How to donate and avoid scams this holiday season

As the holiday season approaches, many Americans feel inspired to give back by donating to charities. However, it is important to ensure that your contributions make a real difference. To protect yourself from scams and ensure your donations are used wisely.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests the following. 

Research charities before donating
Before you choose a charity, do some research online. Consider what causes are important to you, such as “hurricane relief” or “supporting homeless children.” You can also search for terms like “best charity” or “highly rated charity” to find reputable organizations. If you have a specific charity in mind, look it up along with keywords such as “complaint,” “review,” “rating,” or “scam.” This can help you discover any negative feedback about the charity and give you a clearer picture of its reputation. 

Be careful how you pay
When it comes to payment, be cautious. Avoid donating in cash, via gift card, or by wiring money to anyone who requests it. These are common tactics used by scammers. Instead, choose safer payment methods like credit cards or checks. It’s also a good idea to record all your donations. Check your bank statements regularly to ensure you are only charged what you agreed to and are not signed up for recurring contributions without your consent. 

Recognize common scams
Scammers often use tricks to pressure people into donating. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a decision. If someone thanks you for a donation you never made, be wary. This is a common scam tactic. Be aware that some scammers can change caller ID information to make calls appear local. Additionally, they may mimic the names of real charities, making it crucial to verify the charity before giving. Watch out for vague claims about how your donation will be used. Legitimate charities should provide clear information about their programs and how your money will help. Be cautious of organizations that claim your donation is tax-deductible when it’s not. Also, remember that it’s illegal for anyone to guarantee sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a donation. 

If you have doubts, choose another charity
If you feel something doesn’t feel right or you’re unsure about a charity’s intentions, consider donating to a different organization. Many reputable charities will use your contributions responsibly. 



Several organizations offer reports and ratings on charities to assist with your research. These organizations offer reports and ratings about how charitable organizations spend donations and how they conduct business: 

BBB Wise Giving Alliance, to find trusted charities, donor tips plus
Charity Navigator, to find donator basics plus
CharityWatch, to top charities, donating tips plus
Candid to research and verify non-profit organizations
The IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search tells you if your donation would be tax deductible
nasconet.org tells you information about state charity regulations

If you encounter a scam, report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. By following these steps, you can donate safely and ensure that your generosity truly makes a positive impact this holiday season.

Keeping your cell phone safe from hackers

By: The Roseville Police Department

 Your cell phone holds a lot of personal information, from passwords and bank accounts to emails, photos, and messages. If your phone falls into the wrong hands, hackers can steal your identity, make purchases with your money, or gain access to your email and social media accounts.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers the following tips on how to protect your phone from hackers:

1. Lock your phone

One of the easiest ways to protect your phone is by locking it when you're not using it. Set up a PIN or passcode with at least six digits. Many phones also allow you to unlock it using your fingerprint, face, or retina. By locking your phone, you’re keeping prying eyes out of your personal data.

2. Update your software

Operating systems are updated regularly to protect against new security threats. Always keep your phone's software up-to-date by enabling automatic updates. The same goes for your apps—regular updates help close security gaps that hackers could exploit.

3. Back up your data

Backing up your data ensures that if your phone is lost or stolen, you won’t lose access to important information like contacts, photos, and messages. Depending on your phone type, you can back up your data to the cloud or your computer.

4. Use phone finder services

Apple and Android devices have built-in services to help locate your phone if it's lost. These features can also lock your phone remotely or even erase your data if you believe it's been stolen. Be sure to activate this feature in your phone settings.

Following these simple steps can better protect your personal information and keep hackers at bay. With so much sensitive data stored on our phones, a little prevention goes a long way. Keep your phone secure to avoid headaches down the line.

By: The Roseville Police Department 

Have you ever received a text or email warning you that something is wrong with one of your online accounts? Maybe it says your streaming account is about to be suspended unless you take action immediately. It might even include a link that claims to help fix your account’s problems. The message seems urgent and real. But is it?

Your first instinct may be to click the link to resolve the issue quickly. Don’t click. There’s probably nothing wrong with your account. In fact, it’s likely a phishing scam. Phishing occurs when scammers impersonate legitimate companies through emails or texts to trick you into giving up sensitive information.

Common Signs of Phishing Scams:

A phishing email or text might:

• Claim suspicious activity: It says there have been log-in attempts you didn’t make — but there haven’t been.
• Report a problem with your account: It claims there’s a problem with your account or payment information — but there isn’t.
• Ask for confirmation of sensitive information: It asks you to confirm personal or financial details — but you don’t need to.
   

What Real Companies Won’t Do

While legitimate companies may contact you via email or text message, they won’t send links asking you to update payment information or account details through a link. Only scammers use these tactics. Even opening a suspicious link without entering any information can put you at risk, as scammers may install harmful malware on your device.

