INTERNET OF THINGS- Strangers View Families Through Security Cameras

In the past week there have been press reports of strangers breaking into Ring accounts and viewing the insides of homes. In some cases, the hackers talked to a child and to a couple of dogs.

One story has a video of a young girl in her bedroom being talked to by a male voice through the camera in the room. Another story has video of two dogs lounging on a couch and a voice trying to get them to get up off of it.

Ring cameras have been receiving publicity on social media with videos of porch pirates stealing packages from front porches. Some homeowners have purchased Ring and other cameras for use indoors, in children’s bedrooms or front rooms to allow homeowners and parents to monitor what is going on in their homes. Over the past few years, videos have been posted showing burglars inside homes stealing items.

Having cameras inside can help with security to confirm that someone is in your house if the alarm goes off. They also help to monitor small children when they are in their cribs in their rooms. However, all sense of security is lost if someone breaks into your cameras and can observe your possessions and see your family moving around in your house. And talking to your children gets even creepier yet.   

While press reports have used the term hacked or breaking in, Ring, in its blog, points out that the recent incidents were not due to an intrusion or compromise of Ring’s computer systems. Many of the hackers may have obtained the usernames and passwords of Ring accounts outside of the Ring’s servers such as from databases in the dark web.

Ring recommends that its customers do the following:

·       Enable two-factor authentication to access your account.

·       Add shared users to your account instead of simply giving them your login information.

·       Do not use the same password for more than one account.

·       Create strong passwords that have a mix of letters, numbers, and characters. Some cyber security professionals recommend passwords with 12 characters or longer. A password generator can help create strong passwords.

Internet of Things (IoT) such as cameras and thermostats help us have a more secure and convenient life. In the early years of IoT, manufacturers have not designed good security measures into their devices. Both manufacturers and their customers should observe the best and most recent security practices. IoT manufacturers should make security robust and easy for customers and customers should practice good security as they use any IoT device.

The Seattle Times:

https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/ring-camera-installed-in-a-childrens-room-for-peace-of-mind-is-hacked-8-year-old-daughter-harassed/

KIRO TV:

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/stranger-gains-access-familys-ring-camera-tries-talk-familys-dogs/NY2Q7FURH5EYPFNFNWDT632OTA/

Ring:

https://blog.ring.com/2019/12/12/rings-services-have-not-been-compromised-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

GIFT CARDS- A New Technique to Steal

KIRO TV recently reported a new technique used by identity thieves to steal your money at a grocery store. The King County Sheriff’s Office has noted thieves stealing credit cards in parking lots of Kroger stores (QFC or Fred Meyer) then going into the store, picking up some gift cards from the rack and then transferring funds from the stolen credit card to the gift cards at the self-checkout counter.

According to the KIRO report, the thieves have targeted stores with self-checkout counters such as QFC.

The King County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging Kroger to only allow purchase of gift cards at manned checkout counters where an employee can check ID for credit card purchases.

Whether or not Kroger makes this change, you can protect yourself from being victimized by keeping your purse or wallet on your person while in the parking lot, or in the store for that matter. Do not place a purse in a grocery cart then turn away or leave the cart, even for a short distance or a short time. A thief can take your wallet and its contents in a flash.

To view video of this operation in action, checkout this link,



KIRO TV:

https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4809297

CALLING 911- Calling for Help in a Domestic Violence Situation

A few weeks ago, a story was going around about an Ohio 911 call taker receiving a call with a pizza order. After a short time, the call taker figured out that the caller was really reporting a domestic violence situation and it was not safe for her to talk openly.

There have been stories that calling 911 to order pizza is a code that signals call takers of a dangerous domestic violence situation. A check with two local 911 agencies reveals that neither uses specific code words as an alert of a domestic violence situation.

Snohomish 911 says that it does not train dispatchers or call takers on specific code words. They did say that dispatchers/call takers do pick up on nuances of calls that do not seem right. Snohomish 911 does recommend calling 911 when it is safe to do so to report what is going on. An alternative, if the it is dangerous to speak freely, is to send a text to 911.   

The King County Sheriff Office 911 Communications Center reports that it has received calls from people in dangerous situations asking for pizza. Also, they have had people act like they are talking to a “friend.” It does not recommend any code words for the public to use. If a caller seems like they may be in a dangerous situation, the call taker will ask if they are free to talk. If the answer is no, then the call taker will ask yes or no questions. King County Sheriff’s 911 also notes that you can text 911 if you are not free to talk.

The important thing to remember is to protect your safety if you need to call for help from 911. The ideal situation is that you separate yourself from any potential for harm or violence then call 911. If you cannot remove yourself, use your best judgement in how you discretely call or text 911.



USA Today:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/11/22/ohio-911-dispatcher-recognizes-911-call-pizza-dmestic-violence/4271985002/  

MONEY MULES- Helping Scammers Steal

The FBI recently announced charges against two Russians for a long-lasting cybercrime spree that targeted thousands of computers with malicious computer code that allowed them to steal banking credentials then funnel money out of the victims’ accounts eventually into the criminal’s accounts.

