Google has implemented a new feature which enables you to type a telephone number into the search bar and hit enter and you will be given the person's name and address. If you then hit MapQuest, you will get a map to the person's house. Everyone should be aware of this! It's a nationwide reverse telephone book.
If a child (or anyone for that matter) gives out his/her phone number, someone can now look it up to find out where he/she lives. The safety issues are obvious, and alarming.
Note that you can have your phone number removed or blocked. I tried my number and it came up along with the mapquest and directions straight to our house. I did fill out the removal form for myself, and encourage all of you to do the same.
Please look up your own number.
In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to: google (http://www.google.com/) Type your phone number in the search bar (i.e. 555-555-1212) and hit enter. If you want to BLOCK Google from divulging your private information, simply click on your telephone number and then click on the Removal Form. Removal takes 48-hours.
Check your own number and although this may not apply to you if you have an unlisted number or cell phone as primary contact, but you may know someone who needs to know this.
Please share this information with friends and family.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Beaware of your surroundings, Use "Awareness"
When you go anywhere you keep an eye out to see if you are not being followed. whether it's going or coming home or at store. Take a quick turn before opening the car door. I remember one day I was leave one of them big stores with me wife. I saw a young lady walking to her car. It was night of course. She went all the way to her car never looked back but the bad part was she turned her car on and exited her car towards her trunk. All this and she still never looked around. I took my wife, "Never ever do that because a violators best friend is the element of surprise." If a violator does not have the element of surprise chances are slim of attack. Police, firefighters, and other agencies have a state of alert. You should too. Use "Awareness" as a tool. I'm not say go commando, just use a little more "Awareness." Thank you for reading, if something you want to know I will research it for you or someone in this group may have the answer. God Bless and stay safe.
Michael
Michael
"Swoop and Squat." by, Denny Griffin, author
I think the following comments fit okay as part of this thread. They have to do with insurance scams rather than physical confrontations, but they can cause a lot of emotional pain and suffering if you're not careful. I've heard this scam referred to in various terms. I'll call it the "swoop and squat." The setup goes like this:
The bad guys - at least two in an old junker - cruise four lane city streets seeking a victim. Their target is a lone driver - often a woman or an elderly person - operating a newer vehicle. When they find what they're looking for, they have someone with no witnesses to what is about to happen, and a good chance the owner/operator has adequate insurance.
The scammers stay in the left lane and slowly pass the target's car. When traffic allows they pull (swoop)in front of the victim and slow to almost a stop (squat). When their prey's vehicle strikes their back bumper the trap is set. Remember, we're talking about city driving at slow speeds. Damage, if any, will be minimal. Normally, the occupants of both vehicles will tell each other that no one was hurt and exchange information. It will be suggested that it would be foolish to call the police for something so minor. Not only would a police report probably result in the victim's insurance rates being raised, but who knows how long everyone would have to wait for the police to get there? The bad guys suggest they'll get an estimate of the damage to their car - it certainly shouldn't be over $100 or so - and then the victim can settle up and the insurance company will never know the difference. Everybody drives away as friends.
But a few days later the scenario changes a bit. Instead of an estimate for a $100 repair bill, the victim is informed by the other driver's attorney that the property damage was substantial. And guess what else? After the accident, one or more of the occupants in his client's car began experiencing back and neck pain. They are now under the care of a chiropractor.
The victim has no choice but to involve his/her insurance company. But with no witnesses or police report, the insurer is fighting an uphill battle. In many cases they decide it would be cheaper to pay for some treatments, vehicle repairs, and of course something for the excruciating pain the scammers claim to have suffered because of their insured's negligence. Ironically, one of the reasons for not calling the police in the first place happens anyway. The victim's insurance rates go up.
Such scams have been exposed in several places around the country. The conspiracy can involve a number of people, including personal injury attorneys, medical doctors or chiropractors, and body shops.
So, as has been said, be aware. Be alert. If you're alone and involved in an accident in which the circumstances look a bit suspicious, call the police. The wait could very well be worthwhile.
---
Denny Griffin, author
The bad guys - at least two in an old junker - cruise four lane city streets seeking a victim. Their target is a lone driver - often a woman or an elderly person - operating a newer vehicle. When they find what they're looking for, they have someone with no witnesses to what is about to happen, and a good chance the owner/operator has adequate insurance.
