A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, found that many caregiver agencies don’t conduct comprehensive background checks and drug testing when recruiting employees.  The study also found that many agencies were not properly checking applicant qualifications or offering employee training before sending them to clients.

In the study, only 55% of the agencies did a federal background check and only 33% of them conducted employee drug testing.  The study also found some agencies concocted fake screening tests they claimed were used to screen employees.  “There are good agencies out there, but there are plenty of bad ones and consumers need to be aware that they may not be getting the safe, qualified caregiver they expect,” stated Dr. Lee Lindquist, MD, an associate professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.       

The results highlight the need for people to be diligent when choosing an agency, and to make sure caregivers undergo proper background screening. Advocates for vulnerable populations such as our nation’s elderly, should take the time to ask agencies specific questions, which include what their process is to screen caregivers to ensure the safety of patients.

A criminal background check that covers all counties of residence should be the minimum when reviewing an applicant’s history.  Other types of reports such as SSN verification, work history verification, drug testing, and sex offender registry should also be considered.

Here is a link to the story:

Many caregiver agencies fall short, study finds

It’s widely known that Facebook is a social network meant for teenagers and adults.  Managing a social network account responsibly takes a measure of maturity that many children simply do not have.  Because of this, Facebook took a stance making it against company policy for children under the age of 13 to have their own Facebook account.  

However, this all seems to be changing.  The company has begun testing ways to allow these kids to participate.  One likely scenario would include connecting a child’s account to their parent’s account so it can be supervised.  This idea would allow greater control for parents when choosing account settings. 

Some people think this change is overdue, since many children already have created accounts by lying about their age.  Facebook has noted it is difficult to enforce age restrictions on the internet, especially when parents assist their children.  Others say that this is simply another way for Facebook to expand their profits by growing their membership base, regardless if whether this is a good thing for kids. 

Either way, change is probably going to happen eventually.  Parents should start deciding now how they want their pre-teens using social media.  Providing guidance and supervision will be key steps for parents as they help their kids navigate the internet. 

As always, it’s important to know who the people in your child’s life are.  Whether it’s through the family computer or in their daily lives, take the necessary precautions to know the histories of these people and protect your family.   

Here are two stories on the subject: 

Facebook testing ways to allow kids under 13 on social network 

Point: Why allowing kids on Facebook is a good idea 

Finding a qualified and responsible person to watch your children is a challenge for any parent.  Establishing trust with someone you let into your home to supervise and protect family members is not a task anyone should take lightly.  As a parent begins their search there are many aspects to consider. 

One step that should always be included when deciding to hire a babysitter is to conduct a criminal background check.  A criminal background check can provide valuable information that can help you make the right decision.  It’s important to understand if there is any criminal history associated with the person you’re evaluating to watch your children.  The process of actually running a background check can be simple, so it’s not worth the risk to skip this step.

Here are some additional steps you should take when looking for a babysitter:

• Do some research online.  Visit a search engine you trust and see if a search brings up any relevant results on the person.

• Visit various social networks.  Go to a site like Facebook and see if they have a profile.  You may be surprised what you learn.

• Ask for references from former clients.  This will help you get a better picture of how they perform babysitting duties.  

Once a thorough check is complete, you should be in position to combine that information with everything else you have gathered to make an educated decision on what is best for your kids.

Here is a link to a story on the subject:

How to find a safe babysitter

Many parents have come to accept that their children engage in social media.  They understand it can be a useful tool for children to connect with their peers.  However, at the same time, they have trepidation about how social media networks are used and how much of a risk they pose.

A recent survey displays the mixed feelings many parents have.

• 93% trust their child to be responsible when using social networking sites

• 89% believe social networking sites are a good way for children to connect with friends

• 55% think social networking sites pose a danger

• 64% feel they need to supervise their child when using a social network

So what is a parent to do?  Here are three tips to get you started:

Step 1: Communicate expectations regarding online behavior to your children

Step 2: Educate your children on what to avoid and be suspicious of.  Do not friend or communicate with anyone they don’t know.

Step 3: Teach your children to respect the power of the internet. Think twice about posting any material they might regret later.  Once it’s online, it may be there forever.

By reinforcing these messages early and often, you can help your child enjoy the benefits of using social networking websites responsibly and safely.

Here is a link to the story:

JWT survey finds mixed feelings about social networks among Gen Z parents

State Senators in Pennsylvania are currently working to pass two bills that would tighten abuse reporting laws and require background checks for all school employees.

Within the state, SB 1381 will prevent educators accused of sexual abuse from moving to another school district without his or her new employer being alerted to the allegations of misconduct.  This practice is otherwise known as “passing the trash”. 

On the federal side, these legislators are pressing to enact The Jeremy Bell Act.  This act would penalize school employers who make interstate transfers of employees that are sex offenders.  The bill also addresses sexual misconduct reporting standards and would require all school employees to pass a fingerprint background check.

“Students need to go to the classroom feeling safe in order to find success,” said Springfield Schools Superintendent James P. Capolupo.  “Provide us with the laws to protect our students from predators.”

These two bills are examples of the growing trend to require background checks on all school employees and to no longer tolerate the transfer of teachers with sexual misconduct allegations to other school districts.  Legislators and educators alike agree these changes are long overdue. 

Here is a link to the story:

Superintendent Advocates Legislation to Stop ‘Passing the Trash’ 

Should my child be on Facebook?  It’s a question many parents ask themselves every day.  Because the use of social media is so common, it may be difficult to explain to your child or teenager that holding off on establishing an account could actually be a good idea.  Some may argue that most kids are not mature enough to use social networks responsibly, while others could say it’s a great opportunity to broaden your child’s horizons and teach responsibility.

Below are the pros and cons to establishing a Facebook account at an early age:

Pros:

• Development of social skills – learn to communicate with friends and reduce isolation.

• Self expression – a child’s Facebook page can be a place where they express their interests.

• Digital competence – building computer and social media skills will be important as they grow older.

• Educational development – your child can discuss school work and assignments with classmates.

Cons:

• Cyber-bullying – children can be mean, so your child will need to know how to behave and deal with negative comments.

• Gateway to the rest of the internet – there is a whole world of adult content they can gain access to.

• Beware of strangers – contact with people they don’t know directly can lead to trouble.

Obviously each child is different, and it’s up to each parent to decide if their child is ready to responsibly manage a Facebook account.  If you clearly communicate your rules and they can abide by them, then it may be a step you are both ready to take.

The Illinois Senate recently passed SB2545, which would require dating services that claim to conduct background checks to use government databases, including criminal court records and sex offender registries as their sources of information.  In addition, dating sites would have to mention whether they allow someone with a criminal record to sign-up.  Other requirements of the bill for dating sites include: posting safety tips, include warnings that background checks are not foolproof, and advice to not reveal a physical address online. Companies that fail to follow the requirements could face fines of up to $50,000 per violation.  The legislation now moves to the Illinois House where a similar bill has won committee approval.

With the use of background checks becoming more main stream, customers of online dating websites have begun to demand they screen out anyone with a serious criminal history.  A comprehensive background check should include at the minimum, a nationwide and single county criminal search, and sex offender registry search.  The important thing to remember is to always be safe when it comes to online dating. 

Here is link to a story about this topic:

State Senate OKs online dating safeguards 

An individual has been accused of using fraudulent information to become employed as a teacher and color guard instructor at three schools in Texas.  Michael Deshun Christian has been charged with theft of $22,695 in five separate incidents of faxing purchase orders for band merchandise to out of state companies, and having the orders shipped to his home address.  The items were shipped but never paid for, thus prompting the theft charge.

It appears Christian did pass a preliminary background check by providing false information, and therefore was hired. However, it has been reported that he did not take a fingerprint background check due to a loophole in SB 9 (a law requiring all teachers to pass a fingerprint background check).  Apparently, he was not required to do so because of his contractor status.  If a more comprehensive background check had been done, including fingerprinting, school officials may have found that he had various criminal charges on his record from Maryland (stolen motor vehicle and fugitive from justice) and Minnesota (check theft).  

This has lead school officials to question whether a name-based Texas Department of Public Safety background check is enough to run a comprehensive criminal history check on an applicant. There are many reporting options available that could provide a more complete background check and should greatly reduce the chances of incorrect results being returned.  Some of these reports would include nationwide criminal searches and sex offender searches, social security verification with address history, and single county criminal searches.     

An important objective of any school should be to protect their students.  As more of these stories are reported, it is becoming apparent that doing the minimum regarding background checks will no longer be accepted.

Here is a link to the story:

Loophole allowed former teacher to evade law

In Iowa, school officials are not required to conduct comprehensive background checks on support staff.  This includes bus drivers, cooks, and custodians.  But that will soon be changing.  The issue was recently brought to light when a bus driver was arrested on a charge of third-degree sexual abuse and lewd acts with a child.  It was found that the driver had been arrested several times in the past for various infractions.

In an attempt to remedy the situation, the Iowa House recently passed bill 2221 mandating that all school bus drivers would be required to undergo a background check.  Just before passing the Iowa House, a legislator brought up what he considered a loophole.  Bill 2221 does not cover other support staff that work in schools.  Although bill 2221 is out of the House, the Iowa Senate plans to amend the bill to cover these other employees.

This legislation adds to a growing trend where school districts are beginning to mandate background checks for all employees who come into contact with children, not just teachers.

Here is the story:

Background oversight of school bus driver sparks debate 

A case out of California is another reminder on how important it is to scrutinize who is taking care of your children.  41-year old John Christopher Walker has been accused of molesting at least 8 victims while working as a nanny.

It all started when a set of parents were notified by their child regarding inappropriate behavior by Mr. Walker.  The parents contacted the police, which lead to his arrest.  Since then, additional victims have come forward and police fear there could be more.  He faces multiple molestation and child pornography charges.  If convicted, he could be sentenced to 195 years to life in prison.

This case is an example of how important it is to know who people are when they come into contact with your children or any vulnerable person.  Background checks, including knowing any criminal history, could prove invaluable and prevent someone from being put in a position where they could cause harm. 

Here is the link to the story:

Molestation case against South Bay nanny could expand 

Bullying, long ignored or minimized, has come to the forefront the last few years as stories of tragic consequences have been publicized.  No longer is bullying viewed as a rite of passage for children as they pass through their school years, but rather a problem that needs to be identified and addressed. 

The primary aim of supporters for recent anti-bullying measures has been to provide each child a safe environment to learn and grow.  The hope is this can be achieved through education on the signs of bullying and tips on how to prevent it.  It also includes strict disciplinary policies for the offenders.

Several states recently enacted laws to execute policies and provide funding so local school districts can create formal programs to prevent bullying.  Government action on this issue is a big help in addressing the bullying problem.  But increased awareness and zero tolerance of bullying by parents and their children is the key to solving this issue.

Here are some recent stories on several anti-bullying measures:

NJ’s Anti-Bullying Law Now Stands a Fighting Chance 

Minnesota School District Reaches Agreement on Preventing Gay Bullying 

Anti-bullying bill clears Senate committee, heads to floor for expected amendments 

The Los Angeles Unified School District is facing criticism for allowing a substitute teacher to keep his job while three separate investigations of sexual misconduct were ongoing over a five year period.  George Hernandez eventually resigned his position, but was hired within weeks by the Inglewood Unified School District.  Three years later, police found evidence he molested a student at Inglewood.  Hernandez was charged, but then fled justice and still remains at large.

There are several angles to this story:

• Why was this man allowed to continue teaching through three separate investigations of misconduct?
• How was he able to find employment as a teacher in another school district after resigning under very disturbing circumstances?

One fact that should not be overlooked is how important it is to carefully screen individuals prior to hiring.  Many parents depend on their school district to uphold high standards when hiring anyone who will come into contact with children.

Hopefully, this story will be a lesson learned to take a more strict approach when dealing with these types of situations.  Further, conducting proper background screening can help indentify high risk applicants prior to making a job offer.

Here are two recent news stories concerning several acts of misconduct by teachers in Los Angeles:

LAUSD Substitute Thrice Accused of Abuse Moved to another District 

Credentials Suspended for 2 L.A. teachers Accused of Lewd Acts 

Last fall, Pennsylvania passed H.B. 1352 that requires school employees to disclose any prior arrests or convictions of serious crimes. Provisions were also built in to report any “future” arrests or convictions within 3 days. The law was enacted to tighten restrictions on who should work in a school and come in regular contact with children.  It applies to teachers, administrators, support staff, and contractors.  If a self report discloses any 1 of 28 convictions listed by the law, a school administrator would be directed to fire the employee.

At least four lawsuits have been filed since enactment challenging the application of these new rules to current employees.  The suits claim that the use of the word “applicant” in the law means that it should not apply to current employees. Opponents also argue that the application of this law would be too strict and impacts employees with old, non-violent crimes that may not be relevant to their current position.

I don’t think anyone would argue placing tighter restrictions on those who work in schools.  Children are extremely vulnerable and need to be protected.  However, it seems that current school employees simply want some common sense applied to how this law is carried out.  It is not an easy situation.

Here are some recent news stories concerning this topic:

Teachers fight Pennsylvania rules barring some ex-cons 

Background check law challenged 

More children have access to the internet than ever before.  It is a fact of life that children have to learn how to properly utilize the web to learn about and connect to their world.  Unfortunately the web and the world can be a dangerous place.  So it is important for parents to provide guidance to their children on what the best practices are to protect themselves while surfing the net.

The first step is just talking about it with your kids.  Remind them that just as in real life when they are told to not talk to strangers, the same goes for the internet.  They should not accept friend requests or chat with someone they do not know personally. 

Another important aspect is to make sure you each have each other’s trust.  They need to feel comfortable to let you know when they encounter something online they think is wrong such as cyber-bullying or people they don’t know requesting to chat or meet in person.  If they make a mistake they need to feel comfortable alerting you.

Here are a few other items to keep in mind:

• Utilize automatic monitoring tools to keep tabs on your child’s online behavior.
• Stress their need to think before posting thoughts or photos.  Once it’s online, it’s online forever.  Would they want their family members to see what they posted?
• Be careful not to share too much personal information.  This information can be used by strangers against them.  Have them learn to regulate what information goes public.  Their identity is a fragile thing, protect it.

The bottom line is that it is important for children to become internet savvy and understand how they can benefit from using the web.  It is a parent’s job to help them appreciate the dangers of having an online presence and know the best practices on how to protect themselves.     

Click here for more information on the subject of protecting your children online.

Do you have a teenage driver? If so, I’m sure you know that texting while driving is a serious problem. As a matter of fact, it may be a greater threat to teens as opposed to other drivers. Because of the issue, many states now have texting and driving laws.

The Colorado American Automobile Association (AAA) provides a nice group of tips for teens and parents to help prevent texting while driving:

Tips for Teens

• Don't be tempted: turn off your cell phone. Let voicemail capture your voice and text messages.
• If you have to call or text while driving, pull off the road safely and stop.
• Recognize that text messaging can be a habit. Get support from your friends by letting them know you are working on breaking the texting habit.
• If you think you will still be tempted to text and drive, put your phone somewhere you can't reach it, like the trunk.
• Take control of your cell phone, don't let it control you. You are the only one who decides when and if you send and read a text message.

Tips for Parents

• Don't call/text your teen at times when you know they are likely to be driving.
• Review your teen's cell phone bill with them to see if they are texting at times they are likely to be driving.
• Share this information with your teen.
• Know the Colorado Graduated Drivers Licensing law. It is illegal for teens with an instruction permit to use a cell phone while driving.
• Establish family rules that prohibit texting while driving.
• Set a good example, don't text and drive.

Talk to your kids about practicing safe driving tips every time they get behind the wheel. Fortunately, there are new tools available that are gaining popularity to also help combat the problem. A number of smart phone applications are available (some free and fee-based) that can prevent drivers from using their phones to talk or text while a vehicle is moving.

Teen drivers should use common sense and remember that arriving at their destination safely is their first concern when driving.

If you have a story about texting while driving, share it with us!

Links to learning more:

• 5 Great Cell Phone Apps to Prevent Distracted Driving 
• Technology tackles teen drivers' phone distractions 
• Driving Apps Target Teens 
• Apps target distracted driving problem 
• Fighting technology with technology; apps that prevent texting while driving 

How safe is online dating? There really aren’t any solid statistics available as of yet that indicate how much violence and abuse occurs from using online dating sites. Therefore, while online dating can be fun and ultimately rewarding, it’s important to be extremely cautious.

What’s great about online dating websites is that you can go at your own pace, and don’t have to reveal personal information about yourself unless you want to. Online dating is very popular, but how do you know if you’re communicating with someone who is a good person or a criminal? You can be honest, but beware there are a lot of dishonest people who use online dating sites. Plus, meeting someone online can be a completely different experience than doing so in person.

In a recent article “How to Date Online Safely, From World's Top Web-Security Expert,” Hemanshu Nigam offers the following:

A safe encounter can often depend on a safe dating website. Not all sites are created equal. Here are some questions to ask to help find a site that is right for you:

• Does the site screen-vet candidates?
• How does the site lower the chances of abuse?
• How does the site handle abuse if it happens?
• Do the terms of service allow explicit content?
• Does the site review webcams, chats and videos?
• Does the site provide users with tips on how to safely and successfully navigate the site to avoid predators and scammers?
• Does the site provide an emergency phone number?

So, when looking for love online have fun, but remember to take precautions so you stay safe.

Do you have any good online dating safety tips? If so, we want to hear from you!

Read an article on the topic.

Click here to get some more online dating safety tips.

If you’re a parent, choosing quality child care isn’t easy. It’s one of the hardest decisions you may ever make. The good news is that if you’re in Maryland, you now have more help when it comes to finding out about childcare facilities.

Maryland’s State Department of Education Division of Early Childhood Development has created an online collection of child care licensing inspection results. It provides compliance findings from child care licensing inspections conducted since January 2011. The site also includes links to various sources of information on child care and education in Maryland.

The foundation for a child’s learning and development is built upon experiences and relationships formed in early childhood, and selecting a child care provider is an important decision for a family,” said Interim State Superintendent Bernard Sadusky. “The CheckCCMD.org website allows families to review the inspection compliance of the child care facility or family child care home they are considering for their child, and gives them additional information for making informed decisions.”

Taking the time to find quality care for your child is worth it. Remember, even good childcare centers can go downhill, so make sure to check them out on a regular basis.

Go directly to the new site, click here.

For licensing inspections before January 2011, click here.

To read an article on the topic, click here.

Do you have kids on Facebook? Monitoring what kids are doing online has become a priority for many parents. It’s so important to keep children safe from the dangers of the internet.

According to a new info graphic released by market research firm Lab42, parents are keeping tabs on what their kids are doing on Facebook. According to research conducted on 500 social media users, 43% check out their child’s pages daily, and 92% are friends with their kids on Facebook. The top reason for viewing their profiles was safety (40%) and curiosity (15%).

The internet is here to stay, so it’s definitely a good idea to have some measures in place to help your family stay safe.

Check out www.allfacebook.com, they give reviews on the 7 tools listed below that can help you monitor your kids on Facebook. (Some are free and others are fee-based)

• Norton Online Family
• Piggyback
• SafetyWeb
• ScreenRetriever
• SocialShield
• TrueCare
• YouDiligence

Click here to read a good blog post on the topic, titled “How Crucial is it to Monitor Your Child’s Facebook Page?”

I’ve come across quite a few stories recently where caregivers have been caught stealing money from the elderly. No one wants to think someone could steal from them, but it’s happening more and more at an alarming rate, and part of it could be due to the economic situation in our country. But let’s not forget the other types of abuse that plague our nation’s seniors, because those stories also have been surfacing in news reports. Before hiring a caregiver, it’s never been more important than it is now to do some research and homework first. It may be the best prevention measure on can take.

According to HELPGUIDDE.org, every year, tens of thousands of elderly Americans are abused in their own homes, in relatives’ homes, and even in facilities responsible for their care. You may suspect that an elderly person you know is being harmed physically or emotionally by a neglectful or overwhelmed caregiver or being preyed upon financially. More than half a million reports of abuse against elderly Americans reach authorities every year, and millions more cases go unreported.

The different types of elder abuse 

Elder abuse can occur in many different ways; financial, neglect, intimidation, to name a few. HELPGUIDE.org describes the most common forms of abuse:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Nonverbal psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect or abandonment
• Financial abuse
• Healthcare fraud and abuse

Unfortunately, the majority of financial abuse acts committed against seniors are carried out by someone the victim knows, such as a caregiver or family member. So take the time to learn the signs of elder abuse before you place your family member in a caregiver setting or hire someone to care for them in their own home.