In some cases, the criminals used “money mules” who transferred the stolen money from one account to other accounts in an attempt to launder the money, obscuring the fact that it had been stolen. Eventually the money winds up in the criminals’ accounts. Laundering the money in this way makes it more difficult for the investigators to tie the money in a suspect’s account(s) to crime.

Criminals recruit others to become money mules. They do their recruiting in several places including,

·         Online job websites

·         Online dating websites

·         Social networking websites

·         Online classifieds

·         Email Spam

·         Dark web Forums

Individuals who could be at risk to becoming a mule include:

·         College students

·         People new to the U.S.

·         Small business owners

·         Elderly individuals

·         Recent retirees

·         People looking for a job

·         People looking for a relationship

·         People with memory loss

Many money mules are unaware that they have a criminal laundering role. These unwitting or unknowing individuals are often solicited via an online romance scheme or online job scheme. They may be asked to establish a bank account in their true name to receive money from someone that they have never met in person. Often, they are told to keep a small percentage of the transferred funds as “payment” for their efforts. They are not aware that what they are doing is illegal because they trust that they are in an online romance or a legitimate business relationship.

Money mules launder funds from criminal activities such as wire fraud, business email compromise, romance fraud or human trafficking. Acting as a money mule, an individual is committing a crime and is liable to prosecution and even incarceration.

This is important because, like scammers, criminals who approach you to help them launder their criminally receive funds use emotion to entrap you into their enterprise. The opportunity for romance, be it online and that you may not have met the individual in person or the opportunity to make easy money at home can raise your emotions.

Watch out for anyone, as a business deal or in an online romance, who asks you to use your own bank account to receive and forward money.

For more on this, check out these links,



FBI:

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/charges-announced-in-malware-conspiracy-120519


https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/money-muling-is-illegal-120419

https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/money-mule-awareness-booklet.pdf/view

GIFT CARDS- They Are for Gifts, Not Paying Scammers

Anyone who has paid attention to the news knows that if you receive a cold call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, the local police claiming you missed jury duty, or from Microsoft tech support offering to help fix a problem with your computer that they say they detected and asking or demanding payment in gift cards is a scammer.

Some other examples of scams using gift cards, that have not received as much publicity include:

·         callers pretending to be from a utility company, telling you to pay your bill by gift card or they’ll cut off your power or water

·         sellers on online auction sites who ask for gift cards to “buy” big items like cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, tractors and electronics

·         someone posing as a servicemember to get your sympathy, saying he has to sell something quickly before deployment and needs you to pay by gift card

·         callers who say you’ve won a so-called prize, for a sweepstakes you probably never entered – but first, you have to use a gift card to pay fees or other charges

·         someone buying something from you, probably online, who sends a check for more than the purchase price – and asks you to give them the difference on a gift card. (That check, by the way, will turn out to be fake.)

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that if you do find that you have paid a scammer with a gift card report it to the company to that issued the card right away. Ask if they can refund the money because you were a victim of a scam. Also, the FTC recommends that you report the incident to the Washington State Attorney General (https://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint).

While it may seem obvious to avoid paying scammers with gift cards, it still can happen to you. KIRO TV News has broadcast this report about a local victim of the Social Security scam losing $9,500.



KIRO TV:

 https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/puget-sound-area-man-out-9-500-after-falling-victim-to-social-security-scam/1015862354



For more information about gift cards and scams, check out this link:



Federal Trade Commission:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/paying-scammers-gift-cards

ONLINE SHOPPING- Shopping Safely With A Growing Trend

We are now well into the holiday shopping season. Initial reports show robust shopping between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. In fact, news reports show a 20% increase in online shopping on Cyber Monday with $9.4 billion spent this year versus $7.9 billion spent last year. Clearly, more people are taking advantage of the convenience of online shopping.

With the publicity over the past few years of data breaches, phishing, malware, and other techniques used by criminals to steal identity and therefore steal funds from their victims, you might wonder if online shopping is safe.

Online shopping can be just as safe as shopping in a store. Or just as risky. Like shopping in a store, you need to take some practical steps to protect your money and property when shopping online. This posting gives a practical view of the risks of online shopping:

Ask Leo! By Leo Notenboom:

https://askleo.com/online_shopping_just_how_safe_is_it/



The lesson is that shopping online can be safe. You just need to get into the habit of acting safely. Here are some more thoughts about how to shop online safely:

Krebs on Security:

https://krebsonsecurity.com/2018/11/how-to-shop-online-like-a-security-pro/



Fraudsters are constantly experimenting with new ways to trick you as a consumer to give away your private personal information and trick businesses to give over your personal information. The reports you see about new techniques may seem overwhelming. Awareness of these techniques, however, is important to protecting yourself from harm. Police encourage us to be aware of our surroundings, on the streets, in stores, and in our neighborhoods. Being aware online is equally important.

