By Joel Spears
Features Editor

CHURCH HILL - Daily reports of scams, schemes and identity thefts are common in today's high-tech age of gadgets, personal computing and social networking.
    While there are no sure-fire ways to end such crimes Hawkins County Sheriff Roger Christian and Church Hill Police Chief Mark Johnson brought knowledge on Wednesday to members of Church Hill Senior Citizens Center that may keep the problem from growing.
    "How many of you still write a check and put it in the mailbox to pay bills," Johnson began.  Following a response of several raised hands, he replied, "It's a risk."
    The chief noted anytime a check is left in the mailbox a potential thief has access to your name, address, bank routing number and account numbers.  In other words, all they need to make a cash withdrawal of your hard-earned money.
    "Fewer checks are being accepted at businesses because of these types of forgeries," Johnson noted.
    To prevent the possibility of mail theft, online bill payment is an option, but even then password protected Web sites that hold valuable account information are vulnerable.
    "Change your passwords monthly," the chief recommended.  "It's a hassle - a lot of remembering and work - but it's worth it."
    And even in the technological age, the telephone is still a prime spot for scamming and thievery.  Discussing telemarket calls, Johnson said it is important not to confirm or deny personal information over the telephone.
    "Even if they have your name, date of birth and address, it doesn't mean they're legit," he said.  
    The chief also said caller I.D. means little when trying to confirm the validity of a company.
    "Technology is out there now to show whatever number they want to punch in," he said.  "Don't rely on caller I.D. if you're unsure who's asking for your information."
    He recommended never purchasing anything from a telemarketer until you have something in writing.
    "If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is."
    In addition, Johnson said to be wary of door-to-door workers.  He recommended insisting on a contract for services prior to allowing anything to be done in or around your home.
    "You can be promised the moon and you'll find out later the work is substandard," he said.  "You can always say, 'Let's write up a contract, or let's go to the police department to get a witness while we sign.'  Remember the phrase 'He said' means nothing if there is no contract."
    Other suggestions Johnson made included E-mail scam letters requesting personal information in exchange for money.
    "These are interstate crimes," he said, " and difficult to prosecute, but we have people coming into our office all the time with letter and E-mails requesting money from a stranger."
    The chief also said it is important never to throw any banking information in the garbage without first cutting or shredding the document.
    "You would be surprised how many people go through garbage just for that," he said.
    He also noted that it is important to check bank statements regularly.
    "When somebody is trying to use your identity to withdraw money from your account they may start with small amounts," he said.
    To conclude, Johnson said it is important to remember these criminal activities or scams are more prevalent in a down economy, " So be aware of people trying to swindle you."
    According to AARP, 26 percent of U.S. adults have been victims of I.D. theft or fraud.  Each year, 57 percent of those over age 50 lose a total of $40 billion to telemarketing fraud alone.    
    The Federal Trade Commission also estimates 25 million Americans are victims of consumer fraud each year.  The number for identity theft annually reaches 10 million victims.
    The U.S. Subcommittee on Health and Long Term Care estimates although seniors only represent 12 percent of the population, they make up 30 percent of scam victims.  And only one in 100 cases of senior fraud is ever reported.
    With that said, Sheriff Christian discussed ways to keep homes safer and ways to avoid becoming a victim.
    'Unfortunately crime has become very commonplace in our society," he said.  Then he offered these suggestions for a more secure environment around the house and while your are away from home:
    • Always lock car doors.
    • Park close to an entrance.
    • Visit businesses that are well-lit
    • Look around the parking lot for people sitting in their cars.
    • Don't leave personal items such a purses unattended.
    • When possible, travel with somebody.
    "There is safety in numbers," the sheriff said.  "A crook can't stand to be seen.  If you think somebody is following you keep in mind, 'What can I do to make sure this individual can be seen."
    • Keep your keys ready as you leave a place of business.
    The sheriff also emphasized that because of the number of drug-related thefts it is important when at your pharmacy never to openly discuss anything about your medication.
    "Do not discuss anything where anybody except the pharmacist can hear you," he said.  "Your chances are greatly improved, if you have a narcotics prescription at home, you will be a victim of a crime."
    Christian also suggested using caution at an ATM machines.
    "That lights up a crook's eyes," he said.  "If you have to use an ATM, make sure it is well lit, have your card ready and don't withdraw more money than you need."
    To conclude the lecture, the sheriff said to use the following precautions when at home:
    • Make sure door and window locks operate properly.  Keep them locked at all times.
    • Don't hide your key outside.
    • If a stranger comes knocking, talk to them through a locked screen door if you have one or from the other side of the door.  Never unlock your door for a stranger.
    • Carry your cordless phone to the door with you if somebody is there you don't know.
    • If somebody claims to be from an unfamiliar business, such as an insurance inspector, call to verify them.
    • On your answering machine use the phrase "We cannot come to the phone," not "I," even if you live alone.
    • Ask neighbors to keep an eye on your property if you're going to be out of town.
    • Do not let trees and shrubs overshadow the area around your home.
    • If you are going out of town for an extended time, call the post office or newspaper carrier to let htem know so mail will not stack up and alert potential thieves of an empty house.
    • Make sure your house is well lit.  Use motion detector lighting and timers when possible.
    Approximately 40 people attended the lecture at the senior center, which regularly hosts such activities for the benefit of its members and the community.