Click here to read a story about how a caregiver was able to steal thousands of dollars from an elderly man.

Here’s another reason to be careful when online dating. In two separate related incidents in Ohio, men who thought they were meeting a woman they met online — instead were robbed at gunpoint. There are risks associated with online dating. With some caution and common sense, you can decrease your chances of having a negative experience.

Here’s some good information from Reputation.com:

Guard your personal safety

If you do decide to meet in person, protect yourself. Drive yourself to the date and meet during the day in a busy public place. Tell friends and family where you are going and who you are meeting. Arrange check in times with a friend or family member.

Respect your instincts

Listen to your gut. If your instincts tell you that something doesn’t feel right, heed that warning and move on.   

Avoid financial scams

Internet dating websites have taken the romance scam high tech. Online scammers flood dating sites in order to make connections. When they have established trust and “fallen in love,” they may ask for a small and reasonable amount of money. As the “romance” progresses, however, the amounts increase, and the reasons for needing the money become more elaborate. No matter how intense an online romance feels, when an Internet friend asks for money, it should raise a red flag. Never send money to someone from an online dating site.

Share photographs with caution

Even the most innocent pictures may contain information that compromises your privacy. Digital photographs have attached metadata that provides information, such as where and when the image was captured. Predators can use this data to find you. Protect yourself by scanning a photograph before sending it or removing the metadata from the JPEG image. Think twice before providing photos to anyone you meet on an online dating website.

Protect your private information

One of the surest steps you can take to protect yourself in the world of online dating is to safeguard your private information. Instead of using your home email address, get a free email account from Yahoo, Hotmail, or another service and use that for all of your dating correspondence. If the dating site offers it, using its blind email address service is your best option. Likewise, don’t provide home address or telephone information.

Take things slowly and don’t rush into anything. Your first priority should be to ensure you remain safe. With online dating, you are empowered to make choices that are right for you. Watch out for red flags. Remember not everyone has the same morals as you do. Some people can do a really good job at hiding their real agenda, even if you follow the best of tips.

Click here to read the story of what happened in Ohio.

According to Education.com, the physical and emotional consequences of being a victim of bullying can be severe. Children who are bullied are:

• At greater risk of depression and lower self-esteem later in life.
• More likely to report migraine and non-migraine headaches.
• Prone to missing more school because of excused and unexcused absences.
• At higher risk for running away from home.
• More likely to have problems with alcohol and drug use.

Unfortunately, bullying is an epidemic in our society. But parents have the ability to help stop bullying. Here’s a summary of Education.com’s top 10 actions you can take to help address the bullying issue:

1. Talk with and listen to your kids - everyday.
2. Spend time at school and recess.
3. Be a good example of kindness and leadership.
4. Learn the signs.
5. Create healthy anti-bullying habits early.
6. Help your child’s school address bullying effectively.
7. Establish household rules about bullying.
8. Teach your child how to be a good witness.
9. Teach your child about cyberbullying.
10. Spread the word that bullying should not be a normal part of childhood.

Click here to learn more about the effects of bullying on children.

According to the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI), 40% of 8-18 year olds visit a social networking site at least once a day. Further, a survey conducted by FOSI revealed that:

• 34% of kids have friends online they’ve never met in person
• 46% of kids have given out personal information to someone they’ve met online
• 32% of all teens on the Internet say they have been a victim of cyberbullying

Parents must educate their children about social networks, and taking an active role in doing so is the most important thing you can do. From texts to tweets, posts, status updates and instant messages; the digital world has become a regular part of our kids lives. Since they can log in from so many places, smart phones, computers, and tablets or gaming devices, many parents don’t know what their kids are up to, or struggle to keep up with what’s going on.

www.connectsafetly.org gives these following web safety tips for teens:

• Be your own person. Don't let friends or strangers pressure you to be someone you aren't. And know your limits.
• Be nice online. Or at least treat people the way you’d want to be treated. People who are nasty and aggressive online are at greater risk of being bullied or harassed themselves.
• Think about what you post. Sharing provocative photos or intimate details online, even in private emails, can cause you problems later on.
• Passwords are private. Don't share your password even with friends. It's hard to imagine, but friendships change and you don't want to be impersonated by anyone.
• Read between the "lines." It may be fun to check out new people for friendship or romance, but be aware that, while some people are nice, others act nice because they're trying to get something.
• Don't talk about sex with strangers. Be cautious when communicating with people you don't know in person, especially if the conversation starts to be about sex or physical details.
• Avoid in-person meetings. The only way someone can physically harm you is if you're both in the same location, so – to be 100% safe – don't meet them in person.
• Be smart when using a cell phone. All the same tips apply with phones as with computers. Be careful who you give your number to and how you use GPS and other technologies that can pinpoint your physical location.

Click here to get some more tips from an article entitles “Parents: Warn You Teens about the Dangers of Using Social Networking Websites.”

If you’re looking to hire a contractor to do some work at your home, make sure you choose the right one for the job.

Every year, many homeowners become victims of contractor scams and fraud. Trusting consumers end up losing money, time and sometimes valuables. Hiring fake or unlicensed contractors can happen without knowing. And when it does, it can put a family, their personal information and possessions at risk. That’s why it’s important to be cautious and do your “contractor” homework first. In most cases, if you’re an educated consumer, a little shopping around can go a long way.

Phony contractors make the home improvement industry look bad. Unfortunately, home improvement is one consumer market that’s vulnerable to contractor scams and fraud. But there are things you can do and steps you can take to help make sure you don’t become a victim. Also, you’re a consumer, and you have rights with dealing with any contractor. Make sure you know what those rights are before letting someone start work at your home. Be sure to also check with your state or municipal government for laws pertaining to contractor licensing and insurance requirements.

The bottom line, protect yourself from becoming a victim of a phony contractor. It can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Here are some resources to help you choose a contractor and avoid contractor scams:

• The Top 5 Contractor Scams and How to Avoid Them 
• Contractor Scams: How to Avoid Being Ripped Off 
• 10 ways to avoid contractor scams 

With another holiday season already in full swing, it’s a time of family traditions and holiday parties. Thoughts for many people turn to giving and receiving gifts, spending time with friends and visiting with family. Many of us decorate our homes with trees, lights, candles and signs of the holidays. That means we’re all busy hustling and bustling around.

But it’s also the season…to be careful. That means by exercising a little extra caution for holiday safety, you can help your holidays remain safe. For example, the improper use of holiday decorations can increase the risk of an accident. Then there are “others,” the people who are thinking about your house and what’s in it, gifts in your car, taking your wallet, stealing your identity or ripping you off with a scam. Don’t ever say “it won’t happen to me,” because it can.

Here are links to some great tips to help you and your family have a safe holiday.

• Christmas & Holiday Safety Tips 
• Safe Holiday Tips 
• Holiday Home Safety Tips 

Choosing a cleaning service for your home isn’t easy. There are many things you should take into consideration before making a decision, so it’s important to know what to ask before turning over the key to your home. Keep in mind not all cleaning services are the same, nor do they operate and act the same. Some even open and close their doors quickly.

To make sure you hire an honest, dependable and trustworthy cleaning service to assist with your household needs, here are some questions to ask. Note: A good professional home cleaning service will give you the answers to these questions.

• How long have you been in business
• Are you bonded and insured (this protects you against damaged or stolen items)
• Do you have Workers’ Compensation insurance (learn your state’s minimum requirements)
• Does your company use employees or independent contractors
• Who will be cleaning my house? One person or a team with a crew leader
• How are your employees trained
• Does your service provide a satisfaction guarantee
• Do you perform pre-employment screening, criminal background checks and drug testing before hiring

If you do hire a home cleaning service, make sure that all employees pass the background check and drug screen. You don’t want to risk losing your belongings to theft or compromising personal safety. Don’t just go with your gut instincts. You can’t be thorough enough. By doing your homework and a lot of research, you can hire a cleaning service that’s right for you.

Click here to get some more tips on hiring a cleaning service.

I just finished reading a heartbreaking story about a popular teenage girl from Pennsylvania who was killed due to texting and driving. What’s also sad is that hours prior to the crash, Pennsylvania had passed a texting while driving ban. Safe driving practices are so important, so I felt the need to address the topic.

When it comes to teenage driving habits, texting or talking while behind the wheel can definitely puts themselves and others at risk. But the same holds true for adults. Cell phone use must be addressed in driver education and should be one of the first safety tips for driving taught. Most people know not to use a cell phone, especially for texting while driving, but many ignore the practice.

Despite numerous bans on state, county and local levels, texting while driving seems to be increasing day by day. A study by Virginia Tech Driving Institute revealed that those who resort to texting while driving are 23 time more likely to meet with an accident. According to a report by the National Safety Council, 28 percent of car accidents are caused by talking or texting while driving. In another recent survey, 26 percent of cell phone users said that they have texted while driving. According to the Department of Transportation cell phones are involved in 1.6 million accidents a year, causing half a million injuries and 6,000 deaths.

Some studies have suggested that texting or talking on a cell phone while driving is worse than driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, because your mind is preoccupied. Consider these texting while driving statistics conducted in a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI):

• Of all cell phone related tasks - including talking, dialing, or reaching for the phone - texting while driving is the most dangerous.
• One-fifth of experienced adult drivers in the United States send text messages while driving.
• Texting while driving is about 6 times more likely to result in an accident than driving while intoxicated.
• Studies have found that texting while driving causes a 400% increase in time spent with eyes off the road.
• For every 6 seconds of drive time, a driver sending or receiving a text message spends 4.6 of those seconds with their eyes off the road. This makes texting the most distracting of all cell phone related tasks.

Many states in the U.S. have passed laws that ban the use of cell phone texting while driving. More and more states will probably follow and enact cell phone driving laws. One thing’s for sure, texting and talking behind the wheel lead to driver distraction and inattention.

I found a great article on teenage texting while driving that includes a map to laws by state. Read it by clicking here.

Are you thinking about trying the online dating scene? If so, there’s a lot you should know and think about before you look for love online. It can be a matter of your personal safety.

There are a wide variety of online dating sites now, and its one reason so many people use the web to find “that special someone.” It’s easy, convenient and lets you get to know someone before actually meeting them in person.

But you must beware of the risks, because they do exist. To stay safe, learn what they are and prepare yourself ahead of time so you go about online dating the right way. You don’t want to find out after the fact that someone isn’t who they first claimed to be. It’s unfortunate that risks exist, but they do, and make sure you do your homework. And don’t forget to run a background check if you’ve found a potential love interest. You want to know if the person has a criminal history or other type of negative past.

To help you get started with online dating safety, click here. You’ll get some great dating safety tips along with some statistics that might surprise you.

When searching for a good daycare center, there are so many things you need to consider. After all, choosing quality childcare may be one of the most difficult and important decisions you’ll make. You need to take your time and do your homework so you make the right choice.

To assess quality, make sure you visit the daycare center(s) you’re considering and ask a lot of questions such as:

• Adult to child ratio
• Caregiver qualifications
• Turnover
• Accreditation

During your visit, also observe the safety rules, cleanliness, and condition of the daycare, toys and equipment. Ask the director if all employees are screened with criminal background checks. Make sure the daycare’s approach to child development includes age-appropriate learning activities.

Lastly, go online! The NACCRRA (National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies) has posted a map on their website — which provides access by state to a Child Care Fact Sheet, Child Care Center Standards and Oversight Rating and State Family Child Care rating. Some states (in blue) have a link so you can view daycare inspection reports. States in red provide a link to contact information on child care licensing since inspection reports aren’t available online.

Click here to view the map and information.

Did you know that October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month? Bullying is just about everywhere; in the workplace, online, in schools, at home, among kids, adults and so on. It’s a big problem in our society and there are many different types of bullying.

StopBullying.gov says that while definitions of bullying can vary, most agree it involves:

• Imbalance of Power: People who bully use their power to control or harm and the people being bullied may have a hard time defending themselves
• Intent to Cause Harm: Actions done by accident are not bullying; the person bullying has a goal to cause harm
• Repetition: Incidents of bullying happen to the same the person over and over by the same person or group

What is bullying? It’s when someone is harassed, embarrassed, abused, threatened, degraded, or picked on by another person. Bullying can be verbal, physical or happen on the internet (cyber bulling). It can cause depression, anxiety, and loneliness. If someone is a victim of bullying, their self-esteem, social skills and school or work performances can be negatively affected, and sometimes cause everlasting harm.

It’s important to spread awareness about bullying. Set an example for others, including your kids. Don’t tolerate bullying in your home and discuss the consequences of bullying. Businesses should have a bullying policy in place to deal with a workplace bully. You can do something to help prevent bullying in your community. Talk to your family about the facts about bullying, and encourage respect, compassion and peace toward others. Try to be part of the solution to help address bullying in our country.

Here are some links to help you learn more:

October is National Bullying Prevention Month 

Tips to Prevent, Identify and Manage Cyberbullying 

What Does Bullying Look Like 

Bullying - Wikipedia 

Are you considering hiring a nanny? If so, it’s more than just finding the right person. Conducting a nanny search is not an easy task. The process can be stressful, no matter if you place an ad or go through a nanny service. After all, it’s more than likely that you’ll be hiring a stranger to care for your children.

When hiring a nanny, allow yourself plenty of time. You want to hire a nanny who will be a good and trustworthy caregiver. But you also should know how to hire a nanny so you make a smart and informed decision. You need to make sure that your children will be safe.

It’s very important to thoroughly research the background of anyone who may care for your children. Part of that includes running a nanny background check. At a minimum it should include a criminal history check, sex offender registry search and motor vehicle report.

If you hire a nanny, you basically become an employer. Learn all of the steps you should take to make sure you legally hire your nanny. Just like for businesses, laws have specific requirements that pertain to you and your employee. Make sure you comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws when hiring a nanny.

It can take some time to learn all of the legal requirements, but I found a helpful article titled “Legal requirements for employing a nanny” to help get you started.

Click here to read it.

When your kids go on the internet, what are they doing? What sites to they visit? Who are they communicating with? If you have no idea, you are definitely not alone. Just like knowing what kids are doing in the “read world,” parents should know what their kids are up to while on the internet. It’s really about simple common sense, being proactive and helping keep your kids safe online.

When online, children can be exposed to a number of threats such as:

• Pedophiles and stalkers
• Spam and other inappropriate material
• Virus and spyware attacks
• Sexting and cyberbullying

As a parent, it's up to you to protect your kids from these risks. In today’s society, kids are growing up where using the internet is a part of everyday life; for social media, at school, to do homework, communicate with friends, play games, and so on. The internet is around to stay, so it’s best to have some online safety rules to help protect your kids and know how to educate them about staying safe online.  Plus, it helps the whole family stay safer too.

Click here to read a free article entitled “10 Tips for Parenting Your Progeny’s Online Life. You’ll get a lot of internet safety tips and advice.

Teenagers and money. They need to learn how to earn it, manage it, save it and spend it wisely. And that sometimes isn’t easy. What do most teenagers know about money? Well, it’s green. They never seem to have or get enough of it. And for many teenagers, money magically appears from mom and dad. That would be you and me.

According to Teenage Research Unlimited in Northbrook, Illinois, the average teen spends about $85 per week, which means the current “teen economy” tops $141 billion a year. The federal government's Jump$tart survey of over 4,000 high school seniors revealed that 32% used credit cards and 43% had access to ATM machines.

You should start teaching your kids about money literally as soon as they notice it. Otherwise, they can think that an ATM or checkbook gives them endless buying power. But where do you start? It just so happens I came across recently published article titled “Parenting: Teens and credit cards” that gives great advice and information many of us can relate to.

Also, check out Bankrate.com  for more suggestions and additional information on these “10 Tips to Raising Money-Savvy Teens:”

1. Balance a checkbook
2. Budget money
3. Finance college
4. Establish credit  
5. Identify wants vs. needs
6. Deal with debt
7. Pay taxes
8. Consider all costs
9. Save for the future
10. Stretch a dollar

Money. Teenagers have their lifetime to learn to save, spend and invest it. But you don’t want to wait a lifetime to teach your teens how to manage their money wisely.

I’ve been to many carnivals over the years, and I’m sure many of you have too. They can be a lot of fun, but do you ever wonder about the people that work at them?

Well, their time is spent traveling, sleeping in trailers and working seven days a week. They usually spend no more than one week at a particular location. It’s hard work, from set-up to tear-down, selling things, promoting games and operating rides. They are carnival workers or “carnies,” as they typically call themselves. Beyond the midway lights, smell of popcorn and rides, “carnies” are the people who make a lot of it happen.

While there are great carnival operators out there, and good employees who work for them, there is a dark side. Some carnival employees may seek out the industry to avoid being arrested. Others may have addiction problems, or even criminal pasts. They figure their chance of employment in the carnival industry may be easier than finding another type of work. And some may commit a crime while they’re in one city, and once the crime has been reported, the carnival has gone somewhere else.

Turnover is high, and background checks should play a critical role in the carnival world. They do in Illinois, as the state passed legislation a couple of years ago mandating carnival owners run background checks on their workers. Owners and operators are prohibited from hiring anyone convicted of violent crimes (such as murder and rape), registered sex offenders and those convicted of other sexual offenses. Although I’m not in Illinois, that is a good thing.

Click here to read an article about a fugitive sex offender in Texas who was working at a carnival. Maybe other states will follow soon and make background checks for carnival workers mandatory too.

So I found this article which gives tips for online dating. It basically says that online dating can be “safe and effective” if you’re smart and go about it wisely. I would tend to agree with that, because there is a lot to consider when getting into an online relationship. There are risks, and you should approach online dating with your eyes wide open.

Make sure you know what you’re doing. Use the internet as a tool to help you build relationships with people you might not have found otherwise. Don’t let online dating become your whole social life, just use it as a method to explore your options.

When searching for love on the internet, remember you’re not “online shopping.” Use common sense. Make choices that are right for you. Know the red flags and watch out for them. Some people do a really good job of hiding who they really are. Make sure you get enough information to run a background check on a prospective love interest to help keep yourself safe. You sure don’t want to enter into a relationship with someone who has a criminal history or negative past. And, if your gut instinct tells you the person isn’t right for you, they probably aren’t. Remember, the only person you have to answer to is yourself.

Click here to read the article and get the tips.

If you have kids in daycare, find out who your child care provider is no matter what state you live in. What’s going on in Illinois is a great example to use just for that reason. Bottom line — there are sex offenders on the Illinois childcare program payroll.

The Illinois child care assistance program is basically divided into two categories:

• Providers who care for four or more children need a license, and must undergo a comprehensive background check and fingerprinting process. This accounts for about 10,000 childcare providers that watch approximately 60% of the children in the program.
• Providers who care for three or less children don’t have to be licensed or submit to full background checks.  This boils down to about 60,000 unlicensed providers caring for approximately 40% of the program’s children.

The Child Care Assistance Program in Illinois is 14 years old, and spends roughly $750 million a year to help more than 150,000 families pay for child care. What’s great is that Illinois has a program to help families and parents. What probably isn’t so good is the number of childcare providers who shouldn’t be allowed to watch children.

Click here to read the story.

It’s that time of year again — back to school. And that means getting a new lunch box for your child or giving them money to purchase a school lunch.

Regardless of whether your kids pack or buy — their bodies run best on nutritious foods. Proper nutrition and foods for a balanced diet are important for growth, development, and the fueling of brain cells for maximum learning. Kids definitely function better when they’re full of good food. But making sure they’re properly nourished and eating the right foods every day can be a major challenge. So how can you make sure your child is getting the nutrition they need?

Below is an article excerpt from “5 Tips for Health Conscious Parents.” It can help you learn how to feed your kids during the school year and beyond (courtesy of www.mambosprouts.com):

1.  Make Breakfast Count

Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day and can impact a child’s ability to concentrate at school. 

2.  Be Creative with Lunch

Help kids enjoy their lunch by being creative and thinking outside the box — give them a variety of choices in small portion sizes. Make it colorful, make it fun.

3.  Don’t Stress Over the School Lunch Program

Let them buy it.  As unhealthy as school lunch can be, the last thing you want to do is make it the appealing forbidden fruit.  

4.  Have a Healthy Snack Ready for After School

Snack means a smaller meal, so forget about the typical chips and go straight for something substantial.  To streamline your day, pack your child’s afternoon snack at the same time you are packing their lunch.