With that, here are a couple of articles that talk about some new techniques. CBS talks about fraudulent websites luring online shoppers:  



CBS:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/black-friday-2019-fraudulent-websites-targeting-holiday-shoppers-looking-for-a-bargain/



Consumer Reports talks about a variety of techniques including phishing, malicious apps, and hackers to legitimate web sites:

Consumer Reports:

https://www.consumerreports.org/digital-security/dont-let-online-shopping-threats-spoil-holiday-season/



This Seattle Times article talks about the initial shopping numbers for Black Friday through Cyber Monday:

The Seattle Times:

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/a-record-190-million-americans-shopped-thanksgiving-weekend-most-of-them-online/

IDENTITY THEFT- Identity Theft Can Happen Here

Over the past few days there has been talk over social media about local residents being victims to identity theft. While there was much speculation on how the identity theft occurred, many people reported that their credit card and bank accounts were illegally tapped for transactions at local retail establishments. Several people mentioned retail stores in the Lake Stevens and Snohomish areas, while others pointed out that many other illegal transactions also occurred in other areas of the county and the Puget Sound region.

So how could this happen? Specifics have yet to be released by local law enforcement or the local press. However, here are some likely scenarios of how this can happen with the current technology:

·         Skimmers. This is the likeliest culprit according to most people on social media. Skimmers have become very popular with locally based ID thieves. A skimmer is a thin piece of plastic with electronic circuitry that is inserted in or over the slot that you insert your credit or debit card into to make a payment. Skimmers have been found at ATM’s, gas pumps, and terminals at cashier stations in stores (yes, right under the nose of clerks. If the ID thieves are good, they can insert a skimmer with a clerk right there.).

·         Someone uses counterfeit credit cards to make transactions. They can buy the account information, from vendors who have obtained the information from data breaches, on the “dark web.” They can also buy the equipment and materials for making the cards on the web. Then they go around to ATM’s, and retail outlets withdrawing money or making purchases. Victims of the ID theft can be from anywhere. So, you can get an alert from your bank about a suspicious transaction that occurred on the Atlantic coast while you have not traveled 20 miles away from your home in Snohomish County.

·         Someone can make online purchases with the stolen account information in breaches. This may not always show up as a transaction from a local store, but it is an easy way for an ID thief to buy something on your dime.

·         RFID chips. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) imbedded in your credit card, driver’s license, or passport could be read by a reader carried by a passerby.

Preventing Identity Theft is a difficult proposition. Several organizations need to take steps to prevent someone who is not authorized to access your personal information. Banks need to have strong, up to date security measures. Retail outlets, large and small, need to have security measures to protect your information. And you, as an individual, need to take steps to protect your information. If anyone in this chain do not take steps or have weak steps, the system will fail, and ID thieves will gain access to your information.

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself:

·         The most important action you can take is to closely and frequently monitor your bank card statement and then if you find any irregularities to promptly notify your bank card provider. This may be your only defense against ID thieves who have purchased your credit card account information on the dark web from using it with a counterfeit card or online.

·         Always use a credit card for transactions, including at the store and online. You have the most protection from fraud with a credit card. While many institutions who issue debit cards are very good with returning funds that may have been stolen, you still run the risk of a fraudster zeroing out the total amount of your debit account. While you may eventually get it back, you may be stuck without funds until the financial institution completes its investigation.

·         To guard against skimmers, check the terminal for any signs of tampering. At a gas station, some people suggest using a pump closest to the cashier on the theory that an ID thief will more likely add a skimmer to a pump that is farther away so that they will be less likely to be caught in the act.

·         To guard against someone reading your RFID chip you can purchase sleeves and wallets that block radio waves trying to read you chip.

If you are victimized with ID theft report it. Report it to the issuing credit card institution. Also, if the fraudulent transaction occurred in your local area, report it to your local police.

    





Krebs on Security (for information on skimmers, breaches, RFID readers):

https://krebsonsecurity.com/


Wikipedia (on RFID):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-frequency_identification#Security_concerns













Steve Moller

South Snohomish County Crime Watch

Email: snohomishcrimewatch@outlook.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ssnoccrimewatch

Blog: https://ssnoccrimewatch.blogspot.com/



Crime Mapping for Snohomish County: http://communitycrimemap.com/



You can also report suspicious activity or information about past criminal activity by calling:



The Sheriff’s Tip Line at (425) 388-3845.



Or going to the Sheriff’s Office web page at:

http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/303/Anonymous-Tips

GIFT CARDS- Beware of Tampered Gift Cards

Gift cards have become a great way to give to others without the hassle or embarrassment of giving something that the recipient really cannot use or really doesn’t want. However, fraudsters have a way to steal from you with a gift card that you have purchased. And the only way you know something is wrong is when your beneficiary complains to you that there was no money on the gift card that you gave them.

