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Why Put Yourself at Risk?
By Greg O'Brien, Harwinton
I was thinking about a few things the other day that so many of us take for granted, and I just wanted to mention them here. In an ever changing world, here are a few simple things that we can all do (or not do) to help prevent a problem.
• Home Answering Machines — It is always best and safest to simply say that you're unable to take the call at this time, and never say that you're not at home. Simply request that the caller leave a name, number and message. You are really taking a risk by announcing your phone number, your name or spouse's name, and it is especially foolish to ever mention the names of your children. Remember, after hearing your message and writing down some of the information you innocently provided, the "wrong" person can call back at another time and come across to you or your child as if they know you. It also provides too much information to the "wrong" person regarding the people living in your house. Don't worry, your family and friends will certainly know who they've called!
• Mail, Magazines, etc. — Okay, think about it. How many times have you simply thrown your mail into the car after getting it out of the mailbox? You know, you grab it on the way out somewhere and then you simply throw it on the seat. Please keep in mind that by leaving it on the seat of your car, the "wrong" person can easily look at it, or perhaps even take it and immediately know your name and where you live. How suspicious would you really be, upon returning to your car in a parking lot or garage, only to be greeted by someone saying hello to you by name? This could really pose a problem.
• A Trip to the Dry Cleaners — I was picking up some dry cleaning the other day and a young mother and child were getting into the vehicle next to me. She had hung her clothes in the backseat with the dry cleaning slip pressed against the window, easily displaying her name, address and phone number. How many more stops did she make before getting home? I just don't think it's smart to so innocently provide that kind of information. Unfortunately, there are people out there who are looking for that very information so as to do harm. Perhaps not today, but maybe tomorrow!
Now, these thoughts of mine may sound silly to some people, but why put yourself at risk when it can so easily be avoided?
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