5.  Take Kid Favorites and Make Them Healthy

Remember, food is not good or bad it is the quality of ingredients that makes something healthy or unhealthy.  

School age children need to learn about healthy food, exercise and how to take care of themselves. You want them to grow up making the right choices.

Here’s a really good article that give some tips and talks about nutrition for your child.

Did you see the story of the babysitter in Florida who was recently arrested for riding in the back of a pick-up truck with an 8-month old baby boy in a stroller, while someone else drove the truck around? I’ve never heard anything like it before in my life. Obviously, this woman (not sure I should even call her that) has zero common sense and isn’t all that smart either.  

Shocked motorists who witnessed the event called 911. Here are a couple of excerpts from those calls:

911 Operator:  What is the emergency?  

Caller:  There's a truck going down Mason Avenue heading east with a baby stroller in the back of the truck with a baby in it.  

911 Operator:  Where's your emergency?  

Caller:  There's a baby back in a pickup truck while it's driving on Nova Road southbound. 

Could you imagine being the parent of that child? Apparently the mother broke down in tears when she arrived to pick up her infant son. The babysitter told the court she’s been caring for children since she was a teenager (let’s not forget she’s 23) and didn’t know doing this would be considered child endangerment. Then, her public defender made a statement to the effect of “they don’t give you a handbook on what is neglect versus what’s not.” Really? And of course, Davis claims she didn’t know what she was doing was wrong. Oh here we go…

What exactly was the purpose of riding around in the back of a pick-up truck with a baby in a stroller? At the same time, what was the driver thinking? Shouldn’t he also be responsible for a least some of this? He obviously isn’t all that smart either.

This story is a lesson for all you parents out there. Know who is watching your child. Don’t leave them in the care of just anyone. Do your homework from end to end before deciding on a babysitter, and make sure you run a background check before you select your child care provider.

Fortunately, this story did not have a tragic ending like some stories do.

Click here to read the story and watch a video.

I have a question. How many of you are on Facebook? If you are, what’s your reason for using it? Sure, having some relaxing fun, connecting with friends, keeping up with family, and playing games may be part of it. Perhaps you’re also using Facebook for business reasons. But I bet a lot of you use Facebook to spy on your kids and see what they’re up to.

Is it a good idea or not? Does spying on teens help or hurt a parent-child relationship? There is no clear answer, the subject isn’t covered in life’s “parenting handbook” and there aren’t any “society standards” for it either. Many kids today know more about the Internet than their parents do. They easily surf their way around the web and this opens up a whole new world for them — they make friends, chat and play. While social media is a fun opportunity, it can also be very dangerous.

Generally speaking, a lot of parents know where their kids are each day, who they’re with and what they’re doing. But when it comes to the Internet, parents seem to get stuck in the role of bystander in a world of digital age. And that can be frustrating, considering that many tweens and teens are very good at not telling their parents anything, or sharing only tidbits of information.   

Most parents want to know what’s going on, and one way that parents can find out is by spying on their child’s online activity. But how far should you go? If you’re child doesn’t care, that makes things easier. But if your child reacts negatively, kids can find a workaround in just a matter of minutes. Spying on Facebook activity may or may not be the best way to get information, or reassurance, about their social media behavior. Since social media use is on the rise, it seems the communication barrier between kids and their parents grows larger apart from each other — and communication is the most important parent of parenting.

Regardless, it appears there are pros and cons of using Facebook (and other social media sites) to spy on kids. And online or off, parents are struggling to figure out which rules to set for their kids and how to enforce them.

Facebook is one of the fastest growing social networking sites on the web today. I found this great info graphic from OnlineSchools. You’ve got to check it out. You’ll get picture that provides statistics on how parents use Facebook to keep track of their kids. Do you fall into any of the categories?

Let us know what you think!

Summer is starting to wind down. A new school year is right around the corner. The start of a school year can sometimes be stressful for you and your child; new teachers, classmates, new routines and schoolwork.

But what also can add to the stress is everything you need to buy for that big first day! Children often grow over the summer, and that means new clothes. Then there is the school supply list which always seems to be a mile long. Oh, and don’t forget the backpack! Suddenly you realize you might be spending a fortune on all the new things you need to buy. Ugh.

Purchasing school supplies, backpacks and new clothes can certainly add up to A LOT of money. And due to the current economic situation, many people are on a strict budget. So before you head out the door and spend, spend, spend, you should plan ahead. And that means getting organized, preparing a list of everything you need, and deciding where you’re going to shop to get the best deals. And remember to take it easy and not go overboard.

What you need to get started is a list of tips for back to school shopping. Since back-to-school shopping has gotten underway, here are tips and advice to help you prepare for your shopping trip and cut back on spending.

Click here for some good free school shopping tips!

Oh but wait, what about those new friends your child might be making? Chances are your child may be invited to the new friend’s house, or be asked to go somewhere with the new friend and their parents. Since it’s likely you don’t know much, if anything, about the friend’s parents, shouldn’t you run a background check on them to help ensure your child’s safety? That’s probably a good idea, don’t you think? You need to be comfortable knowing your child is in a safe environment when they’re with someone else.

Want to run a background check on someone? Go here.

If you have other tips to share, let us know! They can be helpful to other families who are also faced with the challenge of getting ready for another school year. 

Are you a having your first baby soon? Becoming a first time parent is a very special and rewarding experience. But it can also be a nerve-wracking time as well. Your head spins with many thoughts and questions about you and your new baby. Making sure you have as much knowledge as possible to be a new parent can sometimes be very stressful and seem overwhelming.  

If you know what to expect when you have a newborn it can help ease your anxiety and give you confidence as you form a bond with your new baby. From bathing, feeding and establishing good habits, to interpreting cries and knowing when to call the doctor are all important as you make the transition to new parenthood. But you also need to have all the basics at home to properly care for your baby. To help you with preparations before you bring your newborn home, here’s a new baby checklist you can use.

But you also want to keep your baby safe. Here’s a great little quiz you can take courtesy of the Home Safety Council. The more prepared you are for your new arrival, the better you will feel about brining your new baby into the world. 

Trying to find love online or considering online dating? If you are, there’s a lot to think about. Before you get all caught up in a relationship or fall head first into love, you need to keep it real and think clearly.

So many people have taken to online dating. It’s easy and convenient, and gives you a chance to meet someone in a virtual manner and get to know them without even meeting face to face. But there are risks, and you need to be educated. It’s almost like “buyer beware.” Don’t fall in love too quickly. People can tell you all about themselves — but then their story can turn out to be nothing but a series of lies. Sometimes people get in to a relationship so deep before they find out their princess or prince charming isn’t who or what they claimed to be. You don’t want to get stuck in that boat.

If you’re into the online dating scene, you’ve got to do your research. I found this great article which gives excellent advice, so please read it and use the information to your advantage. While the article talks about online dating, it also suggests that you look at your online dates the way you would look at hiring someone to work for you. Follow a process similar to that of hiring a new employee. I think that advice is right on the money! The only thing I would add to that is to make sure if you’re going to meet someone or become seriously involved, is to run a background check on that person. A background check can help you stay safe. Find out if your potential love interest has a criminal record or any other type of negative history.

Online dating can be fun and a positive experience. Just make sure you go about it the right and smart way!

Here’s the link to the article. What do you think?

Just a reminder to all you parents out there who hire babysitters or are looking to hire someone to care for your child. Run a background check on them…first.

A Florida mother just happened to come home from work early to find the babysitter smothering her 10-month old child. Fortunately, the child survived. But there are many other incidents that have occurred where the parents — and child — weren’t so lucky.

Perhaps you work outside the home, or maybe you just need to get away for several hours. Whatever the situation, make sure your children are in good hands. Make a smart babysitter decision by hiring someone who’s experienced, capable, and cares about your children. But that’s not enough; you should to run a background check on them. Be sure they don’t have a criminal record and are who they claim to be. Take the time to find a babysitter you trust and make sure they’re qualified.

Even if your potential babysitter’s background check is squeaky clean, you shouldn’t dismiss what your instincts tell you. Perhaps invite the sitter to visit your home and allow them to interact with your kids for a while. If they seem unusually uncomfortable and you get a bad feeling about the situation, you may want to start looking for someone else.

Take as many precautions as you can to avoid something happening like it did to the child in Florida.

Click here to read the Florida news story.

If you don’t think your child’s identity can be stolen, think again. Child identity theft is a rapidly growing problem. Further, your child’s identity can be more valuable than an adult’s. That is because kids don’t use credit, have credit cards and many children don’t have bank accounts. But the key is the child’s social security number.

Thieves commit child identity theft by stealing a their identity and social security number to open bank accounts, get credit cards, and land a job, open utility accounts and so on. And it’s so easy to get your child’s personal information, especially over the internet. But keep in mind, family members can be identity thieves too.

The process thieves’ use is similar to stealing adult identities. The difference is that a child’s identity has a clean slate, for example, no credit or criminal history. And if your child’s identity is stolen, you may not know until later in life when he or she goes to obtain a credit card, open a checking account, take out a loan or undergo a background check for a job.

Here are some tips to help protect your child’s personal information from the website IdentityTheftFixes.com:

• Keep their social security numbers locked up.
• Never give the number to another family member. Only give the number to professional adults needing the number for a specific professional reason.
• Ask that the numbers of your family members not be listed on insurance cards in the event that it is lost or stolen.
• Don't keep your children's social security numbers in your purse or wallet.
• Run a credit report check on your children yearly. The credit report should come back saying that no credit has been established for that child.

Of course, we work hard to protect our own identities, but by taking precautions, you can help minimize your child’s chances of being an identity theft victim.

Click here to read a recent story on the topic.

It seems the media is fully of cyber bulling stories these days. What is cyber bullying? It’s when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. It’s a form of teen violence that can do lasting harm to young people. Since instances of cyber bullying are on the rise, cases are no longer isolated.

According to cyber bullying statistics from the i-SAFE foundation:

• Over half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyber bullying.
• More than 1 in 3 young people have experienced cyber threats online.
• Over 25 percent of adolescents and teens have been bullied repeatedly through their cell phones or the Internet.
• Well over half of young people do not tell their parents when cyber bullying occurs.

The Cyberbullying Research Center also did a series of surveys that found these cyber bullying statistics:

• Over 80 percent of teens use a cell phone regularly, making it the most popular form of technology and a common medium for cyber bullying
• About half of young people have experienced some form of cyber bullying, and 10 to 20 percent experience it regularly
• Mean, hurtful comments and spreading rumors are the most common type of cyber bullying
• Girls are at least as likely as boys to be cyber bullies or their victims
• Boys are more likely to be threatened by cyber bullies than girls
• Cyber bullying affects all races
• Cyber bullying victims are more likely to have low self esteem and to consider suicide

There are a few steps you can take to help make sure your children are not victims of cyber bullying. Click here to learn three extremely important cyber bullying facts you should know about.

I just finished reading this horrific story about a daycare center in Georgia. Marlo’s Magnificant Early Learning Center in Jonesboro failed to check that all children were accounted for after a field trip and somehow left a 2-year old girl in a sweltering hot van. The child died because of the day care center’s neglect. How could this possibly happen? Well, unfortunately it did due to this daycare having clearly improper operating standards across the board.

Daycare centers can run from excellent to just plain bad. Choosing quality child care is one of the most important, and difficult, decisions you’ll ever have to make — and it should be a carefully thought out and researched process. It can be easy to detect a bad child care facility, but there are some specific criteria that can help warn you of a bad daycare center when you’re checking one out or if you have your infant or toddler already enrolled. Keep in mind too that good daycare centers can go downhill, so you must be diligent, maintain a set of standards and check it out on a regular basis.

Here are some warning signs of a bad daycare center:

• Negative reputation
• Unqualified staff
• Unsafe and dirty facility
• No emergency plan
• No set rules
• No daily schedule
• Expired License

Have you ever had a problem with a daycare for your infant or toddler? How did you handle it?

To help you better judge quality when you’re considering which child care program is right for your child, the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies has created a free easy-to-use booklet,  Is This the Right Place for My Child?: 38 Research-Based Indicators of High-Quality Child Care. Click here to download it.

Do you have a teen driver?

Recent research has shown that summer can be the deadliest time of the year for teen drivers, since they generally have more freedom than other times during the year.

• Students Against Destructive Decisions conducted a study, and 68% of teen drivers admit to “just” missing having an accident and greater than 30% admit to talking on a cell phone or texting while driving.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group. In 2009, eight teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries. Per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash.
• Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal teens have three times as many fatal crashes as other drivers, and this increases during the summer months and their first year of solo driving.

Safe driving practices are so important. When it comes to your teen’s safety, they need to practice safe driving tips every time they get behind the wheel. The decisions they make can mean the difference between life and death.

What’s great is many states in the U.S. have passed laws that ban the use of cell phone texting while driving. More and more states are sure to follow and enact cell phone driving laws to combat risks.

Read this article. If you have a teen driver, you’ll be glad you did.

This is definitely information you’ll be interested in and you’ve got to get this — especially in the event of an emergency. About The Kids Foundation has officially released a new Emergency Standard Card and free app for the iPhone to help save lives. Whether you have or don’t have a medical history, or have kids, this is a must have. Tell your parents and friends too.

The new Emergency Standard Card is wallet-sized and contains a color coded process that gives emergency responders instant and up-to-date medical information on an individual that includes:

• Emergency contacts
• Medical contacts
• Insurance details
• Blood type
• Power of attorney or healthcare directive
• Photo identification

While its primary purpose is to help save lives, the emergency card will also help reduce a misdiagnosis, improper emergency care or unnecessary expenditures. The Emergency Standard Card sells for $5.00 each, or $8.50 for complete family 6-pack. Don’t let this one pass you by.

The app for the iPhone is free, and includes all of the information on the Emergency Standard Card.

Click here to read more about it and learn how to get your card and free app. It’s easy. You’ll be glad you did, especially if there’s an emergency.

Summer fun is finally right around the corner. For some of you, it’s already in full swing. You and your kids are on the move. There are lots of weddings, picnics, graduation parties and family cookouts. Summer is also the season for vacations, being outdoors and scrambling for childcare. But it’s also a time for keeping children safe while they’re having fun. The more informed you are as a parent and the more safety precautions you take, the greater the chances are that you and your kids will have an untroubled summer.

Of course, it’s a time to kick back and relax, but don’t let the carefree attitude get in the way where summer safety is concerned.  You should have a safety checklist and keep it handy. After all, your children’s safety should be top priority. Summer is a fun time. Make it a safe time, too!

Click here to get some great summer safety tips to keep in mind for kids' safety.

If you’re a parent, have kids in school and you live in Colorado, there’s definitely some good news for you!

On Friday May 27, The Safer Schools Act of 2011 (House Bill 1121) was signed into law. That means Colorado schools are prohibited from hiring non-licensed support staff (for example janitors and lunch workers) who have been convicted of certain felonies such as crimes of violence, child abuse, unlawful sexual behavior and drug crimes. The new law goes into effect on August 10, 2011.

Existing laws are already in place that keeps individuals convicted of various crimes from teaching positions and/or jobs that require a license. But now thanks to lawmakers there are even stricter regulations to help protect Colorado school children.

It’s important to note there is a statue of limitations of five years for domestic violence and drug crimes. Therefore, if someone has completed a domestic violence class or drug treatment program and five years have passed, they can be hired. Schools are also now permitted to fire non-licensed employees who are found to have been convicted of a crime worse than a misdemeanor traffic offense, even after they’ve been hired by a school.

Also passed into law was Colorado Senate Bill 266, which mandates all school contractors to undergo a criminal background check, which must be provided to the school district when the contract is submitted. It went into effect immediately.

“There is nothing more important to me than fighting for the safety of the children entrusted in our care,” said Ramirez, R-Westminster.  “The measures that were signed into law today ensure that dangerous convicted felons do not have access to our students.”

So many parents are trying to “keep up with the Joneses” these days. Does it really matter what others have and what their kids are doing? To many it does. I don’t know about you, but I think parents should put their own family first and decide what’s best for their children, as opposed to worrying about what other people let their kids do. This is especially true when it comes to children having accounts on popular social networking sites.  

In California there is new proposed legislation called the Social Networking Privacy Act (SB 242). It’s not law yet, but it could be. Here’s what you need to know if it becomes law:

• The law would dictate social network privacy settings.
• Privacy settings would be established when a user first joins a network (instead of later on down the line).
• Facebook and other social networking sites would have to remove personal information for children if requested by the parent(s).
• Social networking website would have to heavily monitor what pieces of information on kids under 18 would be accessible to the public.

Let’s not forget, kids under the age of 13 aren’t supposed to be on Facebook. But they are, and in many cases the parents let them, or kids create accounts that their parents don’t know about. While the proposed law likely has its merits, it does have opposition. Many say it’s the parent’s responsibility to monitor their kid’s activities online, help them make the right choices and be a role model for their children.

Any legislation such as the Social Network Privacy Act will never completely replace good parenting. This type of legislation could be viewed as a supplement and helpful law to further protect our kids and keep them safe. But parent should always be parents. They should be educated and fully aware of the pitfalls that can come with using social media websites. Children should also be taught about the dangers of social networking, and if they use social media sites, how to properly use them.

It’s that time of year when many of you sign up your children for youth summer camps. You want them to have a fun and safe summer, but also keep learning. Deciding which summer camp program to choose can be a stressful and time-consuming process, and sometimes the best summer camps fill-up early. You want your child to be a happy camper. By doing your homework and having a plan you can make the process a lot easier. If your child has a good camp experience, then your choice was a success.

When evaluating a camp, summercamp.org provides some questions to ask. These can help you make a well-informed decision when it comes to selecting a summer camp program:

1. What is the director's age and background? How long has the director run this camp?
2. What are the camp's goals and philosophy?
3. What kind of camper is most likely to have a good experience at this camp?
4. What facilities does the camp have and how convenient are they for campers to get to?
5. What is the schedule like? Is it a structured program or one that emphasizes a lot of free choice?
6. What is the camper-counselor ratio and what are the characteristics of most of the staff?
7. What kind of staff training is provided?
8. What percentage of campers return each year?
9. What is the total cost of the camp including extras?
10. What are the sleeping arrangements and what toilet and shower facilities exist?
11. What is the swimming instruction program like?
12. How does the camp insure the safety and security of its campers?
13. What is the food like and who prepares it?
14. What is the policy about food packages, letters home, TV, trips to town, and to forth?
15. What medical facilities are available and what medical staff is on campus?
16. Is there a refund policy if the camper leaves early?
17. Will the director supply references?
18. What happens when the weather is bad?
19. How does the camp program meet individual needs and differences?
20. What kind of insurance coverage is there?

Keep in mind, sometimes you get what you pay for. And when it comes to staff and standards make sure the camp checks the criminal backgrounds of every staff member and camp counselor, whether paid or volunteer.

Click here to read the full article at summercamp.org and get more tips and advice.

When your teenager starts dating, it can be a very stressful time. You want them to behave, use their manners, make good decisions and use common sense. But you also want them to be safe. Teen dating violence and abuse happens more often than you think. It can take place in person or online. Learning how to prevent teen violence is perhaps the most important step to help it from happening in the first place. Then you must talk to your kids. They can’t be educated on teen dating and violence unless you are.

Kids never think it will happen to them. Some parents’ think their children will never been in a violent or abusive situation when they’re dating. But it’s a problem that effects teens of every gender, race and nationality. And it comes in many forms; verbal physical, sexual or emotional.

Here are some statistics gathered from Choose Respect's "Get the Facts: Dating Abuse Statistics" and "About Choose Respect: Dating Abuse Fact Sheet":

• Each year approximately one in four adolescents reports verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
• Approximately one in five adolescents reports being a victim of emotional abuse.
• Approximately one in five high school girls has been physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.
• Dating violence among their peers is reported by 54% of high school students.
• One in three teens report knowing a friend or peer who has been physically hurt by his or her partner through violent actions which included hitting, punching, kicking, slapping, and/or choking.
• Eighty percent of teens believe verbal abuse is a serious issue for their age group.
• Nearly 80% of girls who have been victims of physical abuse in their dating relationships continue to date the abuser.
• Nearly 20% of teen girls who have been in a relationship said that their boyfriend had threatened violence or self-harm in the event of a break-up.
• Nearly 70% of young women who have been raped knew their rapist; the perpetrator was or had been a boyfriend, friend, or casual acquaintance.
• The majority of teen dating abuse occurs in the home of one of the partners.