Here is how the scam works. A crook will either jot down or swipe the account number of the card in the store. Then, over the few days or weeks, the crook can check the number over the phone to see if the card has been activated. When the card is activated the crook quickly goes on a shopping spree.

To discourage this type of activity, vendors have tried to design packaging that makes it difficult to tamper with the card. However, sometimes crooks do lift the information from the card anyway.

Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of having a gift card amount stolen,

·         Take a card from the middle of the rack. Often card scammers will copy numbers from the front or the edges. After all, they do not want to raise suspicions by being too obvious.

·         Check any packaging for signs of tampering. Some card scammers are very good, so don’t be embarrassed to be picky about the card that you choose. Also, many gift cards have PINs that are masked on the card. Be sure to check the card to see if the masking has been scratched off.

·         Purchase the gift card online directly from the vendor. Avoid online auction sites, since cards from these sources may be counterfeit or obtained fraudulently.

·         Encourage your beneficiary to use the card as soon as possible.

·         If the retailer offers, register the card. This makes it easier to protect the balance.

If you do get scammed, report it to the Federal Trade Commission.



Better Business Bureau:

https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/14400-dont-get-scammed-out-of-a-gift-card-this-season

The Seattle Times:

https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/buying-gift-cards-for-the-holidays-beware-of-this-new-scam/

Federal Trade Commission Complaint Assistant:

https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1

SNOHOMISH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE– Crime Prevention Newsletter Annual Christmas Issue

This issue of the Sheriff's Office's "Partners in Crime Prevention" has tips to avoid identity theft during the holidays as well as information about fentanyl in Snohomish County.



Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6273

E-SKIMMING– A New Cybercrime Technique

You no doubt have heard of skimming. This is where someone inserts a thin piece of plastic with an electronic circuit into a credit card reader at an ATM, gas pump, or retail card reader. The skimmer collects credit card information from the cards of users of the machines. With that information an identity thief can make purchases for him/herself or sell it to others who can use them for criminal activity. Skimmers can be difficult to detect for card reader users. Police often recommend that consumers check readers for tampering before using the reader.

In late October, the FBI issued a warning to small and medium-sized businesses and government agencies that take credit card payments online about a new skimming technique. Called E-skimming, a cyber criminal inserts malware into the checkout area of the business’ web site through a phishing attack or by exploiting a web site vulnerability.

As customers enter their card information, the malware sits in the background, collects the data then sends it to a server that the hacker has access to (see illustration).

The FBI has recommendations for businesses on how they can prevent e-skimming malware from infecting their computer systems; such as keeping their security software up to date, changing their default login credentials, and educating employees about how to detect phishing emails.

However, for consumers, detecting e-skimming on a web site is not possible. But there are things that you can do to prevent or at least limit any potential damage:

·         Set up a “Card not present” alert on your credit cards. The alert, sent by text or email from your card issuer, is used when your physical card is not present during a transaction. The notice gives you a timely opportunity to contact the issuer if the transaction was not initiated by you.

·         Consider using a low-limit credit card only for online purchases. The low limit helps limit any damage from the hacker stealing the card information. Never use a debit card for online transactions.

·         Consider using a virtual credit card for online purchases. Virtual credit cards, which are tied to your bank’s credit card, act as a buffer between your credit card account and the vendor. When you have an online transaction, you use the virtual credit card account number but your regular credit card will be charged. The number may be used on a one-time basis, or you can use it until you detect or suspect that your number has been exposed in a data breach. In that case, all you have to do is to cancel the virtual credit card but keep your regular credit card account.

·         Consider using a third party, such as PayPal or Venmo, to pay online. Like virtual credit cards, this is a way to protect your credit card information from ID thieves.

·         Be sure to monitor your credit card account closely for any unusual transactions.

FBI:

https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/portland/news/press-releases/oregon-fbi-tech-tuesday-building-a-digital-defense-agaist-e-skimming

Utah Department of Public Safety:

https://dpsnews.utah.gov/e-skimming/

CNBC:

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/29/how-to-protect-your-credit-card-info-from-e-skimmers.html

ZDNet:

https://www.zdnet.com/article/fbi-issues-warning-about-e-skimming-magecart-attacks/

Experian:

https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-is-a-virtual-credit-card/

CHILD CAR SEATS– Buy a Nationally Certified Seat

Having properly fitting and installed child car seats in your car is important for the safety of your young child. And where you buy your car seat can be important to ensuring that your child has the proper seat.

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, in a Facebook post, recently talked about a couple who came into the North Precinct asking for help with a secondhand child car seat. Deputies helping the couple found several problems with the seat; the seat was thought to be 1 year old, however it turned out to be 5 years old; the original padding had been replaced with egg carton foam indicating that the seat was either in an accident or had been dropped hard enough to render it unusable.

In addition to secondhand car seats, law enforcement agencies also warn the public to avoid knockoff car seats. Often found online, knockoffs may seem to offer a cheaper alternative, but they may not be built to the standards required by the federal government.

