Fairway and Broadmoor Estates Neighborhood Watch

Do Not Reply to Text Warnings!

Some of you may have seen on T.V. or the internet about the recent fraud scam involving cell phone texting, specifically.  New texting alert.  We're all now aware of fake emails and know not to open anything from anyone we don't recognize.  This newest scam could be harder to detect.

Here's how it's done.  On your cell phone, you'll receive a text alert [supposedly from your bank, etc.] that someone has hacked your bank account.  Some banks or credit card companies have sent out warnings in the past.  However, with texting...most people don't look at it as closely as we now do with emails.  They will hit the text message immediately thinking it's a legit warning from their bank.  The text could be from someone who is waiting to steal all your information from your phone....and it involves all types of phones. DO NOT REPLY TO TEXT WARNINGS!  

You are advised to not reply.  Hit delete.  Call your bank with the secure number on your account statement and inquire directly.  Avoid becoming a victim of this recent texting scam.

One more cell phone warning.  We all know about the Samsung recall with the phones catching fire and causing harm or property damage.  However, it seems it's not just with Samsung phones.  It's the lithium batteries.  If you feel heat in your cell phone....put it down and turn it off.  Most people put their phones on the charger at night...why not?  Well...it's because it heats up as it charges.  Without warning...the phone can become overheated and explode or catch fire.  Your cell phones (and home phones) have lithium batteries that can overheat and cause fires.  If you put your phone on a charger at night, make sure it's well ventilated.  Also, don't leave it on the charger for long periods of time.  The other recommendation is that you keep the phone away from your head while using it.  Use your head set device when possible.  Stay informed and stay safe.

More phony phone calls are being received by our residents from the IRS telling you you're being investigated. IGNORE these calls and hang up.  They call from burner phones and it's a scam.  I've reported this in the past.  BANKS, IRS, SHERIFF, WARRANTS, JURY DUTY, UTILITY COMPANIES, CREDIT CARD COMPANIES, LEGIT BUSINESSES NEVER CALL ON THE PHONE WITH THREATS.  If you get a call that you're not sure about, call the REAL agency first and inquire.  Criminals are trying to stay one step ahead of us...but we can stay a step ahead of them by being aware.

A B Cs of Crime Prevention
Awareness about your property.  Make neighbors aware when you're leaving!  If you go on vacation, please call VIPS (Volunteers in Partnership with Sheriff's). You can call the Sheriff at 874-5115 and be connected to them.  Tell them when you're leaving and when you'll be back.  They will send a daily drive-by patrol to check your house for FREE!  Your alarm company may not be the one to contact you while you're in Hawaii or Disney World.  Call VIPS to help protect your house before you get the call or text that your alarm went off!  And...make sure you tell ALL your surrounding neighbors about your plans.  They will watch out for your house, but only if they know your plans.

Be Alert!  If you have a vacant house near you, or contractors working at a house near you, watch that house!  There could be burglaries, squatters, drug addicts, people using the empty house to cook methamphetamines, or homeless people settling in near you. This happens more often than you know.  Just ask your neighbors who sell Real Estate!

Call the Sheriff if you suspect anything out of the ordinary.  The best number for the Sheriff is 874-5111 to get immediate action.  DO NOT CALL 911 unless there is a fire or medical emergency.  

Put the Sheriff's number on your refrigerator. Use it instead of 911 for a neighborhood crime.

What to do when Something Suspicious Happens

Report:  A neighbor reported that a suspicious man came to her door Friday evening.  He seemed confused and told her his wallet was stolen in Las Vegas.  She told him she couldn't help him, then called her street coordinator wondering what else she should do. 
 
CALL OR EMAIL YOUR SURROUNDING NEIGHBORS TO WARN THEM, THEN EMAIL MARVA TO SEND A WARNING TO THE COMMUNITY. CALL THE SHERIFF'S NON EMERGENCY NUMBER - 874-5115.  Remember... The Sheriff told us to call them.  They will come here within minutes to find the person and ask questions.  They know our N/W community by now and know that we don't call with false reports!
 
CAUTION...NEVER OPEN YOUR DOOR TO A STRANGER.  In seconds, they could push the door in and enter your home.  In one instance a forty-something man was acting confused, his face was tattooed and he was pulling a suitcase behind him as he walked down the street...this would be one of those times to alert the entire community and call the Sheriff! 
 
REMINDER OF HOW OUR NETWORK IS SET UP: 
If you see something suspicious...Email Marva immediately with the details, time and description of the person or situation.  Send a Cc to your street coordinator to keep them in the loop.  If you feel it's something that needs an urgent warning, call people around you then call the Sheriff's number 874-5115!  We've found the phone tree is the best and fastest way to communicate when there is trouble.
 
REMINDER:  Enter all your surrounding neighbors' email address and phone numbers in your contact list for easy access.  Put your neighbors' emails in one category for quick warnings or replies.  Get to know your Street Coordinator.
 
Outside cameras, inside cameras, and iPhone pictures are all good ideas.  If you want to be pro-active, use modern technology, ask questions of the suspicious people loitering around your homes and let the rest of us know what's going on.

Keep the Lights Working!

  1. Street Lights. The county will not put in more lights.  For anyone interested, if you have a SMUD pole on your property, SMUD will install a light on a SMUD pole for free.  You will be responsible for the power usage which is $11.00 per month.  You can call SMUD to arrange for lighting.  Other suggestions are to install motion lights, or use additional outside lights around your home.

  2. We have a neighbor checking into neighborhood patrols.  She found the cost to be very high for so little coverage.  Please use the free vacation patrol provided by the Sheriff VIPs. 


 

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