Teen dating can be a fun and safe experience. But before you let them leave the house, learn to recognize the warning signs of teenage dating violence and abuse. Here are some links to help you learn more:

• http://blog.surftrust.com/2011/04/30/tips-on-how-parents-can-help-prevent-teen-dating-violence/ 
• http://teenhealth.about.com/od/relationships/a/teenabusestats.htm 
• http://www.acadv.org/dating.html 

Spring is here! That means it’s time get outside, cut the lawn and take care of the yard!

A lot of people enjoy yard work, but for some it’s just too overwhelming. If you’re feeling the time constraints of maintaining your yard or just need some help, you should look into using a lawn care service.

Lawn care companies are a popular option for homeowners who want someone else to help care for their yard. They provide a wide variety of lawn care services such as mowing, fertilizing, pest control and landscape design. Knowing which lawn care or landscape business to choose can save you time, money and aggravation. If you’re an educated consumer, a little comparison shopping can go a long way.

Let’s face it, not all yard care companies are the same, and you are hiring people to work around your house. There is a lot of competition between landscape companies, and everyone wants your business so it’s important to do your homework. There are a lot of good lawn care companies out there, but there are plenty of scams too, so you have to be careful and be on the lookout for them. If a company offers same or similar services as another company, but at a much cheaper price, that could be a red flag.  As you do your research and search for the best lawn care company remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Here are some links to tips to choosing the lawn care service that’s right for you:

• Easy Steps On How to Choose the Right Landscaper 
• How Do I Choose a Landscaper 
• How to Choose a Landscaper 

Looking for good home care? If you are, and have a family member who would rather stay in their home as opposed to living in an adult community or nursing home, then we have some free tips for you.

Home care services offer a wonderful array of services for a few hours a day/week, or even 24 hours a day such as:

• meal preparation
• light housekeeping
• running errands & shopping
• providing transportation
• general assistance with daily living activities and life around the house

It’s important to learn about your options and choose the right home care provider for you and your family member. You must think about things such as the quality of care, budget, home care provider reputation and services they provide.

Here are some free tips to get you started:

• Every family is different and level of care can vary.
• Keep your family member safe by setting a high expectation of the care they will receive.
• Make sure a comprehensive background check is conducted on the home care provider before making your final selection and letting them into your family member’s home.
• Do your research, do more research, ask questions and ask more questions.
• Get a list of references and check with others who know the provider’s quality of service.
• Educate yourself on the laws that govern home care services as they can vary state-by-state.
• If you don’t find the right home care provider right away, move on and keep looking.
• Remember, only the best care for your family member is acceptable.

Of course, the goal is to help someone remain at home as long as possible. When looking into home care providers, the answers you get from doing your homework will help you choose which one is best for you and your loved one.

Click here to get more free tips on choosing a home care provider.

Thinking about putting your child in a daycare run out of someone’s home? If you are, here’s some free childcare information you can use!   

Of course, you want to keep your kids as safe and healthy as possible. And you want them to do well and learn in places that are free from danger. If you can find a good home daycare (and they are out there), you’ll feel good about leaving your child with that person on a regular basis.  

Here’s some free home daycare checklist tips to keep in mind when making your decision:  

• Many states require home daycare providers to go through a background check and have some training.  
• Make sure the person doesn’t have a criminal history of violence, child abuse, neglect or sex offenses. 
• Most home daycares are required by law to meet child care state licensing standards (but be aware that many get away without one, especially if the provider cares for one or two children other than her own). 
• Ask the home daycare provider to show you their credentials.
• Know that licensing requirements in some states are less strict for home daycares then for childcare centers.
• Make sure the home daycare provider has some type of background in child care or early childhood education and development.
• Find out if the home has been inspected as part of the process.
• If you place your child in a home daycare setting, know the warning signs of abuse so you can help prevent it before it happens. 

 And here’s some links to other childcare information you might want to check out:  

  From the National Child Care Information Center 

  From the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education 

  From  Daycare.com 

Remember, a home daycare provider with a license does not guarantee quality care. A little research and homework can go a long way and help you make good decisions when it comes to choosing a daycare that’s in a home.

So after reading the story of the mom who jumped on a bus to take on a bus driver who had joined the kids in bullying and picking on her daughter I must admit I was shocked when I learned that for doing so, she had the police standing behind her threatening her with a taser. 

Seem harsh to you?  Honestly it kind of did to me.

Now, not having been there I have no way of knowing if things got physical or out of hand.  In fairness, police say she stormed onto the bus and yelled at the driver refusing to get off the bus.  She says she just wanted to get help for her daughter and things should not have gone this far. 

But it would seem to me that this would be no different than having a “conference” with the bus driver as she would any other teacher the child has.  Some would say maybe the first step would be to call the district but Laura Booker (the mom) said they HAD to no avail. 

So as we bring you articles, posts and stories that help you protect your children, I have to ask…

Do you blame her for boarding the bus to help her daughter?  What would you have done?  Share in the comments below.

Imagine a world where one click not only takes you to a site, but logs you in automatically.  Imagine a world where all your information is stored securely (and I mean REALLY securely) so that if you’re ever asked to fill in a form, it takes one click.  Imagine a world where you create secure, strong passwords like you know you’re supposed to and never forget them…ever.  Finally, imagine a world where you have access to ALL of your logins no matter what device you’re using – android, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, any major browser, and all operating systems.   

Now stop imagining and experience it for yourself.  Every now and then, you come across a piece of software that you literally can’t live without.  RoboForm from SiberSystems is that piece of software. 

I found RoboForm about 5 years ago and I can honestly say that it was the best $30 I have ever spent and without a shadow of a doubt the most invaluable piece of software I own.  In fact when changing over from Windows to Mac a few years back, I almost didn’t do it cause RoboForm wasn’t compatible with Mac at that point (don’t worry, it is now J). 

So how does it work?  Glad you asked.  Basically, you download and install the software which is simply a toolbar or button in your browser of choice.  You set up a master password that protects all your logins and identities (more on that in a sec) from unauthorized access.  Then you can either just start using it or set up identities for form filling such as registrations and checkout forms.  You fill in your Identity once with all your personal data and then RoboForm will enter this data into web page forms for you.  This is obviously useful for multiple people using the same computer, but also, I used this a lot for differentiating between work and personal forms.  For example, if I was filling out a form for work, then I’d fill it using my work identity, and vice versa.  VERY handy indeed. 

Also, RoboForm saves online passwords into what they call a Passcard. Once the password is saved, RoboForm will offer to fill it when you visit the login page again or you can save the site/passcard as a bookmark, but it’s not like an ordinary bookmark.  This is a Super Bookmark!  One click on the bookmark and RoboForm will take you to the login page for the site AND log you in automatically.  Very cool.

Finally, although RoboForm has plenty of other features I could mention, one other noteworthy feature is what they call Safenotes.  You can store often used secret and non-secret text fragment in what we call a Safenote. Safenote provides safe storage for important passwords that are not automatically stored in Passcards and for other sensitive or often used information such as ATM passwords and lock key combinations.  You could also use this feature for answers to security questions and other information you just wouldn’t want lying around in a text file unprotected. 

What about security you ask?  Protected RoboForm Data is secured with military-grade AES 256 encryption, with additional security options available so your data won’t be vulnerable. 

With one-click logins and form filling, access from anywhere, and cross browser and platform support RoboForm might just rise to that “gotta-have” software on your list like it did for me.  If you wanna try it out, you can download the trial version which will allow you to store a limited number of passcards or if you’re ready to make the best $30 purchase of your life, you can just go pro right now!  

DISCLAIMER:  In the effort of full disclosure, you should know that while I absolutely LOVE RoboForm as I stated above and would recommend it anyway, if you click on the links above and purchase RoboForm, we’ll get a small referral fee from SiberSystems.  If for some reason that bothers you or you doubt that I would have recommended the software anyway, click this link and we won’t see one penny!  www.RoboForm.com 

Almost all the parenting and child safety tips we provide on this site are designed with proactively protecting kids from harm/danger.  But when I saw this news article, it was clear people needed to know about this. 

Did you know that social media is helping authorities locate missing children with an alarming success rate? 

I sure didn’t.  According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, social media has helped to resolve and recover 98.5% of AMBER alerts since 2005.  The article goes on to say that “Of 1,451 AMBER notifications from 2005 to 2009, 1,430 children have been found.”   

That’s astonishing and VERY impressive. 
To find out how you can get involved by engaging with some high tech social media tools to protect kids, read more at: 

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/03/30/social-networking-tools-help-missing-children/  

With tax time right around the corner, a lot of folks (including me) will find themselves getting all their tax documentation together, and shipping it off to their accountant or tax preparer in another city or even state.  As one person put it…”The private and sensitive information contained in your tax documents are the stuff of an identity thief's dreams: Names, addresses, Social Security numbers, banking information, and so on. It's the most sensitive packet of information most of us send out all year” so “…taking a few steps to ensure the security of the information therein is the least you can do!”

I agree and so that is why LifeHacker’s recent Ask LifeHacker post  is so relevant.  If you normally mail or send your important tax documents to your tax preparer, you owe it to yourself to read this information first!

New legislation has just been passed in the house that aims to protect kids in Oklahoma.  On March 9^th, 2011 the House of Representatives passed a bill that would require the DHS to do a criminal background check on all people in the home the child is to be placed in. 

The bill was named after Ada Johnson who was kidnapped and killed by her stepfather, Lester Hobbs.  Hobbs had abused her. He was a convicted felon who had spent time in prison for assault and battery with a deadly weapon. Yet, no criminal background checks were conducted on this individual when Aja was returned to the home.

Here’s a quote directly from the bill itself: 

“The legislation’s intent is to keep children safe by allowing OKDHS to run criminal background checks of persons on all the persons living in a home where a foster child might be reunified in such a home.  Finally, the measure requires service provider progress reports that are submitted to the court be delivered to each party in a deprived action.” 

Link to bill:  http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2136  

Link to legislature page:  http://www.okhouse.gov/OkhouseMedia/News_Story.aspx?NewsID=3857 

Last year we put together a video series for parents called Social Networking for Parents In Plain English.  It was designed to help parents bridge the gap between them and their kids when it comes to social media and other technology such as cell phones.  It also covered why kids love social networking so much and how parents can protect their kids from the dangers that lurk within. 

One of the social networks that's been getting a particularly bad rap for being a place where bullies can and do thrive is Formspring.  Well, not anymore.  The startup announced Thursday, March 10th that it was partnering with MIT's Media Lab to develop tools that could find "problematic content" thereby hoping to put a stop (or at least hinder greatly) online bullying. 

Online bullying today is a bigger problem than most people realize.  I'm convinced of that.  Kudos to Formspring for trying to take a bite out of cyber bullying by taking this huge step.  Check out the full scoop over at Mashable but before you do, do you have any experiences with online bullying or comments to share that might help people stay safe?  If so, be sure to comment below!

If you visited WhiteHouse.gov, the administrations website on Thursday March 10^th, you likely noticed that the first main image on the home page was this one (from WhiteHouse.gov):

They held a White House Conference on Bullying Prevention on Thursday, March 10^th to raise awareness and tackle how we can make the internet safer.  Facebook is taking an active role as being the messenger as well as hosting a live event (Facebook DC Live).  They’ve also created a new site, StopBullying.gov that offers tips on identifying bullying, preventing it and how to get help if someone you know is being bullied online or off.  In addition, they are using the StopBullying.gov Facebook page as a part of the awareness efforts.

Let us know what you think about cyber bullying and the Presdent’s attempts to fight it using Facebook. 

Helping you protect yourself and your loved ones is why IntelliCorp InTouch exists.  We recently became aware of some disturbing incidents on two of the biggest internet childcare network sites around when a male nanny in New York was accused of sexually assaulting a 5 year old boy in Morningside Heights. 

Be sure to check out these tips to understand how to find the best nanny while keeping your family safe.

http://vipnannies.blogspot.com/2010/05/warning-to-parents-about-internet.html 

Ever replaced a hard drive on your computer or thrown away or sold an old computer?  Thinking about doing so in the future?  If so, then you need to know for sure that your personal information is completely gone from the hard drive before letting it leave your possession.  Think you've erased it so you're fine?  Maybe you should read the aritcle on LifeHacker to make sure you made the data unrecoverable.  According the a recent study, "a whopping 40% of the used hard drives on eBay contain easily recoverable personal [and corporate] data. " (source: LifeHacker.com).  Unbelievable.  And scary to boot.  So make sure you know what you're doing enough to ensure your data's safety.

On top of that, if you are dealing with a solid state drive (SSD), most of the secure methods mentioned in the above articles won't work.  For the non-geeks out there an SSD drive is simply one that doesn't use a spinning disk to save and store data but rather a microchip and contain no moving parts. 

Again LifeHacker has some tips and tricks at the link below that you need to be aware of, but be forewarned, more tech savvy will certainly be required here. 

http://lifehacker.com/#!5767469/secure-erase-methods-wont-work-on-your-solid+state-drive

How do you protect your information?  Let us know in the comments below!

 So we all know that we should have secure passwords.  But the cry of people everywhere is I can barely remember one simple password let alone multiple complex passwords for every site.  So, they would say, it's impossible and not even worth trying to do.  Which is why recently when I learned of some pretty cool password creation tips and tricks, I thought I should share them with you to help keep your personal information more safe and secure. 

I mean it's no news flash that ore and more of our lives are either becoming digital or moving completely digital and in many cases that information needs protected.  On top of that, there are no shortage of sites that require you to register before giving you access or providing the content you need.  Add social media and day to day online routines and you've got a recipe for password management disaster.  Just in case you haven't been guilted enough by IT geeks or others here are the top password DO's in no particular order: 

1. Make your password easy to remember, but not easy to guess.  OK, so this part isn't so bad right?  I mean we've had to remember a PIN on our debit card now for quite some time and other info such as multiple phone numbers, our address...the list goes on and on...we can handle this.  But how do we make it hard to guess...hmmm all meaningful dates just went out the window...as well as publicly accessible info.  Even still, most of us can get this one to some degree and be just fine.   
2. Use strong passwords.  So what are strong passwords?  Basically they are the passwords you'd never have a prayer of remembering.  Capital letters, special symbols, numbers and meets certain length requirements (usually 8 characters).  Now it's starting to get more difficult.  But wait there's one more aspect to remember when choosing passwords for the seemingly infinite number of sites that require them... 
3. Don't use the same password for everything.  OK now they're just asking too much.  I can hear people even now mentally tuning out and rationalizing..."ah nobody will be interested in stealing my information" or "the problem of identity theft and online theft isn't that big...people are just blowing this out of proportion I'm sure".  And in doing so you've talked yourself right out of even trying to have secure passwords.   

Let me encourage you that you're not alone and that it can be daunting.  But if you ever met just one victim of identity theft I'd venture to say you'd be inspired to do everything in your power to keep your information safe.  That's not even taking into account the massive potential financial losses. 

So with all that said, I promised to share some awesome password tips and tricks with you.  Check out these links below and use whatever tip works for you best!

http://lifehacker.com/#!184773/geek-to-live--choose-and-remember-great-passwords

http://lifehacker.com/#!5768124/use-secure-password-creation-methods-for-more-private-security-questions

http://lifehacker.com/#!5516188/shift-your-fingers-one-key-to-the-right-for-easy+to+remember-but-awesome-passwords 

Here’s something I’ve never heard of that you need to know.  If you have a child 6 or under, they shouldn’t view 3D images for long periods of time due to the fact that it could have adverse effects on the eyesight development of children.  It’s unclear to me whether or not this warning also goes for new 3D TV’s and 3D movies at theaters, but regardless this is very interesting. 

You can read about the story on these news sites:

(ARTICLE) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204304204576051021329863968.html  

(VIDEO) http://video.foxnews.com/v/4488155/nintendo-shows-off-3ds-talks-child-safety/?playlist_id=86990 

So keep your kids safe and steer clear of the new 3DS when it comes out until your kids are older than 6 years old.  Be sure and let us know if you have more insight or information about this in the comments below as to help other parents out. 

Since helping you keep your kids safe is a priority for us at IntelliCorp InTouch, I couldn't help but write a quick post to let parents know of something I’ve been seeing lately that is quite disturbing.

It's potentially harmful video games that are being released that your children could literally buy and you need to know about this. 

Every year video game manufacturers create new video games with the goal of pushing the envelope on technology, game play and uniqueness.  But some have also pushed the envelopes in more potentially harmful ways; namely vulgarity, profanity, nudity, adult situations and violence.   These “questionably fringe” video games as we’ll call them hit shelves all across the country every year just as all the other games do. 

What you may not be aware of is that they will be available for anyone to purchase.  And yes I do mean anyone.  But before I get to that, let me first say that some of these games are so offensive I couldn’t even publish what the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), the organization that rates all video games as a guide for parents, says about these games.  In the ESRB, each game carries a letter-label at retail (T for Teen, M for Mature) and an online-only summary.

And these games of course carry the rating of M for mature, but you might be surprised to know that this is basically useless.  Why?  Because it isn't enforced at retail.  In other words if a 9 year old went to buy one of these games, there is nothing stopping him just because the game has a rating of M or T for teen. 

Here's an excerpt from a news story about this problem:

"There might be a simple way to address the problem: penalties for selling violent games to kids. 

This year, the Supreme Court will make a landmark decision about video-game violence. A California law now makes it illegal for a merchant to sell a Mature-rated game to a minor; the law imposes a $1,000 fine. But the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has sued to overturn the law."

This is just one more example of how parents need to be sure to take the responsibilities that they have to protect their kids seriously and not let games like these come in their homes.  It's also something you want to know before letting your kids go to their friend’s house as well.  And if you can't be sure of the kinds of video games that they own or might be played, then either request that the friends parents not let them play video games at all or don't let them go in the first place. 

So what do you think?  Should there be laws in place to ensure that minors can't purchase games like this?  Is the ESRB ratings system working?  Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Though I’m a child of the 70’s and have witnessed first-hand the tremendous boom of technology (this in itself seems like a huge understatement), I often wonder at the simpler times.  To be a parent in the 50’s must have been a cake walk.  I mean, what were the threats to children back then?  People left their doors unlocked at night.  Kids were allowed to speak to strangers.  Mothers told their kids to be back in time for dinner…with no knowledge of exactly where they were every second they were away. 

We’re now at a place where we’re in constant lockdown and constant contact with our children.  And there’s no downtime.  We need to stay on alert constantly.  With iPod’s, Nintendo’s, and personal computers – we need to be aware of what are children are accessing, and who is accessing them. 

Internet Security Protection & Home Computer Security

So, is there an easy way to accomplish this in a complicated world?  I’ve done some research and found some great resources for parental safety controls. 

The first thing you need to know about blocking, is that nearly every manufacturer includes blocking or prevention capabilities for parental controls.  You just need to take the initiative to activate and password protect it. 

Here are a few additional resources that have more in-depth features, depending on your kids’ age and computer “savvy-ness”.

•  www.ParentalControlBar.org  

A free public service

Parental Control Bar is provided free of charge to the public by WRAAC.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free, effective internet control tools.

• www.kidswatch.com 

Many parental control software packages are available on the market today.  I thought that KidsWatch offers the widest array of solutions to safeguard your children's Internet experience and maximize the efficiency of time they spend on the computer.

Parents can set computer usage time limits, by child; ensuring homework is a priority over:

• Internet Chatting and Online Gaming
• Social networking sites such as YouTube, facebook, adult sites and more

• http://www.consumersearch.com/parental-control-software 

This website offers a listing of the ‘best parental controls software reviews.’

• http://www.socialshield.com/  

As we’ve discussed in past posts, social media and social networking is becoming a very dangerous place for our children.  We even did a free video series called Social Media for Parents In Plain English to help parents get more social networking savvy and learn how to talk to their kids and set proper boundaries.  In all likelihood, it probably always has been and we’re just now seeing it.  Social Shield offers parents the ability to monitor  their kids in social networks online and know things that simply friending your child wouldn’t tell you.  It also saves parents loads of time by sending them alerts to the most potentially dangerous posts, activities or friends without the parent having to read every single post.  It will even tell you if an adult masquerading as a child has become friends with your kid.  VERY cool tool and important if your kids are on social networks.

If you’ve ever downloaded files from the Internet, you know that the first step to protecting your computer – and all of your personal data – is to utilize good anti-virus software. 

