelry, making up to $10,000 in a single theft. Police are seeing less large items stolen, typically small items of high value.