The scammers stay in the left lane and slowly pass the target's car. When traffic allows they pull (swoop)in front of the victim and slow to almost a stop (squat). When their prey's vehicle strikes their back bumper the trap is set. Remember, we're talking about city driving at slow speeds. Damage, if any, will be minimal. Normally, the occupants of both vehicles will tell each other that no one was hurt and exchange information. It will be suggested that it would be foolish to call the police for something so minor. Not only would a police report probably result in the victim's insurance rates being raised, but who knows how long everyone would have to wait for the police to get there? The bad guys suggest they'll get an estimate of the damage to their car - it certainly shouldn't be over $100 or so - and then the victim can settle up and the insurance company will never know the difference. Everybody drives away as friends.
But a few days later the scenario changes a bit. Instead of an estimate for a $100 repair bill, the victim is informed by the other driver's attorney that the property damage was substantial. And guess what else? After the accident, one or more of the occupants in his client's car began experiencing back and neck pain. They are now under the care of a chiropractor.
The victim has no choice but to involve his/her insurance company. But with no witnesses or police report, the insurer is fighting an uphill battle. In many cases they decide it would be cheaper to pay for some treatments, vehicle repairs, and of course something for the excruciating pain the scammers claim to have suffered because of their insured's negligence. Ironically, one of the reasons for not calling the police in the first place happens anyway. The victim's insurance rates go up.
Such scams have been exposed in several places around the country. The conspiracy can involve a number of people, including personal injury attorneys, medical doctors or chiropractors, and body shops.
So, as has been said, be aware. Be alert. If you're alone and involved in an accident in which the circumstances look a bit suspicious, call the police. The wait could very well be worthwhile.
---
Denny Griffin, author
How to avoid home invasion.
Avoid home invasion by simply doing a check list. Here are some pointers. By the way I got this information when I asked an alarm salesman what is the best protection for your home. He said, "Alarm for starters." We all know that one! "Window sensors." We know that one too! But what he said next really took me by surprise because I didn't realize how easy it was to get in your house by using this method. Well, here what he said, "You know that little red handle tied to your garage door opener, it's the perfect way an intruder can easily enter your garage. And since only 1/3 of the people that own one don't lock their garage door from their house. The way they enter is when the garage door is closed the string move towards the garage and they use a hook tied to a thin rod and retrieve the little red handle and yank until it releases the mechanizism and if your are one of those who don't lock your garage door from the house it's smooth sailing for the intruder." Take off the little red handle and if your garage has small windows take the string off as well. Stay safe and have a nice day. I will be putting more information later about front and back door safety.
God Bless,
Michael
God Bless,
Michael
Online Predators Pro's and Con's
I have done some research and the same question keeps popping up. How do you know if the person on the other end is not playing you for a fool? The answer is…you don't. However, a person who is trying to be friends will not hide his comments from others to read or be discrete when sending you a private message. When they do this they want something. It may be something innocent or NOT. Here are some key factors to keep an eye on.
Pro's:
Don't underestimate the Pro he or she are methodical and relentless when it come to getting what they want. They will look for soft spots such as feelings. This is where they do their best work. Because GOOD people have a soft spot for caring and they know that. These people will use it against you at all cost. To be frank, it will be at your cost not theirs.
Example: (A Predator) The men are charmers and good looking. Their best play. These men have a flaw. The one thing they want the most is money or sex. Which comes with power and domination. If red flags go off inside your head…. disconnect!
Con's:
The con is after one thing and that is your money. Again, they are methodical but not relentless because once they see they can't make you budge; they will move on to the next unfortunate soul. The biggest suckers that get drawn into this are men. Sad too say it but it is true. Watch yourselves!
Example: (A Con) If you get a letter saying, "I need you to help me get my clients 5.5 million dollars." It is a scam. He will get you bank account number and God only know what he or she will do with it. In the end you will get burned when the Lawman comes knocking.