Viruses can be at best, a pain to get rid of – and at worst, disastrous and costly. 

But, you don’t need to invest a lot of money in home computer security – check out www.TheFreeSite.com or www.freedownloadmanager.org – for a listing of programs that are available to you free of charge.  The programs listed on these websites will either clean and/or scan your computer for viruses and other computer security threats.  You just need to be sure that you check with the provider of the free computer protection software periodically to check for updates.

Updates are crucial.  The Internet is a breeding ground for new viruses that pop up all of the time.  Unfortunately, people have made a hobby of creating new viruses, so you will need to be diligent in checking for the latest in free updates.

My next-door neighbor is an IT nerd.  He loves talking new technology updates and enjoys being the computer guru of the neighborhood.  He is the go-to guy for most of my neighborhood if anything crashes or glitches on our PC’s.  I guess I take him for granted.  You see, to me, computer techno talk is like eating dry, old bread without any water.  It doesn’t kill me – but in no way do I enjoy any part of it. 

So, when we were chatting at the bus-stop the other day and he asked what kind of anti-virus software I was using, I froze.  I honestly had NO idea!  I’m a well-educated individual with a good job.  I was embarrassed by my lack of protection to some of my most valuable assets:  my identity, my banking info, my credit cards.  So, I decided it was time I dove right into finding out just how protected my computer and personal information is, and what I need to do to maintain a comfortable level of security.

Minimizing your risk and protecting your computer is so much easier than I anticipated.  At first, I felt intimidated by not understanding the ‘lingo’ and not knowing what to choose, but here are some easy guidelines that you can follow to insure online and wireless computer security.

1. Make Sure Your Computer is Equipped with The Basics 

Every computer should have the following three core protections installed:

• Anti-Virus Software 
• Firewall  
• Anti-Spyware Software 

Additionally, you need to block spam emails, use an up-to-date web browser, make regular backups, and encrypt your wireless network.

2. Automatic Updates to Security Features 

Installing these software packages is the first step.  Equally important is keeping them up to date.

New threats emerge daily and quality software packages come with subscriptions that allow you to update your defenses on a regular basis. In most cases, you can set the software to retrieve the updates automatically. Set your system for these automatic updates so you don’t create extended periods of potential vulnerability.

In addition, your computer runs an operating system.  If you surf the Internet, you use a browser as well. Both should be updated regularly.  Many of the updates that address security issues can be scheduled to run automatically.

3. Perform Free Security Checks 

According to www.staysafeonline.org, many computer security vendors offer free computer security checks for your computer. Visit a link below to check your computer for known viruses, spyware, and more and discover if your computer is vulnerable to cyber attacks.

http://daol.aol.com/security/computer-checkup 

http://www.auditmypc.com 

http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html 

http://shop.ca.com/STContent/Resources/Resources.aspx 

http://www.eset.com/online-scanner 

http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm?s_cid=sah 

http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner 

http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp 

http://www.pandasecurity.com/activescan/index/?track=1&Lang=en-US&IdPais... 

http://www.symantec.com/securitycheck 

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp 

http://www.webroot.com/En_US/land-ss-promo-freescan.html 

https://browsercheck.qualys.com 

http://www.qualys.com/stopmalware 

I hate to admit it, but in the midst of working every day, running the kids to either swim lessons, soccer, or piano practice, making sure there’s something to eat, clean clothes, homework done, bills paid – OK, I think you get the picture!  -- anyways, where was I?  Ahh, yes…the importance of online computer protection.  Considering that I can’t even keep on subject, you can imagine how often I investigate or check to see:  1) Do I have the tools to protect my computer properly?  And, 2) Do I keep these tools updated? 

If you’re like me, you will be interested to learn that most people are equally complacent about internet protection – mostly because they assume they’re covered by either their service provider or the software that came with their computer when they bought it. 

Let me just tell you though, that this complacency leaves you wide open to vulnerability.  And while we barely give computer protection a fleeting thought, there are many computer hackers out there who spend their livelihoods trying to conquer and destroy the security of our computer systems.   

Common Misconceptions 

According to www.GetSafeOnline.org ,there are many myths out there that are leaving people vulnerable and open to criminal computer attacks.  Here are some of the most common:

• I’ve got anti-virus software so I’m completely protected 

Viruses aren’t the only security threat so this is a bit like always locking the front door but leaving the windows wide open. For example, anti-virus software won’t keep out evil hackers or stop spyware and it won’t stop you falling for a con trick online.

• Nobody’s interested in me 

Wrong again. Increasingly corrupt hackers and criminals work hand-in-hand. Stealing your identity is a lot more profitable than stealing your television.

Anonymity is no protection. Criminals use automated tools to find potential victims. They can scan tens of thousands of computers an hour over the internet. It’s like flicking through the phone book and ringing people up at random to see if they’re home.

• You only get viruses from emails 

Unfortunately, there are lots of ways for a virus to infect your computer. For example: via websites, directly over the internet, on disks or other removable media or by installing infected programs.

• It’s too time-consuming to do anything about security 

It can take 60 hours, on average, to sort out a case of identity theft and a couple of days to clean up a computer that has been infected with viruses and spyware.  An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

• My internet service provider protects me from online threats 

Some internet service providers (ISPs) provide some elements of security such as scanning emails for viruses or providing you with a firewall, but you need to understand exactly what they do and, more importantly, what they don’t do.
Some ISPs do nothing to protect you. Not only that, an ISP can do nothing to protect you from conmen or hoax emails. Assuming that your ISP is doing it all could be an expensive mistake.

For some excellent information on protecting your computer and your personal information, I highly recommend that you visit the following organizations’ websites for some easy-to-follow tips and guidance: 

www.staysafeonline.org 

www.getsafeonline.org 

www.kidshealth.org 

I recently went on a ‘registry adventure’ with my brother and his wife.  They were expecting their first child and needed some input and advice from someone who has had kids, and hence, many, many car seats as well.  I puffed my chest out with pride at all of the knowledge under my belt – surely I could point them in the right direction for their car seat needs…

About an hour-and-a-half later, I stumbled (more like ran) out of that baby-store.  My brain was a jar of puréed Gerber sweet potatoes. 

We tried to make sense of the car seat marketing mayhem – and I can only compare baby seat sales tactics to the food industry’s – with terms like “natural, organic, enriched, whole, healthy, fresh, etc.” it all sounds good, but is it true, and which one is better for the price, and best for your health…or in the case of car seats:  safest for your child?  Baby seat car shopping is comparable in that they use fancy words to skirt around what you really want to know.   How “SAFE” is it? 

I wasn’t giving up.  I was still determined to help them, and others, who find themselves perplexed at the baby car seat semantics.  So, if this applies to you, fasten your seatbelt!  (I had to get that cliché in here somewhere.)

Car Seat Safety – Making the Right Choice 

The most important lesson I’ve learned, is that there is a difference – a HUGE difference – in baby car seat reviews for the “best” seat vs. the “safest” seat.  The “best” seat rating will compare car seats, but will include everything within the rating – so, additional features such as cup-holders, night-lighting, sun shades, etc. cause the rating to be higher. 

On the other hand, “safety” ratings are determined by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).  All car seats that have been rated by NHTSA meet Federal Safety Standards and strict crash performance standards.  If the car seat has been rated by NHTSA, it is deemed ‘safe’ to be on the market.  In addition, they rate them on ‘ease-of-use’ in four categories (using a five-star system).    

Below, I have listed some excellent resources to help you make the safest purchase decision.

1. NHTSA website:  http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS 
2. Evaluates the child seat based on a 5-star ratings system.  This can help you to properly choose and correctly install the safety seat for your child:  reports information on rear-facing (infants) seat, forward-facing (toddlers) seat, booster seats (tweens) and proper seat belt alignment.
3. Evaluates the LATCH Restraint System which consists of lower attachments on child seats and a set of tether anchors in the vehicle to hold the child seat in place without the use of the vehicle’s seat belts.
4. Free Seat Inspection locator – find the station nearest you for a safety seat checkup to ensure proper installation.
5. Latest Recalls List – you can register your child seat to receive recall notifications.

2. Consumer Reports website:   

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/baby-toddler/car-seats/index.htm 

• Child Safety Seat Ratings are available – Consumer Reports hires its own experts to regularly test infant, convertible, toddler, and booster seats to find the safest models for your child based upon:
  • Crash protection
  • Ease of use
  • Fit to vehicle type
   

3. Safe Kids website:   

http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/babies/on-the-way/carseat-safety-for-babies.html 

• Features great car seat safety tips for:  Babies on the way (infants), Little Kids (ages 1-4), Big Kids (5-9), Pre-teens and Teens (10-14)

To chat, or not to chat, that is the question. 

When your kids enter into their Tweens (ages 10-14), they will no doubt be spending more time at the computer.  You can’t say no to book reports.  Gaming is everywhere.  And, now social networking is reaching younger audiences than ever before. 

It starts out innocently.  Your adorable 11-year-old wants to find out more about the latest in Legos.  But he accidentally types in “Legs.”  You can imagine what the search results will turn up – and it won’t be pantyhose!  And even if this scenario doesn’t happen, once he’s reached the coveted Lego site, there could be potential dangers lurking in...  Chatrooms.

My young nephew was oblivious to chatroom dangers.  One day, he asked my sister for a mailing envelope.  When she questioned him as to what for, he told her that an online friend and himself were going to do a trade.  He was sending off a Lego set, in return for one.  He gave out his name and address online!  To another little boy?  Maybe.  To a wolf in sheep’s clothing?   Possibly. 

Needless to say, my sister was floored.  The fact is that she and her husband had talked to him about online dangers.  His school also conducted lessons in computer safety.  But, he ‘trusted’ this reputable site, and thought his mom was ridiculous telling him that he could have been talking to a 50-year-old predator who now knows his name, address, and who knows what else!   His response was, “nobody wants to steal me mom.”  The invincibility factor as I call it.  When you’re a kid, nothing bad is going to happen to you – you’re invincible.

So, how do you convince your kids about the priority of safety online? 

Here are some excellent parenting tips for exercising Chat Room Caution – from www.kidshealth.org :

Chat Room Cautions 

Chat rooms can pose hazards for kids:

• Some kids have met "friends" in chat rooms who were interested in exploiting them.  No one knows how common chat-room predators are, but pedophiles (adults who are sexually interested in children) are known to frequent chat rooms.
• Predators sometimes prod their online acquaintances to exchange personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers, thus putting the kids they are chatting with — and their families — at risk.
• Pedophiles often pose as teenagers in chat rooms. Because many kids have been told by parents not to give out their home phone numbers, pedophiles may encourage kids to call them; with caller ID the offenders instantly have the kids' phone numbers.

Warning Signs 

Warning signs of a child being targeted by an online predator include:

• Spending long hours online, especially at night, phone calls from people you don't know, or unsolicited gifts arriving in the mail.
• If your child suddenly turns off the computer when you walk into the room, ask why and monitor computer time more closely.
• Withdrawal from family life and reluctance to discuss online activities.

Contact your local law enforcement agency or the FBI if your child has received pornography via the Internet or has been the target of an online sex offender.

Protecting your Kids from Chatroom Dangers 

• Become computer literate and learn how to block objectionable material.
• Forbid your child from entering private chat rooms; block them with safety features provided by your Internet service provider or with special filtering software. Be aware that posting messages to chat rooms reveals a user's email address to others.
• Keep the computer in a common area, not in individual bedrooms, where you can watch and monitor its use.
• Share an email account with your child so you can monitor messages.
• Find out what, if any, online protection is offered by your child's school, after-school center, friends' homes, or anyplace where kids could use a computer without your supervision.
• Take your child seriously if he or she reports an uncomfortable online exchange.
• Forward copies of obscene or threatening messages you or your kids get to your Internet service provider.
• Many sites use "cookies," devices that track specific information about the user, such as name, email address, and shopping preferences. Cookies can be disabled. Ask your Internet service provider for more information.

Also, check out our video series which helps parents get up to speed on social media and social networking, Social Networking for Parents In Plain English.  Taking an active role in your kids' Internet activities will help ensure that they benefit from the wealth of valuable information it offers without being exposed to any potential dangers.

 It is our job after all as parents.

For those of us with kids, the far-reaching Internet and multitude of online networking possibilities can sometimes seem comparable to outer space.  It’s not hard to feel overwhelmed by its vastness, its depth, its complexity, and its reach.  I will honestly admit that if anything makes me feel old and out of touch with my kids, it’s social technology.  I must face it, they are light-years ahead of me when it comes to ‘the latest online apps.’  And with constant media flashes of cyberbullying tragedies, predator stories, and digital media overuse statistics…I want to be able to keep on top of my kids’ internet use without sounding like a complete dinosaur.  But how?

Luckily, help is available.  This is such an important topic, that there are an overwhelming amount of resources out there.  Mostly because in 2008, Congress passed the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act, which established the Online Safety Technology Working Group (OSTWG) a panel of 29 representatives from Internet companies, academia, non-profits and government to study and report on how to best protect kids online.

Below are some non-profit and government Internet safety group websites that are recommended.  The sites all stand upon the same foundation:  understanding and talking to your kids about online safety is imperative in the world today.  In addition, it is our duty as parents to set limits and teach digital citizenship and media literacy, essential components to online safety.  Because afterall, how kids treat themselves and others, as well as their ability to critically evaluate what they see and do on, and offline, can have an enormous impact on their personal safety and the safety of those with whom they interact.

The following sites have comprehensive information for parents, tips for talking to children, tweens and teens, and video guides and tools for both parents and children.   No matter which site you feel suits your personality and parenting style doesn’t matter, but getting in touch with your children sooner rather than later, can make all the difference.  Even if it does make you feel like a dinosaur!

Family Internet Safety Resources 

• SafeKids.com  
• ConnectSafely.org 
• www.fosi.org  (Family Online Safety Institute)
• onguardonline.gov 
• www.kids.gov 
• www.usa.gov  (FBI kids’ page) 
• www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/tech/tec14.shtm  (Safety for teens and tweens)  

It’s no secret that Healthcare in America is out of control.  Today we are facing health crises that barely existed even two decades ago.  Childhood obesity.  Widespread diabetes.  Just to name a few.  But here’s a new one that I’ve witnessed lately.  And, at first, it is laughable.  Until you put into perspective the numbers afflicted, the long-term injuries sustained, along with the high probability that this can happen to you…and how absurdly preventable it is…

FACT:  76% of Americans are at risk. 

FACT:  You, or someone you love, are likely to fall into this group.

FACT:   If you are reading this blog, you are 100% at risk!

We’ve all seen the advertisements for well-meaning medications that come with a slew of side effects listed.  And if you’re like me, half-way through the list you’re wondering to yourself, “Who would take on that much risk?” 

In the interest of proving my point, I have a small quiz for you to take…don’t worry, you can’t fail.  But, I promise you that the answer will astonish you!

Read over the following side-effects and try to determine what is putting you at risk:

• Cumulative trauma injuries:  inflammation of the tendons, nerve sheaths and ligaments, and damage to soft tissues.  Can be disabling. 
• You may experience pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in muscles or movement of arms, hands, and fingers – the result of carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, tendinitis, DeQuervain’s disease or ganglionic cysts.
• Back, neck and shoulder pain and stiffness can occur.
• Prolonged use is reported to cause eyestrain, eye fatigue, eye irritation and blurred vision.

Can you guess what is ailing you? 

Let me give you a hint.  The average American spends an average of 4-6 hours per day doing it.  We do it both at work and home.  And, experts agree, the majority of society is addicted to it, and can no longer live without it.

Your health risk … drumroll please … could very well be your computer. 

Go ahead and snicker.  I won’t lie, I did too…at first.  But, with the amount of computer time per person rising steadily every year, there is growing concern for the health and safety of the population.  Supporting evidence suggests (according to a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2009) that over a 13-year research period the figure showing computer-related injuries registered a 732 percent increase.  And these are only reported injuries.  Imagine the amount of migraines and shoulder/neck/back pain that go unattributed to computer usage. 

Good Computer Workstation Ergonomics Is Key 

The potential strain you’re putting on your body can be harmful to your health.  Workplaces and government agencies are getting involved to raise awareness of the ‘health hazards of computer use,’ as well as provide guidance and solutions for preventing injuries and strain.

Here are some recommendations for prevention at both home and work –

When using a computer make sure you can sit in a comfortable position, and keep a good posture.  Your eyes should be level with the screen.  Make sure you have enough space and don't sit in the same position for too long.

 Top 3 Computer Workstation Ergonomics Tips: 

ADJUST YOUR VISION:  Your line of vision should hit the top of the monitor;  viewing distance should be 18-30 inches from the screen; reduce glare.  Take occasional short breaks to give your eyes relief from any strain.

ADJUST YOUR CHAIR:  Proper lower back support (lumbar support) will allow for proper posture.  Proper chair height (between 16-20.5 inches) is also important for proper alignment.

ADJUST YOUR WRIST:  Change how you use your computer. Position of the wrist must be neutral, or straight. The keyboard needs to be placed so the arms bend at approximately a 90-degree angle.  Any bending of the wrist puts pressure on the tendons and nerves at the same time they are being required to work. By bending the wrist, you are narrowing the space available for your tendons and nerves.  Avoid resting the wrist or forearm on a hard surface while keying. This is called contact stress and must be avoided.  If you feel you really want a wrist rest, make sure to use a wrist pad.

If you work at a computer for your living, you should know that there is no legal limit to how long you should work at a computer, but under health and safety regulations you have the right to breaks from work using a computer.  These don't have to be rest breaks, just different types of work (filing, paperwork, phonecalls, etc.)  Guidance suggests it's better to take shorter breaks more often at your workstation than longer breaks and less often. 

If you believe that you are suffering from any type of injuries due to work, check with your employer to see if they offer ergonomic solutions, such as screen-glare minimizers, ergonomically correct keyboards, etc. 

The best news is that computer injuries are preventable.  Whew!  As a blogger, and an admitted computer addict, that is certainly a relief!

Happy New Year! It’s time to take down the holiday decorations and get the house back to “normal.”

With the rest of the winter in front of you and spring looming, it’s also the time that families start to plan their home remodeling or landscaping projects for the year. As cabin fever sets in, the thoughts of a new deck or siding afford you an opportunity to escape the winter blahs as you envision the finished project.

As those projects are being planned, many folks start to call contractors for estimates. We’ve discussed how important it is to find a reputable contractor. Checking the Better Business Bureau  or local service search sites such as Angie’s List will give you a good start.

But since it’s early in the year, and you have some time, I’d like to add another suggestion. When you interview contractors, ask to see their “brag book” of completed projects. Many contractors document their finished projects in great detail; the good ones keep a record of their successes, and are proud to display their skill and prowess.

Then ask for one more thing. Ask for a list of references.

Think about that for a minute. Think of all the job interviews you’ve been on over the years. You may not have always been asked for them, but you’ve probably had to provide references at least once in your career. 

If the contractor can provide them – and they should – don’t just take the list for granted. Call past customers. Ask them what they liked about the contractor and his crew. Ask about the quality of work. Ask if the people who did the work seemed trustworthy – or if the customer was nervous throughout the course of the job and couldn’t wait for them to leave. In short, make sure the customers were satisfied with all aspects of the job.

You can take things a step further by doing an online background check on the contractor and his crew such as this. Remember, these individuals are coming into your home or on your property to perform the work.  You have a right to be comfortable that you’re dealing with honest individuals. 

A background check will give you information such as criminal history, sex offender information, bankruptcy information and liens. Such a report can be had for less than $10.

Now, in fairness to the contractors who will be performing the work and making your home the palace you envision, remember that these folks have rights and families, too. Hiring a contractor assigns certain responsibilities to you as well. Be fair. Be nice to the crew. Providing a cooler of bottled water or soft drinks can go a long way to making the workers feel welcome in your home, and make them want to do a good job for you. Here are some ideas from others I found online. Is it necessary? No. But it’s a nice thing to do.         At the end of the project, everyone should be satisfied – the contractor, his crew, but most of all, you! 

You’re about to sign a four or five figure contract for a major remodeling, landscaping or storm damage repair job. You’re comfortable with the contractor and his bid. He seems capable. He’s shown up in a truck full of tools and magnetic signs on the vehicle’s doors every time he’s come to visit you. He’s even given you a business card with his mobile phone number listed, although you’ve wondered why it doesn’t list a physical address or even a website.

Still, it seems like a legitimate business.

