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Chilling Identity Theft Facts

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Experts estimate that about 10 million people become victims each year. That means every minute, 19 people become new victims of identity fraud!

In fact, according to the US Department of Justice, drug trafficking is now being replaced by identity theft as the number one crime.

If you become a victim, it will probably take you hundreds of hours and an average of $1,000 to recover from ID theft. Even worse, some innocent victims have ended up in prison because identity thieves have committed crimes in their names.

I received an e-mail from Scambusters.org touting a new company in the field of proactive ID theft prevention. It's not free (although you can Google-Up some that are) and has been prominently featured on CNN, MSNBC, WSJ, CNBC, and others. I have absolutely no interest in this company, pecuniary or otherwise and know no one who works there. This is just FYI and you can check them out with this link. http://www.lifelock.com/def...

Jim Richards

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Be Careful Who You Let Into Your Home

Almost 60,000 American homes are robbed each year. Hard to believe but. in some cases, homeowners actually welcome in criminals. In state after state, fake utility workers are robbing homes.

Your best line of defense is a steel mesh screen door with a dead bolt lock. This is a good investment and think of it as an insurance policy. Everyone in the household should have their own key to open it and LOCK IT behind them once inside. You can keep your front door open in nice weather and enjoy some light and fresh air, and still feel safe.

Criminals often pose as electricians or policemen to get into a house. It's not always easy to tell a fake ID or badge from the real thing.  

Look for the things that are hardest to duplicate. A utility worker, a delivery person, a policeman, should all have an official vehicle. If a worker from the gas company comes around, his truck should have the company's name. That's the kind of thing most would-be crooks can't duplicate. If you don't see a vehicle, don't let him in!

Time to Judge a Book by Its Cover

If someone knocks on your door claiming to be a worker or official, take note of their appearance.

Judge a book by its cover. Most companies will not allow their employees to represent them unless they're dressed properly and look professional. If someone shows up unshaven, with street clothes, don't let them in until you check them out. If they are wearing a uniform, check to see if it has a clearly readable emblem.

It doesn’t hurt to be suspicious. Leave the person waiting outside. Keep the door locked, and call the company they claim to represent. DO NOT accept any phone number they give you. I’m sure you know why.

Once you open the door, they can do anything they want. So, keep them waiting outside, and call the company. Keep a list of phone numbers for utilities, delivery companies, and other services you might need. The company will tell you if that person is legitimate, and can verify their request. If you don’t have the number listed, look it up or call information for it.

If the person really isn't who they claim to be, it's likely they'll be gone before you start dialing. You’ve just prevented yourself from becoming an alarmingly increasing statistic!

Tehachapi is growing…and so is the crime rate. We can all help by being savvy and street smart…and proactive.

 Jim Richards

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EFL LANGUAGE CLASSES?

I know this will be controversial and I’m sure I’ll get a lot of flack on it but I propose our schools teach ENGLISH AS A FIRST LANGUAGE!

Now, having said that, I can assure you that I am a bona fide American Gringo. However, I am fluent in the Spanish language and can speak, read, and write it. How did I manage that? I took classes at both NYU and the University of Mexico in the Spanish language and culture. All classes were in TOTAL IMMERSION! Not one word of English was ever spoken or written. This extended to outside the classroom with parties, restaurants, trips, social and sports events, etc. I actually enjoyed it and had a lot of fun with a high degree of LEARNING along the way.

So, why do we teach English as a SECOND Language here?

Jim Richards

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Silly me. Here I was ragging on the City Hall website for having their "latest" Newsletter dated November, 2004 and I just discovered their latest "Election Results" dated Nov. 2, 2004.

I think they are stuck in a time warp from 2004 and can't seem to go forward.

Do you think someone should offer to take over their so-called website?

Jim Richards

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To all my Fellow Bloggers and Tehachapi News readers, please plan on attending tonight's City Council meeting at the Veteran's Hall on F Street at 6pm.

We, (including me) who bitch and gripe and moan and complain about poor City Council attitudes to our friends, neighbors and family, need to vent where it belongs...at the City Council meetings. Stand up and speak up. Assert your rights. Let's inundate them with our sheer numbers! I've said it before and I'll say it here again..you CAN fight City Hall and you CAN win. But, you can't do it alone and you can't do it if you don't state your case in this public forum. You must do something affirmative! In Unity there is Strength.

Jim Richards