How to Stay Safe

• Don’t click on links in unexpected emails or texts. If you’re worried something might be wrong with your account, contact the company directly using a verified method, such as a link or phone number you know is legitimate.
• Report phishing: If you think you’ve accidentally shared sensitive information, take action quickly. You can:
  • Report the incident at IdentityTheft.gov and get a recovery plan.
  • If you clicked on a suspicious link, update your security software and run a scan to look for viruses and malware.
     

Where to Report Phishing Scams

• Report the phishing attempt to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Forward suspicious text messages to SPAM (7726).
• Forward suspicious emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.
   

By staying alert and knowing the warning signs, you can avoid phishing scams and protect your sensitive information from cybercriminals.

Daylighting to improve intersection safety

By: The Roseville Police Department 

Roseville is implementing State Assembly Bill (AB) 413, to improve safety at intersections. This new law prohibits a person from parking a vehicle within 20 feet of either side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present.

Daylighting is considered a best practice and is a frequently used tool in cities across the country. By removing on-street parking at intersections, it will help safety for all. 

Why the change? 

To improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians. Cars parked close to the corners of intersections can block the field of vision for drivers, obscuring the area where pedestrians are walking or waiting to cross the street. This can also make it more difficult for drivers trying to pass through the intersection. 

What can you expect? 

Every intersection is affected by the new State law. However, some intersections currently have markings inconsistent with the newly adopted law. Over the next few months, expect to see certain on-street parking spaces removed in Downtown Roseville and the Riverside Avenue neighborhood. Roseville will be implementing these changes before January 1, 2025, when the law comes into full effect. (This law took effect January 1, 2024.  However, until January 1, 2025, a warning may only be issued unless the violation occurs in an area marked using paint or a sign.)

By: The Roseville Police Department 

Did you get a call about fraud activity on your bank account?  It could be a scammer.

Have you received a call, email, or text from someone stating that your account has been flagged for possible fraud or criminal activity?  Did the caller tell you the only way to “protect” your money is to move it from your bank, investment, or retirement account?  Perhaps the caller even asked you to share a verification code. If anyone asks you to do any of those things, it’s always a scam.

Here’s what you need to know from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

Never move or transfer your money to “protect it.” Your money is fine where it is, no matter what they say or how urgently they say it. Someone who says you have to move your money to protect it is a scammer. Period.

Never share a verification code. Ever. Banks and retirement and investment companies use these codes for online accounts to prove you’re really you. If you share that code, the scammer can use it to prove they’re you. No caller — especially someone from your bank or investment company’s fraud department — will ever ask for the verification code. That’s always a scam.

Stop and check it out. If you’re worried, call your real bank, broker, or investment advisor. Use the number you find on your statement — never the number the caller gave you, which will take you to the scammer.

And if you think your bank or investment fund will protect you, think again. Bank accounts have different (and fewer) protections than credit cards. If you are scammed into moving your money out of your account, you won’t be protected. And you probably won’t get that money back.

If you get a call, text, or message like this, tell your bank or fund right away. Especially if you moved money or shared a verification code. Then tell the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.  Now that you know, share this advice — it could help protect your friends and their life savings.

Protect your home and car from criminal activity

By: The Roseville Police Department 

Summer is upon us! There is no escaping the California sun, but we can certainly implement some of the following crime prevention tips to protect your home and vehicle from potential criminal activity.

Vehicles:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) one vehicle was stolen every 32 seconds in the United States in 2022.  That amounted to more than one million vehicles, and half of the thefts were due to driver error.  The summer months are the highest season for vehicle theft. 

Here’s what you can do to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of vehicle theft or break-in:

• Do not leave your vehicle(s) unattended with the engine running.
• Close and lock all windows.
• Take your key or fob with you.
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle in plain sight.

Home:

According to the U.S. Department of Justice most burglaries happen in the summertime between June and August.  That’s the time period when many families go away for vacation.  Being away from home for an extended period of time makes your home a target for thieves.  According to the FBI, there are 2.5 million burglaries annually in the United States.  That’s a break-in every 26 seconds. 

Going away on vacation?  Here are some tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a home burglary:

• If you’re going out of town, let trusted friends, neighbors, or family know you’ll be gone.
• Set up a Vacation House Check through the Roseville Police Department.
• Make sure to leave your home (e.g., windows, garage door, pet doors, etc.) locked and secured.
• Put your mail on hold with the US Post Office.
• Don’t post vacation photos on social media until you return home.
• If you have a home security system, make sure it is functioning and use it.