But is it?

Don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of “one-man bands” out there who do great contracting work. They are often known in the business as “fly-by-night” contractors, or “tailgaters,” because that’s what their office really is – the tailgate of the truck or vehicle. Often, they can even offer you a better deal monetarily than their counterparts who operate with staffs and crew out of a central location, or a business with satellite offices.

Of course they can offer you a better price – they have no overhead. But they can also let you down with poor workmanship or unfinished jobs. And try finding them when that happens.

A friend of mine was having some major interior remodeling done in his home. The contractor left his tools in my friend’s home every night. Halfway through the job, the contractor disappeared. For all my friend knows, the poor fellow passed away. Two years later, he still has the man’s tools. He was never able to reach him. And he had to hire a new contractor to finish the work.

Personally, I prefer to work with contractors you can find during a job and after. I look for addresses on the business cards, and I’ve even been known to drive by that company’s offices, just to make sure it really does exist. If it doesn’t look like a place I’d walk into … well, let’s just say I usually pass.

I like to see a professional-looking company vehicle with painted logos and phone numbers, not one with magnetic signs that are slapped haphazardly on the doors. For all I know, those signs can change the minute he leaves the driveway. One minute, he’s a plumbing/HVAC contractor … the next, he’s a roofing and siding expert. Those two typically don’t mix in the real world. But in today’s world of handymen looking for a quick buck, you can become an “expert” just by having some magnetic signs made up.

As a bonus – I like to see that the contractor is affiliated with a professional association in his or her field. Just about every field has such associations … plumbers-heating-cooling, garage door repair and install, landscapers ... and many of these associations have codes of conduct to which their members must adhere, offering consumers reassurance of professional performance.

I like to make sure that the contractor hasn’t had a large number of disputes that have been reported to the local Better Business Bureau or that they’re in good stead with Angie’s List. They should be licensed to work in your city, county or state. They should be bonded. And they should be insured.

And if you really want to make sure your contractor is everything he or she says he is, a personal background check may be in order. Remember, you’re inviting this person onto your property or into your home to work there. This is your territory; you have a right to know if the people working on your behalf have any past issues that you should be aware of. A personal background check can often be obtained for under $10.

Seems like a lot of work? Hey, it’s your money. It’s your house and property. A couple of hours of homework today can save you months of haggling later.

In this free ebook, we wanted to give parents 5 simple tips how to keep their kids safe online and off.  Be sure to download it and feel free to share it with anyone you know who could use some help keeping their kids safe in this day and age. 

Download the Five Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe eBook 

I received a phone call tonight at my busiest time of the day – trying to get dinner prepared with loud, attention-deprived, hungry kids swirling around my feet.  The caller ID showed it was a ‘Private Name, Private Number’ call.  This did not signal a telemarketer, so I answered it.

The caller told me I’d been chosen as one of two homeowners in my neighborhood to win a free Honeywell home security system.  I could barely focus on what he was saying, but my gut was screaming ‘bogus’ – because I know that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  So I was waiting for him to drop the bomb on me for what he was selling, so that I could politely tell him ‘No, thank you’ and hang up.  He then casually asked, “Do you currently have a security system?”

I’ll admit, I was tempted for a quick second to automatically reply…it seemed harmless enough.  But then, I focused, and immediately hung up on the caller. 

Now, thinking it through – how stupid and vulnerable it would have been of me to answer that question!  After hanging up and putting more thought into it, I realized that he never actually identified himself or the company he was calling on behalf of, and it didn’t have a company name on the Caller ID like most reputable – and certainly well-known – companies do.  Yet he used the Honeywell brand to try to confuse me into thinking ‘he’ was reputable and trustworthy. 

It made me think then of my parents.  Both in their late 70’s – how would they react if they were called?  And since we’re knee-deep in the Christmas season, it makes me wonder –  

Do scams increase around the holidays?  What are the top scams to be wary of?  And, who is most at risk? 

According to the Washington Examiner, the holidays are prime time for fraud and identity theft, because customers are constantly handing over their credit card numbers and people are more likely to fall for scams. 

Additionally, ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ also comes with the most stressful financial woes, and people are more willing to toss up their disbelief and common sense.  They more easily fall prey to scams that include fake online auctions, sweepstakes awards that never arrive and charities that don't exist.

The poor economy is also spurring a spike in fraudulent charitable organizations, because sadly, people see it as a way to make some money.  There’s no better time for the mood to ‘give’ then around the holidays, and sadly, many well-doers fall victims to fake charities.

And, as more people are shopping online, the Internet is quickly becoming a gold mine for holiday scammers.  According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), an arm of the FBI that tracks all types of online fraud, the Complaint Center recently logged its 2 millionth consumer complaint alleging online criminal activity.  The IC3 was founded in 2000, and received its 1 millionth complaint seven years later.  It took half that time to receive the 2 millionth complaint, which illustrates the rapid growth of cyber crime.

 Counterfeiters and pirates with basic Web design skills can set up online storefronts that look authentic, easily deceiving innocent consumers. 

Be Alert to Popular Holiday Scams: 

Source: National Consumers League, FBI  

• Internet merchandise: Goods are either misrepresented or not delivered.
• Classified ad and auction sites: Criminals post ads for goods that don't exist and steal consumers' credit card numbers.
• Fake checks: Consumers given phony checks in exchange for goods and told to wire money back to the buyer.
• Prizes/sweepstakes/free money: Requests for payment to claim prizes that don't exist.  
• Gift cards: Fake gift cards sent to people who buy cards through online auction or classified sites.
• Phishing: E-mails that appear to be from a well-known source ask people to enter personal information.
• False charities: Organizations that collect money but don't use it for philanthropic purposes.
• Employment: Fake job offered in exchange for an up-front fee.
• Nigerian money offers: Promises of money if the person pays to transfer funds to a scammer's bank account .

Who is Most at Risk to be Scammed? 

According to the National Consumers League:  Young, well-educated people are the most likely to fall for swindles overall but older people are more likely to report these economic crimes.  Senior citizens often fall prey to telemarketing frauds, but people in their 30s and 40s complain most often that they have been defrauded over the Internet.

For example, fraudulent telemarketers often target the elderly as potential victims, not because they are greedy, but because they are more likely to:

	have money, property, savings, and investments;
	be home to receive phone solicitations; and
	remain on the phone longer to hear fraudulent sales pitches (due to loneliness).

Younger, educated adults may be targeted because of a:

	lack of maturity and experience that would help them recognize fraudulent pitches,
	desire and social pressure to increase their standard of living quickly, and
	lack of information about financial investments.

 Other victims are targeted because of certain personality or character traits that may increase their risk for fraud victimization.  These include: compassion, respect for authority figures, and unsuspicious natures.  

Tips to Avoid Being a Victim: 

Source: National Consumers League, FBI, Institute for Cyber Security  

• Don't shop online on an unencrypted or open wireless network.
• Make sure your computer's firewall, anti-spyware and anti-virus software are updated before shopping online.
• Use only reputable sites.
• Pay by credit card so you can dispute the charges if necessary.
• Don't be tempted by free-money offers.
• Look for secure sites that display "https" in the address bar.
• Be cautious of e-mails that ask for information about your financial accounts.
• Do not respond to unsolicited e-mails.
• Contact businesses to make sure e-mails are genuine.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit accounts so you can monitor potential identity theft.
• When shopping, keep your credit cards out of view of nearby shoppers.

Just three years ago, most parents (85%) were completely unaware of the issue of cyber bullying and their children; yet, 9 out of every 10 middle school children will admit to being hurt or humiliated online. 

Long gone are the days where the school-yard or school-bus bully hits us up face-to-face for our lunch money.  Nowadays, anyone can be a bully – it’s anonymous and can easily go under the radar of adults.  You also don’t need brute force – just a computer or cell phone (what kid doesn’t have at least one of those?) and some mean words.  The effects are usually embarrassing, at the least – or even fatal, at the worst.

The prominence of instant messaging, cell phones, iPods, and emails through social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace is fueling the fire.  It’s no secret that kids today need social media to feel connected with the world they live in. 

According to a 2010 study released by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the amount of time 8-18 year-olds spent with media increased by an hour and seventeen minutes a day over the past five years.  And because of media multitasking, the total amount of media content consumed during that period has increased from over eight hours in 2004 to almost 11 hours today.

• Top online activities include social networking (:22 a day), playing games (:17), and visiting video sites such as YouTube (:15).  Three-quarters (74%) of all 7^th-12^th graders say they have a profile on a social networking site.
• The increase in media use is driven by ready access to mobile devices like cell phones and iPods. Over the past five years, there has been a huge increase in ownership among 8- to 18-year-olds: from 39% to 66% for cell phones, and from 18% to 76% for iPods and other MP3 players.  

During this period, cell phones and iPods have become true multi-media devices: in fact, young people now spend more time listening to music, playing games, and watching TV on their cell phones (a total of :49 daily) than they spend talking on them (:33).

• Texting.  7^th-12^th graders report spending an average of 1:35 a day sending or receiving texts.
• Parents and media rules.  Only about three in ten young people say they have rules about how much time they can spend watching TV (28%) or playing video games (30%), and 36% say the same about using the computer.  But when parents do set limits, children spend less time with media: those with any media rules consume nearly 3 hours less media per day (2:52) than those with no rules.

Due to much recent media attention about cyber bullying incidents and their devastating effects, parents are finally tuning in to this problem.   And experts tell us that the best defense against this activity is for parental involvement – time to put the family values into action!

So what can you do as a parent? 

Communicate, communicate, communicate.  Putting controls on the computer and email and texting are important, but those alone are not foolproof.  Kids can easily get around your controls by going over to a friends’ house to get around some of your barriers. 

First, talk to your children about cyber bullying.  Let them know that you understand the pain it can cause, and that no one should be subjected to it.  Have a clear and open conversation about moral values, and the fact that being anonymous doesn’t excuse bad behavior.   Encourage them to share any incidents of bullying with you.

Next, drive home the point that kids should never, under any circumstance, share passwords.  While Susy has been your daughter’s BFF for two years and practically lives at your house, the friendship can easily go sour (middle school and high school are unpredictable times – friends can come and go).  Even siblings shouldn’t share passwords, as a home argument can easily result in retaliation online.  Let your children know your rules on keeping your life private, and the things that are acceptable vs. not acceptable to share with the world.

Schools are starting to take on cyber bullies too, so it’s important that you know their policies and take on a united front. 

What to do if your child is a victim of cyber bullying 

Effects of bullying 

Bullying can have serious consequences.

Children who are bullied are more likely to:

• Be depressed, lonely, anxious;
• Have low self-esteem;
• Be absent from school;
• Feel sick; and
• Think about suicide. 

The sad fact is that 90% of bullied children are too embarrassed to tell their parents.  Often, it can involve language or sexual commentary that is humiliating to the child. 

If you find your child is a victim of cyber bullying and it seems to be having lasting effects, there are a few things that you should do immediately. 

First, block the cyber bully – most web services will allow you to block anyone whose behavior is inappropriate or threatening in any way.  Check with the service— social networking, IM, cell phone—to find out how.   This can sometimes be effective, however, if they are determined they can sometimes change screen names and start anew. 

• Every effort should be made to find the cyber bully and hold him or her accountable. If the bully is a student consider reporting it to the school.  Report bullying to the web site where the bullying is happening.  Many services have moderators and places to report abuse—for example, abuse@microsoft.com.  Ask cell phone companies to track calls and take action.

Secondly, explain to your child that the best course of action is to get offline for a while.  Let your child know that this is not punishment to them, it is protection.  The worst thing that can happen is for your son or daughter to get sucked in to what the bully is saying.

• Tell your kids not to respond to the cyber bully or retaliate because bullies are looking for a reaction. Don't answer phone calls, or reply to (or even read) text messages or comments.

Depending on the level of bullying, you may want to notify the school or the authorities.  Things such as inappropriate photos or threats are very serious.  There was a case of a locker-room photo that was taken without permission and circulated online, resulting in suicide by the victim.   

• Many states have bullying laws and policies. Find out about the laws in your community.  In certain cases, if you have serious concerns about your child's safety, you may need to contact legal authorities.
• Save the evidence. Save text messages, e-mails, and other evidence of cyber bullying in case the authorities need it.

If talking to your teenager about dating makes you squirm, you’re not alone.  Most parents are clueless about teen dating ‘in this day and age.’  Do we even really want to know what happens on teenage dates?  Wouldn’t it be easier just to lock them away until they were 25? 

We’ve all seen the TV advertisement where the sweet-looking, little 5-year-old girl is sitting in the driver’s seat of the car telling her dad not to worry because she’ll be safe…and then the moment flashes and the toothless little girl is suddenly  a grown-up teenager sitting in the driver’s seat ready to drive away.  It’s hard to admit that your sweet little child is, gulp, growing up…

What probably scares us all the most about teen dating, is our own memories of dating in our teens.  And, let’s face it, thanks mostly to the new boundaries of television, the use of the internet, and racier song lyrics – everything has changed.  We didn’t have reality TV, social networking via the internet, or cell phone appendages with photograph and texting capabilities.  Things ARE different these days, and so now more than ever, parents need to stay tuned in and teach their children appropriate dating behavior.  

Technology has changed the teenage dating scene immensely.  Where we used to date within the same school or within a three-mile radius of our town, teenagers today can search for their ideal boyfriend/girlfriend virtually anywhere.

The first step when your children indicate an interest in dating, is to begin talking to your son or daughter about dating – explain the etiquette of dating, set rules and guidelines for online dating/emailing/texting/photos, and talk to them about the safety issues of dating: physical or online, abusive behavior, what love is and is not, and your household rules.  Most importantly, maintain an open conversation throughout their relationships.  It is your responsibility as a parent to guide them through healthy relationships by helping them set boundaries and feel comfortable.  

Teenage Dating Statistics: 

• 71% of the teenagers state that their partners have spread rumors about them through emails and social networking sites.
• 68% of the dating teenagers say that their boyfriends/girlfriends have posted their embarrassing picture on the internet.
• 1 out of every 5 girls in high school has been physically abused by their dating partners.
• Most of the acts done in teen dating abuse occurs in one of the partner's homes.
• 20% of the teenage girls continue to date their abusive partners under threatening and constant fear.
• 80% of the teenage population believes that verbal abuse is a serious issue in teenage dating.
• 1 out of every 3 teenagers claims to know or heard of some friend, relative, acquaintance who has been in a dating relationship with an abusive partner.

The U.S.Better Business Bureau reportedly received                                                                                                2,660 complaints about dating services (in 2009).                                                                                                                In comparison, they received only 824 (in 2005) and a mere 126 (in 2004). 

I suppose it should come as no surprise that the biggest dangers of online dating are also the top three offenses in traditional dating:  lying, cheating and stealing.  Online dating, however, makes it much easier to lie (about your identity), cheat (hide it from both the spouse and date), and steal (relationship scamming and fraud is most commonly committed through the internet).

Online Liars 

• Men lie most online about their age, height, and income.  
• Women lie most about their weight, physical build, and age. 

Online Cheaters 

• One out of three women who meet men online allow it to become intimate on the first encounter.  This statistic is very enticing to men looking to have a ‘fling’ on the side.

Keep an eye out for any of the warning signs that a date is either hiding something or not really single:   

Calling at odd hours.   

Scheduled to meet and doesn’t show up.   

Won’t introduce you to family or friends.   

Won’t go out in public with you.   

Hushed tones and sudden hang-ups.

 

Online Thieves and Predators 

• One out of ten users on online dating sites are scammers.
• One out of ten sex offenders reportedly use online dating to meet people.
• The year 2009 saw a rise in number of bogus accounts and scams.  Free-to-subscribe dating sites were mainly responsible for these problems.  Out of the total accounts created this year, 10% of them were bogus.

Giving personal information to a complete stranger is very dangerous.  There are people who search for naive and innocent victims in order to take advantage of them.  Teenagers and women are highly targeted by these online 'predators'.  But many men also fall prey to a pretty picture and hard luck story.  Lying is the first thing that scammers and predators resort to in deceiving naive Internet users.  One can lie about anything, like his/her age, height, location, job, etc.  Make no mistake, the dangers of virtual dating have materialized in the form of murders, abductions and rapes.

Online Dating Precautions 

• NEVER give out personal or private information. 
• Read the emails they send you.  Sense the tone and take a good look at the vocabulary used and possible vagueness relating to the previous conversation.
• Deceptive profile pictures are red flags.  Check to see if the person in the picture is actually the one you are dating by suggesting a video conversation via a web-cam.  If the person refuses on the basis of excuses such as the unavailability of one, or a general hurry to leave, you can easily tell that he is not the person he/she claims to be.
• Enhanced online dating profiles are common.  Fraudsters will make tall claims about their education and work experience.  A good way to find out if this is true is to question them regarding their areas of expertise.  A simple discussion or explanation of the job or field they belong to should ensue, and they should be able to answer basic questions.
• Look up the person online or perform a simple background check.  Several different types of personal background checks and tools to help in this regard. You are not being too inquisitive, as this is for your own safety.

Contractor’s Licensure = Protecting Your Right to a Job Well Done 

If you’re questioning whether or not the tradesman you’re looking to hire needs a license – the answer is:  absolutely, undeniably, no question about it, YES!  Don’t hire any tradesman to do a job without a current state contractor license.  Here’s why –

The Insurance and Assurance of a Contractor’s License 

Since most unlicensed contractors are not bonded or insured and do not pay into the residential contractors' recovery fund or pay any unemployment compensation for their workers, they can often under-bid the licensed professional.   The lower cost may seem attractive to your budget, but hiring a licensed contractor offers many protections to the property owner, especially regarding residential property.   

First of all, a contractor cannot obtain a license without possessing a minimum amount of experience and must pass a business management test.  The applicant also may be subjected to a criminal history background check, and must not have any unresolved contracting complaints outstanding.   A Contractor's license gives a building contractor the ability to state that they have passed state requirements for building laws with examinations and testing.   

The Contractor’s license may be for general construction, or may be obtained for specialized fields, such as plumbing, painting or knowledge of heating and cooling systems like HVAC.  The reason for hiring a licensed Contractor tends to assure that one is getting someone with knowledge of state laws regarding building, and has a greater degree of experience.

Additionally, people cannot usually obtain a Contractor's license unless they are also incorporated as a business. This protects both the contractor and would-be employers. If a worker with a contractor’s license performs shoddy work, or builds any type of building that does not come up to code, he or she can lose his or her license, as well as being sued by employers.

Criteria for Getting a Contractor’s License 

Before obtaining a Contractor's license, one must have a certain amount of experience.   In some states, for example, those applying for a Contractor's license must have four years of construction experience and be either at the journeyman level, or foreman level in their business.  This assures that the applicant has not only experience in building, but also in directing others on projects.

Some states allow for a portion of the four years experience to be substituted by obtaining an A.A. degree in construction, mathematics or physics.    

In order to get a license in any state, and in addition to experience which must be documented, those applying for a Contractor's license must also show eligibility to legally work in the country, may need to be fingerprinted, and must show picture identification.   Most states require evidence of a business license or a copy of a submitted application for a license.  Contractors must generally be over 18, and must also provide two passport size photos.

Once the application has been approved, the would-be contractor must then take a written examination.  If the examination is passed, the applicant is awarded a license.  If the contractor is specializing, additional testing may be taken at this time.  

How To Make Sure Your Contractor is Licensed 

Most people are likely to feel more comfortable working with someone who has a contractor's license, as this certifies that the state has evaluated both the person’s length and level of experience.

All contractor advertisements (from flyers to the side of their truck) must include the contractors state license number.   Contractors are required to have their license number on their business card and on all bids and contracts as well.  Seeing the number there doesn't necessarily mean the license is valid, so you will want to check into this yourself.

Also, when the contractor comes to your house to give you a bid, ask to see their pocket license, along with a picture I.D.  You want to make sure the person you're dealing with is the same person on the license.

• You can check license status on-line (the Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State License Board for your state) or call 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).

Protecting Your Home and Identity 

I recently put in a call to a local self-employed window washer.  Several friends in my neighborhood have used him and his prices can’t be beat.  He called me to set up a day and time to do the inside and out.  When we were having a rough time synchronizing our schedules, he told me that a lot of customers leave a door open for him, and he lets himself in and gets the job done.