This is not the end of it. I have so much to tell you. I will talk about as Follows:
1. Age factor
2. Online romance connection
3. Research
It may take me awhile but if you all have anything we can learn please don't be afraid to post it. You may just help some stay safe. God bless
Michael
Pro's:
Don't underestimate the Pro he or she are methodical and relentless when it come to getting what they want. They will look for soft spots such as feelings. This is where they do their best work. Because GOOD people have a soft spot for caring and they know that. These people will use it against you at all cost. To be frank, it will be at your cost not theirs.
Example: (A Predator) The men are charmers and good looking. Their best play. These men have a flaw. The one thing they want the most is money or sex. Which comes with power and domination. If red flags go off inside your head…. disconnect!
Con's:
The con is after one thing and that is your money. Again, they are methodical but not relentless because once they see they can't make you budge; they will move on to the next unfortunate soul. The biggest suckers that get drawn into this are men. Sad too say it but it is true. Watch yourselves!
Example: (A Con) If you get a letter saying, "I need you to help me get my clients 5.5 million dollars." It is a scam. He will get you bank account number and God only know what he or she will do with it. In the end you will get burned when the Lawman comes knocking.
This is not the end of it. I have so much to tell you. I will talk about as Follows:
1. Age factor
2. Online romance connection
3. Research
It may take me awhile but if you all have anything we can learn please don't be afraid to post it. You may just help some stay safe. God bless
Michael
Dangers of MySpace
A story worth repeating and sharing with others:
Police: Teen raped by man met on MySpace
BY CHRISTINE ARMARIO
christine.armario@newsday.com
April 3, 2007, 1:22 PM EDT
Monday morning, a 13-year-old Suffolk County girl climbed out her bathroom window and into the Jeep of a 20-year-old man she met on MySpace. He took her to his Bayport home and raped her, police said.
It was the end result of a 6-week online romance that the girl's parents knew nothing about, even though police say her father did "everything in his power" to monitor her activity on the Internet.
"He was doing what any good parent would do," Det. Sgt. Thomas Groneman, of Suffolk's Third Squad said this Tuesday afternoon.
Despite those efforts, however, the girl managed to gain regular access to a laptop computer that either wasn't password protected, like the desktop computer in her home, or whose password she had somehow learned.
For six weeks, she communicated with Zachary Rapoza, the self-titled "Bayport Kid," according to his Myspace profile. On his Web page, he says he is a 2006 graduate of Bayport-Blue Point High School who played on the track and football teams. A profile picture shows him sitting in a chair with a blue football jersey, baseball cap and sunglasses.
The girl, who was not identified, is supposedly one of 51 friends on his page, many of who are young girls, some posing in their underwear.
Suffolk police say Rapoza and the girl made an arrangement during her week of spring break to pick her up Monday morning at 8 a.m. in front of her home. Groneman said a relative saw her sneak out the bathroom window and then contacted her father, who was at his work.
The father contacted her friends and visited places where he thought she might be. When he was unsuccessful, he called police.
Groneman said police searched Robert Moses State Park after receiving information that they may have gone to the beach. That did not turn up the pair. Meanwhile, the father searched through his home telephone's caller ID and discovered an unfamiliar number. He called and left a message.
A short time later, his daughter contacted him.
At that point, she was with Rapoza on a Long Island Rail Road train heading to Jamaica, Queens. Her father told her to get off of the train at the next possible stop -- which happened to be Pinelawn.
The two were waiting at the train station when police arrived. They were then taken to the Third Precinct for questioning.
Rapoza was charged with second-degree rape, unlawful imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a minor. He is expected to be arraigned Tuesday.
Groneman said Rapoza has no known prior criminal history, is unemployed and previously worked as a boiler repair man. He lives on Barrett Avenue with his family, police said. Authorities are investigating whether he was involved with any other minors he met over the Internet.
Groneman described the girl as a good kid who has never had any prior disciplinary problems. He would not say what town she lives in.
"It happens on an all too familiar basis," the sergeant said of the incident. "These kids talk to people online and I don't think they know what they're getting into."
---
~Helena~
Police: Teen raped by man met on MySpace
BY CHRISTINE ARMARIO
christine.armario@newsday.com
April 3, 2007, 1:22 PM EDT
Monday morning, a 13-year-old Suffolk County girl climbed out her bathroom window and into the Jeep of a 20-year-old man she met on MySpace. He took her to his Bayport home and raped her, police said.