Some guidelines to use when shopping for a child car seat include:

·         Try to avoid used car seats. If you must buy used, buy one from a friend or other family member.

·         If you are buying online, check out the specifications for the seat.

·         When you buy a seat, register it with the manufacturer so that they can notify you if there is a safety recall.

Look out for:

·         Missing manuals.

·         Missing stickers on the side and bottom of the seat. The stickers should tell you the date of manufacture and the model number that you can use to check if the seat has been recalled.

·         Cracks (however small) in plastic or foam,

·         Parts that don’t work right, like finicky handles or latch connectors that won’t latch.

·         Add-ons to the seat that do not look like they came with the seat (for example fabric doesn’t match- these are often non-regulated products that can affect performance of the seat).

·         Bases that do not match the seat or do not connect correctly.

·         Check the expiration date.

For more information about child car seats check out the following links:



Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

https://www.facebook.com/SnoCoSheriff/posts/3264273180313399?__tn__=K-R



NPR Here and Now:

https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2019/11/06/knockoff-car-seats-online



U.S. Department of Transportation:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats



Safe Kids Worldwide:

https://www.safekids.org/tip/buying-right-car-seat



 Washington State Child Seat Law:

https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.687

FACEBOOK– Beware of Costco Coupon Scam

Costco has posted on its Facebook page that a fake coupon for $75 with Costco markings is going around on Facebook. The offer has the user take a survey with the promise of being able to redeem the coupon for $75. In its post, Costco emphatically states that this is a scam and not from Costco.

The Seattle Times:
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/even-people-who-should-know-better-are-falling-for-this-costco-coupon-scam-on-facebook/

CAR PROWLS– Protecting Yourself

Recently, the North Snohomish county Property Crimes Unit posted a reminder to remove anything from view when you park your vehicle. The reason police recommend this to prevent car prowls is that car prowlers are opportunists.

Most people who steal look for easy, relatively low risk opportunities to take something. That means looking for targets where the theft is less likely to be observed. It also means the thief looks for items that he/she can take easily and quickly. That’s why there are so many security videos floating around social media of car prowlers testing car door handles for unlocked cars. If they can open the door and take an item, that is better than breaking a window. People will notice broken windows.

And, having something in view, such as a purse, tells a car prowler there is something worthwhile to steal in the vehicle. And they will open the door or break the glass to take it. If they do not see anything that could be worth stealing, they will go on to the next vehicle.





North Snohomish County Property Crimes Unit:

https://www.facebook.com/SnoCoSheriff/photos/a.318645198209560/3288408381233212/?type=3&eid=ARD1Otb0ZPJqJpDgqRQI-JzZc1Jmy2EJMWLmKzl21q66aumjL-a-UTRgLtxlEUzBtGPf75Tcr-OrClO_&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAyIptZG6J0Lqi4ZsZ9A7NuRaITfpMK-xZUqyUofY81EzO_r2iGsvRVVM5GARY4dba-lkmjPF06qxIZbD7gKCnhFY2LmwNHDEvmWGjn_SgPysUoBn2VjM1fh0EtnsK6Qx6gQs5y9v99kvKr70xgXbk5bAGSuEnLqbPsY_PjCPPYfywbWV92tjqmGtR3yL5gPQE__xfxISZBtBLKIiPB5G8LNji2JxGRVsj3j8Srd8DlLKnp8ITFxf1phSZdNcYgLQ4SA8-GsgPYZzq3ErwA1pJotqt0jM_hIC3m5ejiYprNRh1xPSigCGQflSQbGa0cTUhGEnLt7hShSSDMtoszJ51WyQ&__tn__=EHH-R

MILL CREEK– Attempted Abduction

The Mill Creek Police Department is seeking the public’s help to find a person who attempted to lure a Jackson High School student on October 24, 2019, at about 6:55am in the vicinity of the 13800 block of 33^rd Dr SE.

The suspect is described as a male with a dark skin complexion, possibly Indian descent, and with a short dark beard. The car the man was driving was described as a newer or luxury black sedan.

The man asked the student if they wanted a ride. The student said no. The man then demanded in a louder voice that the student get into the vehicle. The student promptly reported the incident to school officials and law enforcement.

Mill Creek Police asks parents and guardians to remind their children to:

·         Not accept rides, candy or gifts from strangers

·         Always tell family where they are going and when they will be there

·         Be very alert to their surroundings as they go to and from school

·         Walk or ride bikes in pairs and groups

·         Never hesitate to ask a responsible adult for help

If you have any information related to this incident, please contact Detective Tara Marks at the Mill Creek Police Department at (425) 745-6175.



Mill Creek Police Department:

https://www.facebook.com/millcreekpd/?__tn__=%2CdkCH-R-R&eid=ARAq68HiHil-sr5h97y8Rx0PX7O8tlO1GzdesnR_602rRqMmf43XopTBhDYoEQMFzs7dy83GOCZuqUqs&hc_ref=ARSfZy6AFNE0sPLNjaHHhXcwCguT4YfaAtLnKuRChDgVAs5HPqA2-6ipPIlrxrqMwJc&fref=nf&hc_location=group

EVERETT– National Drug Take Back Day

One of the strategies that law enforcement agencies and health professionals recommend to reduce addiction to opioids and other prescription drugs is to take back unused prescription drugs that you no longer need. To publicize this effort the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The next take back day is on Saturday, October 26.