Is this true?  I know my parents wouldn’t have any problem with doing that, as my entire childhood was spent with an open front door, morning and night.  But, times have changed, and surely, people don’t operate like this anymore.  Or do they? …

So, burglary is a risk you take by not knowing who you let into your home.  But, worse than that, identity theft crimes are the fastest growing type of fraud in the United States.  Rather than grabbing a TV and jewelry – the thieves take something much more valuable, YOU!

In 2008:

9.9 million Americans were reportedly victims of identity theft,

an increase of 22% from the number of cases in 2007.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that it costs consumers about $50 billion annually.  Statistics place the time spent for each individual to recover from identity theft at around 600 hours with $1,500 of out-of-pocket expenses.

Identity theft statistics are staggering.  The Javelin Strategy and Research Center recently reported:

• 1 in every 10 U.S. consumers has been victimized by identity theft
• Up to 55% of victims take 4-12 months to correct the damage from identity theft
• 47% of victims have problems qualifying for a new loan
• 70% of victims encounter problems removing negative information from their credit reports
• Stolen documents and wallets account for almost half of all identity theft (43%).

Identity Theft Happens – How Safe Are You? 

Sadly, as much as you’d like to believe that everyone you invite into your home – friends, guests, home health care providers, cleaners, contractors, service and repair personnel – will not take advantage of your good will and hospitality by stealing your personal information and documents, that is not always true.

Safety at Home 

A substantial portion of identity theft is committed by those the victim knows personally or has invited into their home to perform services.  So, the best way to prevent being victimized by someone in your home is to be sure all personal information and documents are safely locked away where they are out of sight and out of reach from a potential identity thief.

• Store information in secure locations 

Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.  Store extra checks, credit cards, documents that list your Social Security number, and similar valuable items someplace safe and out of sight.  Share your personal information only with those family members who have a legitimate need for it.

• Criminal background investigation 

Don’t hesitate to perform your own criminal background checks.  If you’re dealing with a company, inquire upon whether they perform employee background checks.  If they do not, as most small businesses don’t, you can easily and affordably request one for yourself.  This is especially important if this person is coming into your home.  Also, verify the insurance and licenses of all contractors. 

• Secure your home 

Don't advertise to burglars that you're away from home. Put lights on timers, temporarily stop delivery of your newspaper, and ask a neighbor to pick up any items that may arrive unexpectedly at your home.   Never post on social networking sites or speak in public places, like the grocery store, that you’ll be away.

Safety at Work 

Businesses across the globe lose $221 billion a year due to identity theft

 

• Keep your purse or wallet in a safe place at work; do the same with copies of administrative forms that have your sensitive personal information.

Janitors and/or cleaning contractors have access to virtually all areas of your office building, when no one else is around.  Your office could offer an identity thief intellectual property, trade secrets, proprietary information such as customer lists and price sheets.  It may also house the names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers and dates of birth of your clients and employees.  So, how do you know if this information is safe?

So, what do you know about your office cleaner?  Does their company complete pre-employment criminal background screening?  Is it a janitor that could have been convicted of a crime? 

Experts say that identity theft is generally committed for two reasons:  personal benefit or document fraud.   While a significant portion of identity theft is committed for financial gain, identity theft is also perpetrated for the purpose collecting personal data to sell to document forgers or organized identify theft rings.

While no one action, or series of actions, can ever provide 100% protection against identity theft or other crimes committed by a janitor, there are several actions that must be taken to mitigate risk in connection with signing a contract for services.

• Due diligence.  

Businesses should investigate all contractors to avoid potential criminal liability and large civil fines should any unlawful conduct occur.

• Criminal Background Check.  

Your company should insure that the contractors conduct an extensive criminal background check on all employees.  Appropriate language covering this point should be included in a business contract. 

Otherwise, for smaller businesses, it is imperative that they conduct pre-employment background screenings when giving employees roles that could potentially allow access to private company and personnel information.

There are three major influencers when you look to hire a nanny for your family:  1.  Will he/she be a good nurturer to your children?  2.  Is this nanny qualified?  3.  Is this nanny affordable? 

What most people fail to take into account is the one step that should never be neglected:  the background check.   

While no parent should have to worry about if his or her child is being abused or neglected, the sad reality is, it happens.

In 2001, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention reported that

4% of child abuse cases were caused by caregivers, nannies and baby-sitters. 

In 2005, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported:

more than 46,000 child abuse cases were perpetrated by  

daycare providers, nannies, baby-sitters and in-home employees. 

Child abuse statistics: 

• Almost five children die everyday as a result of child abuse. The majority are under the age of 4.
• 90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way.

And there are no exclusions.  Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education.

Protecting Your Family:  How to Perform a Background Check 

To protect your children and your family, the smartest thing to do is to be thorough in your nanny screening process.  You are the employer and it’s your responsibility to check anyone who works within your home and around your children. 

It’s important to note that in nearly all states, licensing regulations require criminal record checks for all child day care staff.  This screening requirement protects children from abuse and reduces liability risks.  The same should apply if you’re looking into a “family child care provider” – or nanny/babysitter – for the care of your child.  But because it’s not a legal requirement, the process is in your hands.

Using a Professional Nanny Agency vs. a Background Check Company 

Professional Agencies. 

If you’re thinking that it might be worth your while to hire a professional nanny agency, please consider that it’s estimated that only about 50% to 75% of nanny agencies conduct background checks on applicants, so if this is the route you choose and can afford, never assume that it is the ‘safe route.’    Plus, a high-quality nanny agency usually charges 10% of a nanny’s first-year salary, plus a $100 to $300 application fee. 

If possible, it is recommended that you seek out an agency that belongs to the Alliance of Professional Nanny Agencies, a professional group that requires members to conduct rigorous background checks.   Job seekers who want to hide a checkered past will avoid reputable agencies.  Regardless of the agency, always, always, always inquire if background checks are performed, and what is included in within the check.

Ask your agency for written results of a background check.   Take careful inventory of what you're getting within the background check – ideally, you will need a well-organized and accurate report of previous addresses, a check of sex-offender records, and driving, bankruptcy and criminal histories. You should also consider checking verification of employment, education and professional licenses, as well as telephone reference checks.

Background Checks. 

If you find that a professional agency may not be an affordable option for you, don’t despair!  A nanny agency is not a necessity in finding a qualified, nurturing, safe caregiver for your children.  It’s easier and more affordable than ever before to acquire a background check on your job applicants.   

A good background probe includes a check of the applicant's Social Security number, to verify name and past addresses.  Court records, including felonies, misdemeanors, civil proceedings and sex-offender listings, should be checked in the places the applicant has lived.  Past employment should be verified, driving records checked and references interviewed in depth. Finally, a credit check can help expose any gaps in the past addresses or employment history provided by the candidate.   Background checks generally run from around $25 to $120, depending on how much information is requested.

Taking Additional Security Measures 

In addition to matching the personality test, affordability criteria, and passing a criminal background check, there are a few other recommendations for your nanny search:

Check references.  References from friends and family are not enough.  You want to talk to people who have worked with the nanny in question.  Call the references and ask questions about performance, duties, and responsibilities.  It's extremely important to screen for phony references.

Perform your own Internet search.  Just like a prospective date, you can Google your nanny.  Just make sure it's the correct person/name (confirmed through the background check), and investigate what's out there on the Internet.

Ask about unexplained gaps in employment. If the nanny you're talking with has unexplained gaps in an employment timeline, find out why.  If the nanny left a job, ask her/him for an explanation as to why.  It’s a red flag if a nanny has had a lot of short-term jobs.

Don’t rush the nanny search. Make sure you leave enough time to find the right nanny.  If you're in a time crunch, you may not be as thorough as you need to be.  Experts recommend allowance of  4-8 weeks (on average) to find a nanny.  

Other red flags to look out for during your nanny screening process  

• Nanny refuses to give home phone number and doesn't have numbers for work references
• Nanny refuses to give a valid license or social security number
• Nanny has moved around often

As parents, we can’t walk around immersed in fear that our children will become victims of child abuse. But what we can do is prescreen our caregivers, become educated on how to prevent child abuse, and how to detect it by visiting www.childwelfare.gov.  The Web site is filled with resources on the different types of abuse and neglect, and how to prevent this from happening to your child.

Don’t get scammed!  It may seem a daunting task, but finding a good contractor is possible with a little pre-emptive legwork and some research checkpoints.

If you want the job done right, the most important thing you’ll need in finding the right contractor for the job is:  time well spent.  Take the time to hire the right person for the job, and it will pay off in the end. 

Where to Find a Contractor (courtesy of American Profile) :

Flyers and Yellow Pages – I’m not saying you can’t find a good contractor this way, but I’m not recommending it. If this is your method of choice, it is highly recommended that you perform a background check, check the business with the Better Business Bureau and a half-dozen references, ask for a Certificate of Insurance, check to see that they possess a contractor’s license, and create a written contract.  Otherwise, it is simply not worth the risk. 

Word of mouth—Most contractors’ best advertisement is “word of mouth” from satisfied customers.  So begin the process by asking friends and relatives if they know a good tradesman they’d recommend.   

Start looking—Drive around your neighborhood. If you see a dazzling new deck on a house, knock on the door and ask the homeowners if they’re pleased with the results. 

Use the Internet—Go online to www.nari.org, a website for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)—a trade group of professional remodelers.  The website features “Find a Professional Remodeler,” which allows you to type in your zip code and get a list of trade group members who are contractors in your area.

The Internet offers another approach to finding a local contractor.  Type “contractor referral” in a search engine such as Google and you’ll find numerous websites designed as a matchmaker between homeowners and plumbers, remodelers, builders or other home service professionals. The service usually is free to customers.

There are also websites like Angie’s List and Craigslist who list ‘contractors and tradesmen.’  Angie’s List offers contractor listings (which are paid for by the contractors) which also include customer reviews and recommendations, whereas Craigslist is similar to the ‘Yellow Pages’ of online listings, which includes contact information only.

Hit the stores—Let local home center stores act as your general contractor and find a tradesman for a job. Walk the aisles and you’ll notice “Installed Price” signs on many of the building materials, appliances and fixtures they sell. For example, a tag on laminate flooring may read: “Installed $4.50 per square foot.” This service is particularly helpful because it puts a dollar value to the labor cost. However, it usually doesn’t include the cost of preparation work needed (such as removing an existing floor before a new installation). This turnkey service is popular for consumers short on time.

Go where the pros shop—Don’t overlook materials suppliers where professionals shop. For example, stop at a plumbing supply store if you need a plumber and ask if they know a good one. They may not recommend someone specifically, but they probably will tell you which plumbers are steady customers. A tradesman with plenty of customers is most likely a good one.

Do your homework and contract your contractor—When you make contact with a contractor, ask a lot of questions.  Request a list of clients in your area and call them.  Look at samples of their work.  If yours is a large remodeling project, ask to see comparable work the contractor has done.  Ask to see their state and locally issued contractor’s license and how long they’ve been in business.  If everything checks out fine, then make sure to get a contract with specifications of work to be done.

BEWARE!  Contractor Scam Warning Signs: 

• The contractor/ tradesman wants to repair something other than what you called about, i.e., you want a sticking window fixed and they want to replace your gutters also.
• They are evasive about describing exactly what they’re going to do or how much they’re going to charge you.  Remember, you need a contract with everything in writing as to exactly what’s going to be done and exactly what the cost will be.  
• They are evasive about insurance coverage or offers a copy of his insurance – rather than giving you the name of his insurance carrier so that you can call and request a Certificate of Insurance be mailed directly to you.
• They are vague about referrals or offers only a few references (six is recommended).
• Their attitude implies that their time is "too valuable to waste" answering your questions completely.  Be wary of technical jargon or hurried explanations that are hard to understand.
• The contractor/tradesman doesn’t belong to any professional or business organizations.
• They talk in a loud, aggressive, condescending manner or exhibit threatening body language.
• The contractor/tradesman is more interested in talking about, or getting, your money than they are in taking care of your problem.

Times are tough – I can name at least 10 people that I know directly that have been laid off in the past two years.  The words ‘foreclosure’ and ‘bankruptcy’ are spat at us every day on the news in some form.  And this year’s radio station “Christmas Dreams Come True giveaway” stories are heartbreaking.  The most down-in-the-dumps story wins.  Hoorah??

This economy has forced many individuals without jobs, and those with cut hours, to be tempted to look into and even apply for "work at home" opportunities.  However, there is danger associated with these scams, especially when you have to pay for the privilege to work at home.  In response to the sudden increase, the FBI has published safety warnings and protective safeguards against work-at-home scams.

Statement by the IC3, an Internet Complaint branch of the FBI:   

Consumers continue to lose money from work-from-home scams.  Worse yet, due to their deliberate or unknowing participation in the scams, these individuals may face criminal charges.  Work-from-home scam victims are often recruited by organized cyber criminals through newspaper ads, online employment services, unsolicited emails or “spam”, and social networking sites advertising work-from-home opportunities.  

What’s more, rather than becoming an employee of a legitimate business, the consumer is actually a “mule” for cyber criminals who use the consumer’s or other victim's accounts to steal and launder money.   In addition, the consumer’s own identity or account may be compromised by the cyber criminals. 

Example of Work-From-Home Schemes: 

So, maybe most desperate job-seekers know enough not to call the number on the telephone pole flyer for a work-at-home job.  But, here are some ‘work-at-home’ jobs to be absolutely avoided –

Rebate or payments processor: 

• An individual applies for a position as a rebate or payments processor through an online job site or through an unsolicited email.
• As a new employee, the individual is asked to provide his/her bank account information to his/her employer or to establish a new account using information provided by the employer.
•  Funds are deposited into the account that the employee is instructed to wire to a third (often international) account.  The employee is instructed to deduct a percentage of the wired amount as their commission.
• However, rather than processing rebates or processing payments, the individual is actually participating in a criminal activity by laundering stolen funds through his/her own account or a newly established account. 

Craft Assembly

You pay a fee up-front for the starter kit to assemble craft projects at home.  Once you finish your first batch, the company tells you they don’t meet the specifications.  The company is making money selling the starter kits, and has no intention to sell a finished product.

Medical Billing

You pay for everything you need to start your own medical billing service at home (up to $900 out-of-pocket expense).  You're promised state-of-the-art medical billing software, as well as a list of potential clients in your area.   What you're not told is that most medical clinics process their own bills, or outsource the processing to firms, not individuals. Your software may not meet their specifications, and often the lists of "potential clients" are outdated or just wrong.

 Email Processing

For a low price (up to $50.00) you can become a "highly-paid" email processor working "from the comfort of your own home."   What you get for your money are instructions on spamming the same ad you responded to in newsgroups and Web forums!

 "Just Call This 1-900 Number For More Information..."

No need to spend too much time (or money) on this one.   1-900 numbers cost money to call, and that's how the scammers make their profit.

 Typing At Home

Make money typing at home.  After sending the fee to the scammer for "more information," you receive a disk and printed information that tells you to place home typist ads and sell copies of the disk to those who reply to you.

Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)

There are some legitimate MLM businesses based on agents selling products or services.   But,if the MLM business opportunity is all about finding new recruits rather than selling products or services, beware:  The Federal Trade Commission may consider it to be a pyramid scheme... and not only can you lose all your money, but you can be charged with fraud as well.

Chain Letters/Emails ("Make Money Fast")

These tell you to forward the email, plus money, to the top names on the list, and add yours to the bottom.  It’s the classic pyramid scheme.  This is illegal, and only the people at the top of the list (the scammers) make money fast.  It is the simplest form of fraud.

 Envelope Stuffing  

You are promised to be paid $1-2 for every envelope you stuff.  All you have to do is send money and you're guaranteed "up to 1,000 envelopes a week that you can stuff... with postage and address already affixed!"

When you send your money, you get a short manual with flyer templates you're supposed to put up around town, advertising a work-from-home job.   And the pre-addressed, pre-paid envelopes?  Well, when people see those flyers, all they have to do is send you $2.00 in a pre-addressed, pre-paid envelope. Then you stuff that envelope with another flyer and send it to them.

Protect Yourself: 

(Source:  www.fbi.gov) 

• Be wary of work-from-home opportunities. Research the legitimacy of the company through the Better Business Bureau (for US-based companies) or WHOIS/Domain Tools (for international companies) before providing personal or account information and/or agreeing to work for them.  In addition, TrustedSource.org can help you identify companies that may be maliciously sending spam based on the volume of email sent from their Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.  See also the FTC’s recommendations.
• Be cautious about any opportunities offering the chance to work from home with very little work or prior experience.  Remember:  if it looks too good to be true, it usually is. 
• Never pay for the privilege of working for an employer.  Be suspicious of opportunities that require you to pay for things up front, such as supplies and other materials.
• Never give your bank account details to anyone unless you know and trust them.

If you think you may be a victim of one of these scams… 

• Contact your financial institution immediately.

• Report any suspicious work-from-home offers or activities to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)7 at http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.

For more information, visit:  

• PhishBucket.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting job seekers from fraudulent job offers.
• OnGuardOnline.org.   Sponsored by the FTC, this site provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
• Better Business Bureau, http://www.bbb.org/us/article/work-at-home-schemes-408.

Scamming isn’t anything new.  It’s been around for centuries packaged in all different forms.  But it’s the latest form of scams that have been raising concerns for law enforcement agencies.

Straight from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, “Internet crime is evolving in ways we couldn't have imagined just five years ago.”

Cyber scams and fraudulent activity on the Internet today are quickly becoming one of the largest reported crimes in the country.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), announced in its most recent report that online crime complaints continue to rise in an alarming manner. 

Total complaints received in 2009:

336,655 complaints  -- that’s a 22.3 percent increase from 2008.  

And it’s expected to go even higher once the 2010 results are all in.

Current and Ongoing Internet Trends and Schemes identified by the IC3:

Although the complaints consisted of a variety of fraud types, advanced fee scams that fraudulently used the FBI's name ranked number one (16.6 percent).

Non-delivery of merchandise and/or payment was the second most reported offense (11.9 percent).

Internet crime scams that steal millions of dollars each year from victims continue to plague the Internet through various methods.

Tips:  Protection from the Most Common Internet Fraud 

Listed below are the most common scams and tips to protect yourself and your family from various forms of Internet fraud.  (Source: www.FBI.gov) 

Auction Fraud 

• Before you bid, contact the seller with any questions you have.
• Review the seller's feedback.
• Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.
• Ensure you understand refund, return, and warranty policies.
• Determine the shipping charges before you buy.
• Be wary if the seller only accepts wire transfers or cash.
• If an escrow service is used, ensure it is legitimate.
• Consider insuring your item.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers.

Counterfeit Cashier's Check  

• Inspect the cashier's check.
• Ensure the amount of the check matches in figures and words.
• Check to see that the account number is not shiny in appearance.
• Be watchful that the drawer's signature is not traced.
• Official checks are generally perforated on at least one side.
• Inspect the check for additions, deletions, or other alterations.
• Contact the financial institution on which the check was drawn to ensure legitimacy.
• Obtain the bank's telephone number from a reliable source, not from the check itself.
• Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.

Credit Card Fraud 

• 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.
• If purchasing merchandise, ensure it is from a reputable source.
• Promptly reconcile credit card statements to avoid unauthorized charges.
• Do your research to ensure legitimacy of the individual or company.
• Beware of providing credit card information when requested through unsolicited emails.

Debt Elimination 

• Know who you are doing business with — do your research.
• Obtain the name, address, and telephone number of the individual or company.
• Research the individual or company to ensure they are authentic.
• Contact the Better Business Bureau to determine the legitimacy of the company.
• Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.
• Ensure you understand all terms and conditions of any agreement.
• Be wary of businesses that operate from P.O. boxes or mail drops.
• Ask for names of other customers of the individual or company and contact them.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

DHL/UPS 

• Beware of individuals using the DHL or UPS logo in any email communication.
• Be suspicious when payment is requested by money transfer before the goods will be delivered.
• Remember that DHL and UPS do not generally get involved in directly collecting payment from customers.
• Fees associated with DHL or UPS transactions are only for shipping costs and never for other costs associated with online transactions.
• Contact DHL or UPS to confirm the authenticity of email communications received.

Employment/Business Opportunities 

• Be wary of inflated claims of product effectiveness.
• Be cautious of exaggerated claims of possible earnings or profits.
• Beware when money is required up front for instructions or products.
• Be leery when the job posting claims "no experience necessary".
• Do not give your social security number when first interacting with your prospective employer.
• Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.
• Be wary when replying to unsolicited emails for work-at-home employment.
• Research the company to ensure they are authentic.
• Contact the Better Business Bureau to determine the legitimacy of the company.