It was the end result of a 6-week online romance that the girl's parents knew nothing about, even though police say her father did "everything in his power" to monitor her activity on the Internet.
"He was doing what any good parent would do," Det. Sgt. Thomas Groneman, of Suffolk's Third Squad said this Tuesday afternoon.
Despite those efforts, however, the girl managed to gain regular access to a laptop computer that either wasn't password protected, like the desktop computer in her home, or whose password she had somehow learned.
For six weeks, she communicated with Zachary Rapoza, the self-titled "Bayport Kid," according to his Myspace profile. On his Web page, he says he is a 2006 graduate of Bayport-Blue Point High School who played on the track and football teams. A profile picture shows him sitting in a chair with a blue football jersey, baseball cap and sunglasses.
The girl, who was not identified, is supposedly one of 51 friends on his page, many of who are young girls, some posing in their underwear.
Suffolk police say Rapoza and the girl made an arrangement during her week of spring break to pick her up Monday morning at 8 a.m. in front of her home. Groneman said a relative saw her sneak out the bathroom window and then contacted her father, who was at his work.
The father contacted her friends and visited places where he thought she might be. When he was unsuccessful, he called police.
Groneman said police searched Robert Moses State Park after receiving information that they may have gone to the beach. That did not turn up the pair. Meanwhile, the father searched through his home telephone's caller ID and discovered an unfamiliar number. He called and left a message.
A short time later, his daughter contacted him.
At that point, she was with Rapoza on a Long Island Rail Road train heading to Jamaica, Queens. Her father told her to get off of the train at the next possible stop -- which happened to be Pinelawn.
The two were waiting at the train station when police arrived. They were then taken to the Third Precinct for questioning.
Rapoza was charged with second-degree rape, unlawful imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a minor. He is expected to be arraigned Tuesday.
Groneman said Rapoza has no known prior criminal history, is unemployed and previously worked as a boiler repair man. He lives on Barrett Avenue with his family, police said. Authorities are investigating whether he was involved with any other minors he met over the Internet.
Groneman described the girl as a good kid who has never had any prior disciplinary problems. He would not say what town she lives in.
"It happens on an all too familiar basis," the sergeant said of the incident. "These kids talk to people online and I don't think they know what they're getting into."
---
~Helena~
Self defense is your best defense.
It is unavoidable. Now a days everyone can become a victim of assault even sexual(yes men too). Most criminals think that by looking at you you are weak. They will look for an opportunity to strike. Who is at a higher risk.
1. Stay at home moms.
2. Women that work long hours.
3. Men, you are also at risk as well. There are some cases of men being sexually assaulted but many go unreported. It's probably a small number but it has happened so watch your back.
Why? Routine....People that follow a routine are more likely to be assaulted because of their predictability. If you don't use "Awareness" You will never know who is following you. Remember don't panic. Use good judgement.
If they want the car. Give them the car.
If they want the money. Give them the money.
If they want your body. Run! God gave you two great weapons, a pair of legs and a pair of lungs so use them. Yell fire or help. Only fight when it is absolutely necessary. By running, you must first look around to see which is the fastest way out. If you must fight do your best not to land on the ground or floor. If you don't know how to fight then you must learn. Enroll in self defense class. an hour or two a week is not too much out of your time. Always thinking of your safety. Michael
1. Stay at home moms.
2. Women that work long hours.
3. Men, you are also at risk as well. There are some cases of men being sexually assaulted but many go unreported. It's probably a small number but it has happened so watch your back.
Why? Routine....People that follow a routine are more likely to be assaulted because of their predictability. If you don't use "Awareness" You will never know who is following you. Remember don't panic. Use good judgement.
If they want the car. Give them the car.
If they want the money. Give them the money.
If they want your body. Run! God gave you two great weapons, a pair of legs and a pair of lungs so use them. Yell fire or help. Only fight when it is absolutely necessary. By running, you must first look around to see which is the fastest way out. If you must fight do your best not to land on the ground or floor. If you don't know how to fight then you must learn. Enroll in self defense class. an hour or two a week is not too much out of your time. Always thinking of your safety. Michael
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