The Everett Police Department is hosting a drug take back event on Saturday between 10am to 2pm at its North Precinct, 3002 Wetmore Ave, Everett, WA.

Can’t make it on Saturday? There are several locations that have return boxes where you can take your unneeded prescriptions. For more information go to:

https://med-project.org/locations/snohomish/



Everett Police Department:

https://www.facebook.com/EverettPoliceWA/photos/a.296828390366966/2455198747863242/?type=3&theater



DEA:

https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/content/national-take-back-day



And on a related note, finding ways to prevent addiction to opioids is a challenge for patients, doctors, law enforcement, and other professionals and citizens. The podcast, “Finding Fixes,” covers this issue for Snohomish County. It has started a new season recently.

The first episode for this season talks about preventing youth addiction. The second episode talks about treating acute pain to prevent opioid dependence.

The podcasts are well worth listening to on your podcast provider or at their website:

Finding Fixes:

https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/content/national-take-back-day

SCAM UPDATE– Imposter Scams, Millennials

Government Imposter Scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that government imposter scams are the number one scam reported to it through its complaint web site. Scammers impersonate government officials, such as IRS agents, Social Security Administration employees, or even Sheriff’s Office deputies as reported recently by the King County Sheriff’s Office, to scare you into giving them money to get out of trouble such as a supposed imminent arrest.

The FTC says that only 6% of those reporting government imposter scams say they lost money. But the median loss was $960. People 80 or over reported a median loss of $2,700.

The top three government imposter scams reported from January to May of this year were Social Security, Health and Human Services/Medicare and IRS.

The FTC recommends that you:

·         Be suspicious of any call from a government agency asking for money or information.

·         Don’t trust caller ID- it can be faked.

·         Never pay with a gift card or wire transfer.

·         Check with the real agency.

Also, report scams to the FTC at www.ftc.gov/complaint.



Federal Trade Commission:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/data-spotlight/2019/07/government-imposter-scams-top-list-reported-frauds#end1



KING TV:

 https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/scammers-pose-as-law-enforcement-threaten-arrest-to-collect-money/281-6a7fce62-8f9c-4b30-9e58-bb489b94512a

  





Millennials Susceptible to Fraud. In a study of reported fraud complaints, the Federal Trade Commission has found that millennials (20-39 years of age) are 25% more likely than people 40+ to report losing money to fraud.

The top three scams that they report losing money to are online shopping, business imposter scams and government imposter scams.

The median reported loss by millennials is $400, much lower that what people 40+ report. However, over the past two years, millennials reported losing a total of $450 million. They lost $71 million to online shopping fraud and $61 million to government imposter scams.

While scammers are most likely to contact millennials by phone, like other age groups, they are less likely to report losing money to a phone scam. Millennials are 77% more likely to lose money responding to a scam email than their older counterparts.

We all assume that elderly people are especially susceptible to fraud. However, the FTC findings show that anyone, of any age, can be victimized by fraudsters.



Federal Trade Commission:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/10/millennials-more-likely-report-losing-money-fraud-older



https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/data-spotlight/2019/10/not-what-you-think-millennials-fraud

SNOHOMISH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE– Crime Prevention Newsletter, Methamphetamine

Opioids and heroin have been receiving a lot of publicity lately, including fentanyl, the synthetic opioid that killed three teenagers recently in King County. However, methamphetamine is making a comeback after it was suppressed due to laws restricting access of some of its ingredients in the early 2000’s. This issue of the Sheriff’s crime prevention newsletter covers the rise of this drug and its effect on our community.





Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6252

  

KING COUNTY– Fentanyl Update

The deaths of three high school students in King County due to fentanyl overdoses have caused local government officials to work to educate vulnerable populations about the dangers of fentanyl in counterfeit drugs.

In a post on its website, Seattle and King County Public Health gave a comprehensive report on fentanyl in King County and what people can do to avoid becoming victimized by it. While most of the publicity of fentanyl has come from King County, the dangers of this very powerful synthetic opioid is also present in Snohomish County. Parents should be sure to talk to their teenage children about its dangers and how to avoid becoming victimized.

Fentanyl has been found in both pill form and in powders, as depicted in the following graphic from Seattle and King County Public Health:

The report says, “… most overdose deaths are attributed to poly-substance use with methamphetamine-involved overdose deaths continuing to rise.” In 2018, there were 415 drug and alcohol deaths in King County, 77% of which involved multiple substances.   

The health district says that you can do something to curb this disturbing trend. It recommends the following:

Everyone should be aware of the risks associated with illicit drug use, and particularly the recent increase in fatal fentanyl overdoses:

·         Do not consume any pill that you do not directly receive from a pharmacy or your prescriber.