Escrow Services Fraud 

• Always type in the website address yourself rather than clicking on a link provided.
• A legitimate website will be unique and will not duplicate the work of other companies.
• Be cautious when a site requests payment to an "agent", instead of a corporate entity.
• Be leery of escrow sites that only accept wire transfers or e-currency.
• Be watchful of spelling errors, grammar problems, or inconsistent information.
• Beware of sites that have escrow fees that are unreasonably low.

Identity Theft 

• Ensure websites are secure prior to submitting your credit card number.
• Do your homework to ensure the business or website is legitimate.
• Attempt to obtain a physical address, rather than a P.O. box or mail drop.
• Never throw away credit card or bank statements in usable form.
• Be aware of missed bills which could indicate your account has been taken over.
• Be cautious of scams requiring you to provide your personal information.
• Never give your credit card number over the phone unless you make the call.
• Monitor your credit statements monthly for any fraudulent activity.
• Report unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card company as soon as possible.
• Review a copy of your credit report at least once a year.

Internet Extortion 

• Security needs to be multi-layered so that numerous obstacles will be in the way of the intruder.
• Ensure security is installed at every possible entry point.
• Identify all machines connected to the Internet and assess the defense that's engaged.
• Identify whether your servers are utilizing any ports that have been known to represent insecurities.
• Ensure you are utilizing the most up-to-date patches for your software.

Investment Fraud 

• If the "opportunity" appears too good to be true, it probably is.
• Beware of promises to make fast profits.
• Do not invest in anything unless you understand the deal.
• Don't assume a company is legitimate based on "appearance" of the website.
• Be leery when responding to investment offers received through unsolicited email.
• Be wary of investments that offer high returns at little or no risk.
• Independently verify the terms of any investment that you intend to make.
• Research the parties involved and the nature of the investment.
• Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.
• Contact the Better Business Bureau to determine the legitimacy of the company.

Lotteries 

• If the lottery winnings appear too good to be true, they probably are.
• Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.
• Be leery if you do not remember entering a lottery or contest.
• Be cautious if you receive a telephone call stating you are the winner in a lottery.
• Beware of lotteries that charge a fee prior to delivery of your prize.
• Be wary of demands to send additional money to be eligible for future winnings.
• It is a violation of federal law to play a foreign lottery via mail or phone.

Nigerian Letter or "419"  

• If the "opportunity" appears too good to be true, it probably is.
• Do not reply to emails asking for personal banking information.
• Be wary of individuals representing themselves as foreign government officials.
• Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.
• Beware when asked to assist in placing large sums of money in overseas bank accounts.
• Do not believe the promise of large sums of money for your cooperation.
• Guard your account information carefully.
• Be cautious when additional fees are requested to further the transaction.

Phishing/Spoofing 

• Be suspicious of any unsolicited email requesting personal information.
• Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal information.
• Always compare the link in the email to the link that you are actually directed to.
• Log on to the official website, instead of "linking" to it from an unsolicited email.
• Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the email to verify if the email is genuine.

Ponzi/Pyramid 

• If the "opportunity" appears too good to be true, it probably is.
• Beware of promises to make fast profits.
• Exercise diligence in selecting investments.
• Be vigilant in researching with whom you choose to invest.
• Make sure you fully understand the investment prior to investing.
• Be wary when you are required to bring in subsequent investors.
• Independently verify the legitimacy of any investment.
• Beware of references given by the promoter.

Reshipping 

• Be cautious if you are asked to ship packages to an "overseas home office."
• Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.
• Be leery if the individual states that his country will not allow direct business shipments from the United States.
• Be wary if the "ship to" address is yours but the name on the package is not.
• Never provide your personal information to strangers in a chat room.
• Don't accept packages that you didn't order.
• If you receive packages that you didn't order, either refuse them upon delivery or contact the company where the package is from.

Spam 

• Don't open spam. Delete it unread.
• Never respond to spam as this will confirm to the sender that it is a "live" email address.
• Have a primary and secondary email address - one for people you know and one for all other purposes.
• Avoid giving out your email address unless you know how it will be used.
• Never purchase anything advertised through an unsolicited email.

Third Party Receiver of Funds 

• Do not agree to accept and wire payments for auctions that you did not post.
• Be leery if the individual states that his country makes receiving these type of funds difficult.
• Be cautious when the job posting claims "no experience necessary".
• Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.

For more information on Internet Crimes and Prevention Tips, visit:

• http://www.ic3.gov 

IC3 receives, develops, and refers criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding arena of cyber crime. The IC3 gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism utilized to alert authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations.

• http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Internet_Fraud.shtml

Have you ever shopped a website that you’re unfamiliar with and hesitated when it asked you for your credit card information?  And then, hesitated again and crossed your fingers, when it told you to “Submit.”  Then, winced and closed your eyes and pressed “Enter” on your keyboard, hoping to not wake up in some identity theft nightmare three months down the road. 

So, is there a way to tell the good sites from the bad?  With the ease of technology and anyone’s ability to create a reputable-looking website, even the experts have a hard time telling at first glance.  But, according to the FBI, there are always recognizable indicators of shady operations.   Here are some ways to recognize internet shopping scams and protect both your identity and pocketbook –

How to Recognize Fraudulent Online Retailers 

Every holiday season the FBI is reminds shoppers that cyber criminals aggressively create new ways to steal money and personal information.  

Online fraud losses more than doubled in 2009,                                                                                                        with scams related to online retail contributing to the problem,                                                                             (according to a report from the Internet Crime Complaint Center)                                                                                          

This year is no different, as scammers invent many techniques to fool potential victims, including conducting fraudulent auction sales, reshipping merchandise purchased with stolen credit cards, and selling fraudulent or stolen gift cards through auction sites at discounted prices.

But, there’s no need to give up the convenience of online shopping, as long as you use a little common sense. 

If you intend to purchase something over the internet and it’s not a nationally recognized vendor such as Macy’s, Best Buy, Brookstone, etc, you will really need to take a few moments to research the website before you hand out your credit card number.

1. Do your homework.  Whether it’s a seller (on Ebay) or a store – check online feedback online for any problems they’ve had.  Sometimes it’s as simple as typing ‘STORE NAME complaint’ into a search engine like Google to tell you everything you need to know.

According to a recent NY Times article, the following sites can help you research vendors and avoid online retail fraud:  Get Satisfaction, ComplaintsBoard.com, ConsumerAffairs.com and RipoffReport.com .

2. Check the store’s privacy policy.  Make sure that there is no possibility that they will sell your information without your knowledge.
3. Beware of look-alike websites.  Watch for look-alikes to major websites – if you click on a link from a site or an email, make sure it takes you to the official site you are looking for, and not a look-alike.
4. Only purchase if it’s Secure & Private.  In addition to doing the research above, a simple way to check that a site is secure enough to make a purchase on, is to look for the ‘https’ at the top of the webpage.  This is one way to tell you that you are on a secured site.

FBI Scam Warnings! 

• Internet criminals post classified ads and auctions for products they do not have and make the scam work by using stolen credit cards.

How it works:  Fraudsters receive an order from a victim, charge the victim’s credit card for the amount of the order, then use a separate, stolen credit card for the actual purchase.  They pocket the purchase price obtained from the victim’s credit card and have the merchant ship the item directly to the victim.  Consequently, an item purchased from an online auction but received directly from the merchant is a strong indication of fraud.  Victims of such a scam not only lose the money paid to the fraudster, but may be liable for receiving stolen goods.

Avoid these scams:  Shoppers may avoid these scams by using caution and not providing financial information directly to the seller, as fraudulent sellers will use this information to purchase items for their schemes.  Always use a legitimate payment service to ensure a safe, legitimate purchase.

• Fraudulent product delivery services are popping up. 

How it works:  Fraudsters posing as legitimate delivery services offer reduced or free shipping to customers through auction sites. They perpetuate this scam by providing fake shipping labels to the victim.  The fraudsters do not pay for delivery of the packages; therefore, delivery service providers intercept the packages for nonpayment and the victim loses the money paid for the purchase of the product.

Avoid being scammed:  Diligently check each seller’s rating and feedback along with their number of sales and the dates on which feedback was posted.  Be wary of a seller with 100 percent positive feedback, with a low total number of feedback postings, or with all feedback posted around the same date and time. 

• Gift Card Scam Be careful when purchasing gift cards through auction sites or classified ads.  It is safest to purchase gift cards directly from the merchant or retail store.  If the gift card merchant discovers that your card is fraudulent, the merchant will deactivate the gift card and refuse to honor it for purchases.  Victims of this scam lose the money paid for the gift card purchase.

If you have been ripped-off or know someone who has, you should file a complaint to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a partnership between the F.B.I. and the National White Collar Crime Center. 

Tips:  How to Avoid the Charity Scam 

Charity scammers are experts at playing on your sympathies and undermining common sense.  Don’t be intimidated by their tactics, and never be afraid to question them.  If they are legitimate, they will be happy to give you lots of information on their cause.

There is a heightened risk for charity scams during the holidays and national or worldwide disasters.  The best defense is a good offense – research the organization, verify contributions go directly to the cause, and stay alert to red flags.

The FBI provides the following tips for consumers wishing to make contributions:

• Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting via e-mail for donations.  Unless you previously donated to a particular organization and provided your email address, assume that all unsolicited email requests for donations are scams.
• Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.  
• Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
• Only open attachments from known senders. Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses.  
• To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
• Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions: providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.

• Do not contribute cash.  All contributions should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the charity-never to the individual soliciting the donation.

• If you get a phone solicitation and are interested in donating, request that brochures and other paperwork be mailed to you.  If the caller doesn't have your address, don't provide it — it could be useful if it's a scammer on the line. Instead, obtain the organization's phone number yourself, then call and ask if a phone campaign is under way.  If the answer's yes, it's OK to give your address there for mailing of brochures and the like.
• Ask for written descriptions of the charity's programs and/or finances.
  • Printed material is no guarantee of legitimacy, but organizations that won't provide it are typically bogus.  Once you get the paperwork, confirm that the contact information and place to send your money matches what you've found on your own.
   
• Don't allow yourself to be pressured to donate immediately.  Wait until you are sure that the charity is legitimate and deserving of a donation.
• Don't be misled by a charity that resembles or mimics the name of a well-known organization.  All charities should be checked out.
  • Scammers often use sound-alike names of well-known and respected charities. Or they invent ones purporting to help with four "hot-button" causes that target older donors in particular: police and firefighters, sick or needy children, victims of recent natural disasters, and veterans.
  • To add a feeling of authenticity, scammers who telephone may use "spoofing" technology that makes your caller ID screen display the name of a legit charity.  And they also purchase e-mail and home mailing lists to send convincing but phony pitches for donations.
   
• You have every right to ask “Where does the money go?”  I’ve been on the phone with a collection agent for some random Police Order, and when I asked what percentage of my donation would go to the Police charity, I was told it was under 25%! 
  • Once you've authenticated charities worthy of your money — ideally those that spend 25 percent or less of donations on fundraising and administrative costs — mailed personal checks are your safest form of payment.  Never provide a credit card number to telemarketers (unless you initiate the phone call) and beware of any group that offers to send a courier to pick up cash or personal check at your home.
   

How to Determine if you’re Donating to a Charity Scam 

If you weren’t shaken by images from 9-11, Katrina, Haiti, etc. – then you must not watch TV, ever.  The destruction, trauma, and loss we witnessed through television were heart-wrenching.  And so, we supported the rescue efforts and survivors in the only way most of us can – by giving charitable donations.   

Each year in the United States, billions of dollars are contributed to charitable organizations.  While this humanitarianism is heartwarming, there is also a downside. 

Where there’s money to be had, there are scammers ready to take their share.  The FBI reports that new charity scams pop up each year to prey on the generosity and kindness of people.  Especially in the wake of a disaster, or around the holidays, these kinds of scams see an aggressive increase in activity.  So, before you open up your wallet, be wise to who you’re giving your dollars to...

Be Wise – Investigate Before You Give 

According to the Council for the Better Business Bureau (CBBB), most Americans give not because of the worthiness of the cause or even for the tax break, but because they react sympathetically when someone asks for money.

During this season of giving, you may notice an increase in phone calls, e-mails or letters seeking charitable donations.  And, due to the lagging economy, contributions to the country's 400 biggest charities are down more than 11 percent this year, so fundraisers may be making special efforts to contact you.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of contributors give to organizations without checking them out.  And, according to the authorities, this is the biggest mistake you can make.

TOP CHARITY SCAMS: 

The top bogus "pitches" are police and firefighters, children (anything from infant cancer to child abuse) and any disaster in the headlines.

Charity Scam Resources 

You’re not alone – the crackdown on these scams is an enormous group effort.  There are many great resources that can help you determine if your money will make it to those in dire need.  But, because there are so many ‘pop-up’ scams each holiday season or disaster, you will need to take part in scam-proofing your monetary donations as well.  Here’s how –

Watchdog organizations such as the CBBB, the NCIB and the American Institute of Philanthropy constantly evaluate the most asked-about national charities, using many criteria. They also set standards and publish lists of charities that do or do not meet them.  The Internet and local consumer agencies are also useful resources.

National Charity Resources: 

• GuideStar charity search site [http.//www.guidestar,org/search/].
• The American Institute of Philanthropy, at [www.charitywatch.org/list.html].
• The National Charities Information Bureau (NCIB) Web site, located at [http://www.give.org/qrguide.cfm].

Local Charity Resources: 

If you are being solicited by a local charity – before giving, check on all charities with the local charity registration office (usually a division of your state attorney's general office) and with the Wise Giving Alliance (operated by the Better Business Bureau – BBB).

The FBI advises that you check the following with the resources listed above: 

• Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly accessing the recognized charity or aid organization's website rather than following an alleged link to the site.

• Attempt to verify the legitimacy of the non-profit status of the organization by using various Internet-based resources, which also may assist in confirming the actual existence of the organization.

For More Charity Scam Resource Information: 

• For a collection of Internet hoaxes and misinformation, visit [http://www.nonprofit.net/hoax/ hoax.html.]
• To file a complaint about a charity, go to [http://www.ftc.gov/ ftc/complaint.htm or https://www. ftc.gov/ftc/complaint.htm].
• Before you send a donation to a specific group, you can now consider how well they spend your dollars by referring to the AIP's Charity Rating Guide" [http:// www.charitywatch.org/faq.html].
• To receive the latest information about cyber scams please go to the FBI website [www.fbi.gov] and sign up for e-mail alerts by clicking on one of the red envelopes.
• If you have received a scam e-mail please notify IC3 by filing a complaint at [www.ic3.gov].
• For more information on e-scams, please visit the FBI's ‘New E-Scams and Warnings’ webpage [www.fbi.gov].

Coaching is a position of trust.  You rely on this person to spend time with your child teaching them how to play like a pro – but how reliable is this person? 

As horror stories continue to emerge across the country regarding coaches who have taken advantage of youngsters under their supervision, it seems like it should be a no-brainer to perform a coach background check on all coaches. 

But you might be surprised at how many sports organizations are still hiring coaches without performing a background check.  To me, it’s like saying, ‘why strap on a seatbelt when chances are good that you won’t get into a car accident?’

The fact of the matter is that law enforcement agencies have proven that predators move to the location with the easiest targets.  If your sports program is not doing background checks, they are severely putting the kids’ safety and well-being at risk. 

Sobering Facts on Coach Background Checks: 

There are web sites geared toward child predators online that instruct them that youth sports programs are an ideal place to take advantage of kids.

• Predators move to the location with the easiest targets – they seek programs that don’t perform background checks.
• Most state laws require criminal background checks for teachers and other school employees but not for coaches and volunteers for non-school-sponsored youth sports organizations.  Is your child’s safety really an ‘option’?
• In U.S. schools, educators who offend range in age from "21 to 75 years old, with an average age of 28" with teachers, coaches, substitute teachers, bus drivers and teacher's aides (in that order) totaling 69% of the offenders.
• Most sexual abuse offenders are acquainted with their victims; approximately 30% are relatives of the child; around 60% are other acquaintances such as 'friends' of the family, babysitters, coaches, or neighbors; strangers are the offenders in approximately 10% of child sexual abuse cases.

Case In Point – Coach Background Checks are Effective 

While an exact number of failed background checks is hard to determine, here is an example of a national sports organization’s disturbing findings (courtesy of USAVolleyball.org): 

• Background screening information revealed:  73 coaches were disqualified from coaching USAV Jr. Olympic Volleyball and USA Jr. Olympic Beach Volleyball in 2010, (up from 53 in 2009). 
• With club coaches being in contact with far more than the 9-12 players they are coaching, it is estimated that over 7,000 athletes were protected last year from these background check failing coaches.
• I wonder how many “coaches” chose to join another sport or volleyball organization where mandatory background checks are not performed, if 73 knew they were getting checked (stated in the application rules) and still tried.  For each of those coaches not passing the screening, they are free to go coach volleyball in non-USAV sanctioned events.  

What Will a Coach Background Check Prove? 

Results of a background check typically include past employment verification, credit score, and criminal history.

• These checks are often used as a means of objectively evaluating a candidate's qualifications, character, fitness, and to identify potential hiring risks for safety and security reasons.
• Background checks are one of the most important things you can do to protect your children.  They are easy, you can have results quickly (within a few weeks), and affordable – a low price to pay for trust and security.
• Think out of the box -- background checks should be performed on all coaches and assistants, team managers, trainers, medical staff, and adult athletes participating on teams with minor athletes.
• The following offenses are considered grounds for failing the criminal background check:

1.   Sexual offenses, such as rape, child molestation, or exploitation;

2.   Domestic crimes such as spousal or child abuse;

3.   Crimes of violence, such as homicide or assault;

4.   Crimes of moral turpitude, such as fraud or embezzlement;

5.   Drug or alcohol-related offenses; or

6.   Crimes against property, such as burglary, theft, or destruction.

 “We were in the neighborhood and noticed that your front steps need to be replaced…”

I was surprised how easy it was to find this site, which spotlights contractor scams, just by typing in the hyperlinked words in a search engine. It was the topic of conversation with a friend of mine as we were talking about the potential pitfalls of working with home contractors.

But maybe I shouldn’t have been. It sounds like a very common occurrence, as it’s listed as the first scam on the website. A “contractor” stops at the home of an elderly citizen, “noticing” that something needs to be repaired. The “contractor” offers a special price but asks for money up front and either leaves without doing any of the work, or the repair job is done shoddily, not nearly worth the price that was paid.

It happened to my friend’s elderly mother, but fortunately it had a happier ending. The “contractor” was actually someone who went door-to-door offering home repair services, then let his “fingers do the walking” and subbed the job out. Of course, he didn’t tell the homeowner any of this. He was basically acting as a middleman, taking his cut.  My friend got concerned when his mom called and casually mentioned she had hired a guy who knocked on her front door and gave him money up front to do the job.

In this case, it was the front steps. As the work was being performed, my friend stopped by his mom’s house to “supervise” and asked the repairman how long he had worked for the contractor. He was told that the repairman didn’t work for the contractor, at least not directly. The repairman told him that the contractor acted as an “agent” for several handymen. Fortunately, the guy was upfront enough to make sure the job was done right. But it could have turned out ugly.

Here is a list of 10 things you should think about when hiring a contractor. It gives you plenty to think about, not the least of which is asking if the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. That one question can save you a lot of money if there is an accident or one of the employees happens to walk away with a household treasure. A licensed contractor isn’t guaranteed to do every job right, but it should give you more confidence than hiring someone who puts up a “garage sale-style” sign at a freeway exit that reads “Plumbing work” and lists a phone number. That’s asking for trouble.

You might also look for a contractor who belongs to a trade association in his or her respective field. That’s a strong indication that the company is up to speed with the latest industry trends and adheres to the association’s code of standards.

You can also check online. But to be fair, not all contractors have websites. Many do, but remember that these are often small businesses, run by one or two people who put their time into their work, not necessarily their marketing. But there are other ways to check online – through the Better Business Bureau , Angie’s List,  or even by doing a background check such as this on the individuals you’re working with or those coming into your home to perform the work.  Such a report can be had for less than $10.

A background check will give you information such as criminal history, sex offender information, bankruptcy information and liens.  If you think that’s a stretch, remember – these are people who you most likely know very little about.  There’s a lot to be said for peace of mind going into a project – chances are you’ll have peace of mind when it’s finished.