The beginning of summer is when many of us start to entertain, visit family, and plan vacations.  Summer is also the time when home burglaries and vehicle theft/break-ins are on the rise.  Do your part to reduce the chances of being a crime victim this summer season.  Incorporate crime prevention tips so you can sit back and enjoy the summer months, no matter what you plan to do.

If you see illegal fireworks being set off, don't call 9-1-1.

Instead, call the non-emergency line (916-774-5000 ) unless there is an actual fire or medical emergency. Their 9-1-1 response is hurt by the overwhelming number of fireworks reports. You can also Report illegal fireworks through the myRSVL app on your phone or at  Roseville.ca.us/myrsvl by submitting a service request.

This does beg the question: What is illegal?

•  Aerial fireworks are always illegal since they can create flying embers. Similarly those that dart across the ground or explode are considered illegal in California.
• Anything not of the "Safe and Sane" variety sold by various non-profit-staffed fireworks stands between June 28th -July 4th. You can tell if they are legal by the label. If the California State Fire Marshal's seal is not on the packaging, it's illegal.
• Any fireworks set off outside the June 28-July 4th period.

Roseville has recently changed its municipal code to increase the legal and financial penalties for illegal fireworks.

• Each individual illegal firework counts as a separate offense.
• First offense: $750 fine, Each subsequent offense: $1,000 fine. Example: If you are caught with 3 illegal fireworks in your possession, the fine would be $2,750!
• Possession of illegal fireworks can now be cited as a criminal misdemeanor, not just an infraction.
• Individuals responsible for illegal fireworks can be charged the actual costs of emergency responses, in addition to fines, which typically run thousands of dollars.
• Penalties are now in place for owners, renters, and anyone hosting a gathering who knowingly allows the use or storage of illegal fireworks on their property.

For more on City fireworks information, go to roseville.ca.us/fireworks

How landscaping can enhance home security

By: The Roseville Police Department 

During summer months many homeowners prepare for yard clean-up and landscaping projects. However, amidst the excitement of transforming outdoor spaces, it's crucial to consider how our landscaping choices can impact the safety of our homes.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) offers valuable insights into enhancing home security through the physical design of our properties. By focusing on elements such as fencing, lighting, and plants, CPTED aims to identify and mitigate areas that may attract criminal activity.

Unsafe landscaping can inadvertently create opportunities for crime, while safe landscaping helps deter burglars and thieves. Here's how you can transform your outdoor space into a safer environment:

Enhancing visibility

CPTED emphasizes the importance of increased visibility around properties to discourage criminal activity. When landscaping:

• Follow the 3-8 rule: Keep hedges no higher than three feet and tree canopies starting no lower than eight feet, especially around entryways and windows.
• Ensure outside lighting is adequate, with motion-sensing lights signaling to trespassers that they've been noticed.
• Maintain clear sightlines through windows facing streets, as they provide natural surveillance.

Securing entry points

Distinct points of entry deter criminals, as they prefer areas with low visibility. Enhance natural access control by:

• Ensuring front and back doors are clearly visible and well-lit.
• Using dense or thorny landscaping to reinforce fences and discourage unwanted entry.

Demonstrating ownership

Show ownership of your community by maintaining a well-kept property and engaging in community-building activities:

• Personalize your space with flower gardens and seasonal decorations to deter crime.
• Regular maintenance sends a message of vigilance and care, discouraging vandalism.

Neighborhood Watch: Community Vigilance

Form a Neighborhood Watch group to actively prevent crime in your area:

• Keep an eye out for unusual activity and report concerns promptly to the authorities.
• Download our Neighborhood Watch Starter Guide to get started today.

By implementing these strategies and fostering community vigilance, homeowners can create safer neighborhoods for themselves and their neighbors. Let's work together to make our communities secure and thriving.

Calling 911 with no service: Is it possible?

By: The Roseville Police Department

The thought of needing emergency assistance but being unable to call due to a lack of phone service is undeniably frightening. When faced with an emergency, 911 is often the lifeline we rely on for help. But what happens when our phones show no bars? Can you still reach out to 911 without service?

Surprisingly, the answer is yes. Despite having no network signal or a wireless calling plan, it is possible to make a successful call to 911. However, this comes with a caveat. While reaching emergency services is possible, the operator's ability to assist may be limited.

So, how does one connect to 911 without any service when conventional phone functions fail? When you dial 911, your phone activates its emergency call function, sending a signal to the nearest cell tower regardless of your service provider. This ensures everyone has access to emergency services, directing your call to the closest emergency center for swift assistance.

Contrary to popular belief, the absence of service bars does not necessarily mean you're entirely cut off from communication. While your device may not receive signals from your service provider's towers, it might still pick up signals from other providers in the area, enabling you to connect to 911.

However, calling 911 without service does present challenges. The most significant issue is the inability to transmit your location to the 911 call center. If you cannot provide your precise location, responders may struggle to locate you swiftly.