·         Pills purchased online are not safe.

·         Counterfeit pills purchased illicitly may contain fentanyl and appear to be legitimate pharmaceutical products, such as oxycodone pills.

Anyone can help prevent a fatal overdose:

·         Carry naloxone, the medication to reverse an opioid overdose.  Visit www.stopoverdose.org (http://stopoverdose.org/section/find-naloxone-near-you/) for locations that provide naloxone.

·         Do not use illicit substances alone.

·         Call 911 if you witness an opioid overdose. If you are trying to help in an overdose, the Washington State Good Samaritan law protects you and the overdose victim from drug possession charges.

·         Get rid of unused or expired medications. Find a dropbox near you: in King County- https://kingcountysecuremedicinereturn.org/.

·In Snohomish County-    https://snohomishoverdoseprevention.com/take-back-unwanted-meds/.

Treatment works:

·         Medication is available in the community that can cut
overdose risk in half and treat urges and cravings.

·         Call the 24-hour Recovery Help line: 1-866-789-1511 or visit www.warecoveryhelpline.org

Seattle & King County Public Health:

https://publichealthinsider.com/2019/09/26/overdose-update-recent-increase-in-overdose-deaths-linked-to-fentanyl-laced-pills-and-powders/?fbclid=IwAR3VjtazfN7_A02K2urY3KLaCbZ3acccQ4XrNBdOKqPFre3wSpPG1Ahb1Eg

SCAM ALERT– Chinese Consulate Scam

AARP has posted its latest episode of its podcast, “The Perfect Scam.” This episode talks about scammers who target Chinese nationals with a variety of scams. On average, victims lose $150,000 to these scams. If you have picked up the phone and heard Chinese at the other end, this probably was a robocall from a Chinese scammer.

One point of this podcast is that scammers will target anyone they can to extract money from the potential victims. That can be the elderly, millennials, or ethnic groups such as the Chinese.
The podcast even pointed out that scammers are known to target the Chinese population in the Seattle area.

This 20-minute podcast is well worth listening to, even if you are not Chinese.

If you know of anyone who is from China, please pass this information to them. It might help them to avoid becoming a victim of a scam.

AARP Fraud Watch Network, The Perfect Scam:
https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2019/consulate-scam.html

KING COUNTY– Fentanyl Takes Lives of Teens

Teens have long experimented with drugs, be it alcohol, marijuana, and sometimes cocaine, ecstasy, or heroin and other opioids. The deaths of two teen boys in Sammamish and another from Ballard High School in Seattle points out the extreme dangers of the modern opioid epidemic.

Authorities say that the deaths were due to fentanyl overdoses. Detectives are investigating where the fentanyl came from. So far in 2019, seven teenagers in King County have died from fentanyl-related overdoses.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that works similarly to morphine and is 50 to 100 times more potent as morphine. It is prescribed by physicians to treat severe pain and is applied as a shot, in a patch that is put on the skin, or as a lozenge.

Most deaths from a fentanyl overdose come from illegally manufactured and distributed fentanyl. Some drug dealers mix fentanyl with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA, to give the drug an extra and cheap “kick.” Drug dealers sell it in the form of a powder, drops on blotter paper, in eye droppers or made into pills that look like other prescription opioids. Local public health authorities say that fentanyl has been found in blue, white and pale green pills stamped with an “M” on one side and a “30” on the other side. Fentanyl pills have also been stamped with K9, 215 and √48.

Fentanyl’s effects can include extreme happiness, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation, problems breathing, and unconsciousness. A Fentanyl overdose can slow or stop their breathing and can decrease the amount of oxygen in the brain leading to a coma, and permanent brain damage or death, like an opioid or heroin overdose. 

Given the potency of fentanyl, a tiny amount can be fatal.

The signs of an overdose include irregular sleep patterns, such as snoring when someone usually does not snore or difficulty in waking someone up. Other symptoms include cold, clammy skin, skin turning blue, coma, and respiratory failure.

Should someone have any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. If available, apply Narcan. Stay with the patient until help arrives.

Fentanyl is serious business. Death due to an overdose can happen quickly.

Obviously, no parent wants their child to go through an experience like a fentanyl overdose. Educating your teenage child about illegal fentanyl should go a long way to help them avoid the pitfalls of this narcotic.



The Seattle Times:

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/sammamish-officials-heartbroken-over-deaths-of-2-skyline-high-school-students-who-overdosed-on-fentanyl/



KOMO TV:

https://komonews.com/news/local/ballard-high-school-student-dies-from-accidental-fentanyl-overdose



Partnership for Drug-Free Kids:

https://drugfree.org/parent-blog/fentanyl-synthetic-opioids-5-things-need-know/



 National Institute on Drug Abuse:

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl



Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/fentanyl.html   

SCAM UPDATE- Identity Thief Commits Domestic Violence, Gold Scam, Lottery Scam

October is Domestic Violence Month and Cyber Security Awareness Month. The following item is relevant to both.

