“Oh this FerFAL is such a know it all jerk…”Hold your horses guys, let me explain. :-)There are as few things that you want to keep in mind as criminals get more resourceful and creative, things we’ve learned here, and those of us with half a brain now apply and take into consideration;1)Do answer the phone. There are many ways in which criminals can get your phone number. Without getting creactive, just know that many brake-ins are perpetrated by people that somehow know you or have been working in on around your home.The guy that painted or remodeled your kitchen was a nice enough guy, he came well recommended, did a good job and you know what? he’s not a criminal and he’s a very honest man. But the young man he just hired to help him ins’t. And he was inside your house. And he saw all the nice stuff you have. And he saw some of the weak spots in your home security. And he has access to his boss’s notebook with your phone. All he has to do one Saturday night is drop by and if it looks as if no one is home, just give you a call. Happens all the time, so you want to answer the phone.2)“With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?” And you happily give away your name.Don’t.Your reply should be “Sir/Miss, you called me, who are you trying to reach/ who are you looking for?”Don’t give away your name. Never. A few more phone calls and they have a good idea of everyone’s name, family members, approximate age, etc. Just don’t give way any personal information at all, none.Sometimes its just telemarketers or something similar. Too bad for them, but get used to not giving any kind of information no matter who’s on the line.I’ve heard it all: Fake kidnappings, criminals pretending to be cops saying a family member got hurt. Some people even en up giving account numbers or credit card numbers, tricked into believing they are talking to the card company.If in doubt, ask for a number so you can call them, make sure you’re talking to the real company. Today its easier than ever using internet.A person I know got a phone call supposedly by a cop telling him that his son had suffered an accident. They could be ambushing him on some location, or simply wanting him out of the house to brake in, but this person knew one thing: Local cops drop by to inform you of accidents, they don’t call. A few minutes later he contacted his son on the cell phone. He was just fine.3)Virtual kidnappings became VERY common here. They can leave nice profit and aren’t consider as serious as real kidnaps.All you need is information. “I’m trying to reach your son mister…” “ oh he forgot his cell/its not working/he’s traveling abroad” Knowing that a person will be unable to be contacted is valuable data, you can fake a kidnapping and use the family’s desperation to get a few thousands bucks out of them fast. Usually its smaller amounts to everything can be done in a matter of an hour or so. Jewelry, cash, car, whatever they have, delivered in 30 minutes to some address. People fear for their loved ones lives and act immediately. This is why its so important to keep in touch and always have communication channels, know if someone will be out of reach and for how long.Next post will be about ATMs and Credit Cards, and some tricks used by criminals, I’m sure there are a couple you never heard of that are being used today all around the world.FerFAL