So, what can you do to improve your chances of reaching 911 in an emergency, especially if you're in an area with poor signal coverage? You can employ several strategies, such as reducing the distance to cell towers, refreshing your phone's signal by toggling airplane mode, or using signal boosters to enhance signal strength.

Alternatively, if cellular service is unavailable, your phone may utilize Wi-Fi for emergency calls if it's accessible. Creating a Wi-Fi hotspot or connecting to an available network could be a viable option for contacting 911 when traditional cellular service is unavailable.  However, in scenarios where no network coverage is available whatsoever, mobile phones become futile.  This underscores the importance of alternative communication devices, such as satellite phones or radios, especially for individuals venturing into remote or isolated areas where traditional network coverage is non-existent.

In conclusion, while calling 911 without service may seem daunting, it's reassuring to know that help is still within reach. By understanding how emergency calls function and taking proactive measures to improve signal reception, you can increase your chances of successfully reaching emergency services when needed most. Remember, in an emergency, every second counts.

Avoiding common travel scams

By: The Roseville Police Department

In the age of digital connectivity, travel scams have become increasingly prevalent. From “free” vacations to robocalls about vacation deals, and vacation home scams, travelers need to be vigilant to avoid falling prey to such deceptive practices.

“Free” vacations are a common scam. Advertisements online, emails, calls, or text messages may claim that you’ve won a vacation. However, these “free” vacations often have hidden fees and taxes. Legitimate companies will not ask you to pay for a supposedly free prize.

Robocalls offering vacation deals at discounted prices are another common scam. These calls are illegal unless the company has obtained written permission from you. If you receive such a call without permission, it’s likely a scam or, at the very least, a company you should avoid.

Vacation home scams have also become widespread. Scammers hijack real rental listings and advertise them as their own. When you arrive for your vacation, you may find that other people have also booked the same property, leaving you without a place to stay and out of pocket. Some scammers even create listings for non-existent properties.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers tips on how to spot and avoid travel scams. Scammers often advertise a “free” vacation that you have to pay for, don’t provide specific details about the travel offer, insist on payment via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency, pressure you to make quick decisions or advertise premium vacation properties at suspiciously low prices.

To avoid travel scams, follow these three steps:

1. Understand the terms: Don’t sign or pay until you know the terms of the deal. Obtain a copy of the cancellation and refund policies before you pay. If you can’t get these details, walk away.
2. Do your research: Look up travel companies, hotels, rentals, and agents with the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” Check that the address of the property exists. If the property is in a resort, call the front desk and confirm their location and other details on the contract.
3. Safe payment methods: Avoid paying with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If there’s a problem with what you paid for, you’ll lose your money, and there’s likely no way to track it or get it back.
4.  

By being aware and taking these precautions, you can protect yourself from travel scams and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.

Be wary of individuals offering repairs when it comes to home repairs after a storm or natural disaster. Whether they knock on your door or contact you through other means, these individuals often exaggerate or falsify damage during initial inspections. To protect yourself and your wallet, keep an eye out for the following signs:

1. Aggressive contact: Storm chasers may approach you directly, urging immediate commitment to their services.
2. Overstated damage claims: During free inspections, they may inflate the severity of damage to pressure you into hiring them.
3. Limited-time deals: Be cautious if they offer time-sensitive discounts, as this tactic can create urgency.
4. Unusually low pricing: If their rates seem significantly lower than industry standards, proceed cautiously.
5. Upfront payment requests: Scammers often ask for payment before starting work, sometimes offering incentives for cash payments. Pay no more than 10% of the total contract price or $1,000 payment, whichever is less.  (It’s the law.) Avoid paying in cash.
6. Insurance deductible offers: Avoid any scheme that promises to cover your insurance deductible—it could be insurance fraud.

While most of us aren’t industry experts, asking questions can help:

• Qualifications and certifications: Request proof of qualifications, insurance, and relevant certifications. Check a contractor’s license to ensure it is current and in good standing at the Contractors State License Board.
• Material sources: Inquire about the manufacturing companies they work with and where they source materials.
• Experience: Ask about their years in the business and whether they’ve handled projects similar to yours.
• Warranty and follow-up: Find out if they offer a warranty and whether they’ll address any issues after completion.
• Customer reviews: Request references and search the contractor’s name online for additional reviews.

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, take action:

• File a complaint with the California State Licensing Board via their website: www.cslb.ca.gov.
• Explore resources from the National Association of Home Builders: www.nahb.org
• Contact the Roseville Police Department (916-774-5000 option 1) if you encounter unregistered solicitors operating in your neighborhood.

Stay vigilant and protect yourself from storm-chasing fraudsters!