Identity Thief Commits Domestic Violence. In early September, a man claiming to be “Craig Dubal” broke down the front door to his girlfriend’s home and attacked her and a female friend. However, detectives have determined that the man claiming to be Craig Duval has committed identity theft to take over the name of the real Craig Duval who lives in Vancouver, Washington. The girlfriend even had copies of the imposter’s driver’s license and Social Security Card that showed him as the Vancouver resident.

Crooks have many motivations to steal someone’s identity. Mostly they want to get your money, buy expensive items on your bank account, or sell your information to other crooks. Taking on a stolen identity to commit other crimes is probably the biggest nightmare for an identity theft victim.

Detectives want this unknown suspect for 1^st Degree Burglary-Domestic Violence, Identity Theft, Malicious Mischief and Interfering with Reporting Domestic Violence.

If you know who this person is and/or where he lives, call Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or use the P3 Tips App. Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for any information that leads to an arrest in this case.

For more detail about this case, check out this link,

Washington’s Most Wanted:
https://q13fox.com/2019/09/27/help-id-suspect-living-lie-to-woman-hes-accused-of-attacking-shocking-man-whose-name-hes-been-using/

Gold Scam. In the spring of this year and again in September, the Washington State Patrol has been warning citizens about scammers approaching drivers on freeway off ramps. The scammers often claim that they are having car trouble or are out of gas and do not have enough money to cover their costs. They ask for money and in exchange they offer what looks like gold jewelry. Only, what they have to offer is not gold, but is made of brass or another gold looking material.

In Everett, police are looking for scammers who have been approaching people in parking lots with a similar scam.

The scammers prey on your sympathy and on your greed. You want to help someone out and you might think that you are getting a “good deal” by getting gold jewelry for cheap.

If someone approaches you on the street offering gold jewelry, just say no and report them to 911.
KIRO TV:
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/wsp-suspects-selling-fake-gold-on-freeways/953439157

https://www.kiro7.com/video?videoId=992132195&videoVersion=1.0

Lottery Scam. AARP sponsors a podcast called “The Perfect Scam” that gives excellent insight into scammers and their scams. In the most recent episode, the podcast tells the story of how an FBI agent worked to catch a lottery kingpin. One of the takeaways from this episode is that scammers look for vulnerable people who they can isolate and victimize, often repeatedly.

The Perfect Scam is well worth listening to and this episode is especially informative.

AARP, The Perfect Scam:
https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2019/lavrick-willocks-lottery-scam.html

For more information about Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, check out this web site:
https://nationaltoday.com/%e2%80%8bnational-domestic-violence-awareness-month/

And for more information about Cyber Security Awareness Month check out this web site:
https://niccs.us-cert.gov/national-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2019

MILL CREEK- Shredding Event

Shredding documents that contain sensitive information such as Social Security Numbers, bank account and credit card account numbers, and are no longer needed, is an important step to protecting your identity.

Some people may have a shredder that allows them to shred these documents throughout the year. However, if you do not, the City of Mill Creek, the Mill Creek Kiwanis Club and the company Shred-It are sponsoring a shredding event on Saturday, October 26 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Mill Creek City Hall North, 15720 Main St., Mill Creek, WA.

The City’s announcement of the event notes that the first box of documents is free. Any additional boxes can be shredded with a $5 suggested donation per box. Proceeds will help fund Mill Creek Kiwanis Club community projects.



City of Mill Creek:

https://www.cityofmillcreek.com/news/shred-it_event_2019

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT- Snohomish County Animal Services

This is the last in the series about organizations that offer help to the public that attended the National Night Out festivities at Willis Tucker Park on August 6, 2019.

From time to time, you might have an issue with an animal that is someone’s pet or someone’s livestock in your neighborhood. Snohomish County Animal Services handles issues regarding animals such as cats, dogs and livestock. Organizationally located within the Auditor’s Office, Animal Services can help you with acquiring a pet license, pet complaints and found or lost pets and livestock.

Its mission is “to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of animals and people in our community.”

Its website gives guidance about pet licenses, animal complaints, barking dog complaints, lost and found pets and livestock and other animal related subjects.

For more information about Animal Services go to,



Snohomish County Animal Services:

https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/1940/Animal-Services



Animal Services concentrates its efforts on domesticated animals. However, you may encounter wild animals such as bears, coyotes, deer, raccoons, anywhere in Snohomish County. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is the place to go for information about wild animals, fishing, and hunting.

Its website offers a series of webpages that provide information on “Living with Wildlife.” Subjects include nuisance wildlife, injured or orphaned wildlife, dangerous wildlife, and feeding wildlife. You can find this webpage at https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living

If you need to talk to someone from WDFW you can contact its North Puget Sound region office in Mill Creek, https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/weekender/north-puget-sound.



Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife:

https://wdfw.wa.gov/