Don ’ t let a thief take your packages
A recent national survey found that over 23 million people reported package thefts last year .
Unfortunately , package theft is an easy crime for thieves to commit — and many who are caught DO NOT face serious jail consequences .
Package thieves drive around neighborhoods on a daily basis looking for packages that are visible from the street . With a large increase in package deliveries leading up to and during the holiday season , thieves will have many opportunities to steal property from unsuspecting residents .
In order to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of package theft , here are some crime prevention tips to follow :
• Sign up for delivery notification via text or email . This will let you know that a package has been left on your doorstep .
• As soon as you receive a delivery notification and if no one is at your home , call a neighbor or a close-by family member and ask them to collect your package .
• Install a camera doorbell system that will send you a video notification when a package arrives and to serve as a deterrent for a would-be package thief .
• Have packages delivered to your workplace or place of business if it is allowed .
• Ship your package ( s ) to an authorized local receipt center or locker system .
• Set up and mark an area , not visible from the street , where delivery personnel can leave packages at your doorstep . Use chalk or tape to mark the area and leave detailed delivery instructions when completing an online order .
• Inquire with the shipping company about special programs and apps that allow customers to change delivery locations once the item has been shipped .
Install a camera doorbell system .
Most importantly , if you see suspicious people or vehicles stopping at various homes , please call us at ( 949 ) 770-6011 ASAP !
IRS Continues to Warn Consumers
The IRS continues to warn consumers to guard against scam phone calls from thieves intent on stealing your money or your identity .
Criminals pose as the IRS to trick victims out of their money or personal information . Here are several tips to help you avoid being a victim of these scams :
n Scammers make unsolicited calls . Thieves call taxpayers claiming to be IRS officials . They demand that you pay a bogus tax bill . They con the victim into sending cash , usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer . They may also leave “ urgent ” callback requests through phone “ robo-calls ,” or via phishing email .
n Callers try to scare their victims . Many phone scams use threats to intimidate and bully a victim into paying . They may even threaten to arrest , deport or revoke the license of their victim if they don ’ t get the money .
n Scams use caller ID spoofing . Scammers often alter caller ID to make it look like the IRS or another agency is calling . The callers use IRS titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate . They may use the victim ’ s name , address and other personal information to make the call sound official .
n Scams cost victims over $ 23 million . The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration , or TIGTA , has received reports of about 736,000 scam contacts since October 2013 . Nearly 4,550 victims have collectively paid over $ 23 million as a result of the scam .
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