Not all thieves are stupid

by LarryC
8 replies
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Someone sent me the following email. I usually just delete this stuff, but this one actually has some good info. I wouldn't have thought of this. Doesn't apply to me, as I don't even have GPS, but it shows how modern technology can be used against you if you're not careful!

Not all thieves are stupid.

This gives us something to think about with all our new electronic technology.

GPS
A couple of weeks ago a friend told me that someone she knew had their car broken into while they were at a football game. Their car was parked on the green which was adjacent to the football stadium and specially allotted to football fans. Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a GPS which had been prominently mounted on the dashboard.

When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been stolen. The thieves had used the GPS to guide them to the house. They then used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house. The thieves knew the owners were at the football game, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so they
knew how much time they had to clean out the house. It would appear thatthey had brought a truck to empty the house of its contents.

Something to consider if you have a GPS - don't put your home address in it. Put a nearby address (like a store or gas station) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but no one else would know where you live if your GPS were stolen.


MOBILE PHONES
I never thought of this...
This lady has now changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, wallet, etc...was stolen.
20 minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says 'I received your text asking about our Pin number and I've replied a little while ago.' When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text 'hubby' in the contact list a nd got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank
account.

Moral of the lesson:
Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list.

Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc...

And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked
through texts, CONFIRM by calling back.

Also, when you're being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from
them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet'family and friends' who text you.

*
PLEASE PASS THIS ON
I never thought about the above!
As of now, I no longer have
'home' listed on my cell phone.

Even if this does not pertain to you...pass it on to your family & friends
  • Profile picture of the author Robert Michael
    Good share, I admit I probably wouldn't have thought of this stuff either.
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  • good tips - but for that first person with the GPS on the dash...they were just inviting trouble, imo -

    The Mobile example is better - especially if you got a text like that. There should be a code word for reply...that was very naive of the hubby...

    Speaking of mobile - When NFC ever starts getting widely used, look for "pickpockets" to pick your pocket without touching taking your wallet...they'll just scan your credit cards standing next to you. Card companies are sending out cards to "touch-pay" with rfid now...

    As for "dumb" criminals...I have about 30 emails in one of my boxes for a "NY State Traffic Citation" - please pay immediately. Yeah...right :rolleyes:

    Why don't they have a SPAMSCAM act? Oh, I guess the RIAA does not get a piece of that...

    Oh - BTW...I'm a 14 year old girl stuck in Haiti right now, and can't get home - can someone send me money for a plane ticket?
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  • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
    I never thought all thieves are stupid. For example, many bankers and insurance CEOs are extremely bright.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Some people don't realize that someone can track you via pics either. They will be somewhere and post pics of something they are seeing -- letting anyone be able to locate them. If you were a woman like me who goes into the secluded areas by myself, your exact location isn't info you want every nutcase in the area to know.

    Unless I have need of a camera and someone's cellphone is the only choice, I don't even let someone carry a phone with them when we are out. It's just too dangerous. No telling who can hack in and find the GPS on your location. Any pics that are taken are not sent ANYWHERE until we are back home. NO exceptions.
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    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

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    • Profile picture of the author LarryC
      << Some people don't realize that someone can track you via pics either. >>

      Facebook actually encourages people to publicly tell everyone where they are. Of course, theoretically it's only your friends who can see it, but many people have lots of "friends" they don't really know. And if you don't set up your privacy settings right, anyone can see it.
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Nice info, but let me tell you a bit more!

    1. Do NOT leave a GPS system exposed, ESPECIALLY if it is a portable one! It will TARGET your car to be robbed! They are the 21st century versions of high end radio systems. Don't even let the cords show where it goes.
    2. If you REALLY want your cell phone there, HIDE IT!
    3. Hide ANYTHING of value!

    It is the old risk/reward bit folks! The risk is TOO high! Burglars do NOT want t break into your car! If you leave things out, like keys, money, phones, high end electronics, GPS systems, the potential reward SKYROCKETS, and they start to thnk about breaking into YOUR car. A good GPS system could probably fetch at least $50 from a pawn shop.

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author JustinDupre
    Great tip! thieves today are getting creative so it's best to be vigilant and prepared.
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  • Profile picture of the author bailbondsguys
    Luckily I still have a dinosaur phone and no GPS systems!
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