Before you use an ATM

• Only use ATMs in well-lit, highly travelled locations.
• Do any paperwork before you get to the ATM.
• At night, bring someone with you.

While at the ATM

• Be aware of who is around. If something doesn’t feel right, cancel the transaction. Try later or somewhere else.
• If you get cash, put it away immediately. Do not count it at the ATM.
• At a drive-up ATM, make sure your doors and other windows are locked.
• When leaving an ATM, make sure that no one is following you. If someone follows your car, drive to a police station or well-lighted, open business. Flash your lights and sound your horn to get attention.

If you are the victim of ATM fraud, call the National Fraud Information Center at 1-800-876-7060.

Before you head out

• Know where you are going and the safest way to get there. Stay in well-travelled and lit areas. Avoid alleys.
• Have a plan. Know where you can go and how to contact police in an emergency.
• Carry a whistle or other noise maker.
• Vary your walking, jogging or biking routes. Avoid isolated areas. Try to go with a friend.
• Don't wear headphones. You might not notice or hear a threat until it’s too late.
• Avoid excessive amounts of jewelry. Turn rings so stones face the palm of your hand.
• Carry only what you need.  Don’t carry a lot of cash or extra credit or debit cards.
• Carry emergency contact information.

While you're out

• Be aware at all times: keep your eyes open, up and off your phone.
• Walk with a purpose. Keep your head up and your eyes open to what is around you.
• Keep purses and packages closed and tucked securely between your arms and body.

Before you board

• Be aware and alert.
• Avoid isolated transit stops.
• Have your bus pass or money ready before you board.

While on board

• During off hours, ride as close to the operator as possible.
• If someone bothers you, change seats. Try to inform the driver.
• Keep belongings in front of you and close to your body.
• Be alert to pickpockets.

• Keep your doors locked.
• Park in well-lighted areas.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a police station or well-lighted, open business. Flash your lights and sound your horn to get attention.
• If your car breaks down, open the hood. Stay in your car. If someone stops to help, ask them to call for help.
• Don’t stop to help motorists by the side of the road. Call for help for them.

When you're out

• Carry only what you need. Do not take large amounts of cash or unnecessary personal items with you.
• Pat attention to your surroundings. Trust your instincts. Be aware of strangers loitering in your area. 
• Don’t get distracted: keep your eyes open and off your phone.
• Keep your phone and other electronics out of sight so you don't tempt thieves.
• Call 911 for any suspicious activity, such as strangers walking in yards or between houses, the sound of glass breaking or loud banging, and unfamiliar trucks or vans lingering in your alley. 

If you're confronted or robbed

• If you're confronted, stay calm and cooperate. Your life is worth more than your money or phone.
• If you're a victim of robbery, call 911. Try to report as much information about the suspect as you can.

Follow these safety practices

• Check your house for weak access points.
• Always lock your doors and windows. Use deadbolt locks on doors.
• Keep sidewalks and steps clear of ice and snow.
• Never prop open the door to an apartment building; report residents who do.
• Document serial numbers of electronics.
• Take pictures of all valuables, and store the photos in a safe place.

Install safety features in your home

• Buy and use variable light timers inside your home.
• Install and use automatic outside lighting.
• Install window guards that prevent windows from being raised more than a few inches.
• Use a locking mailbox.

Doorstep delivery is often a crime of opportunity. Thieves follow delivery trucks or watch for packages out in the open.

Before you order something to be shipped

• Choose the right service for your needs.
• Ship the package to a location where you know someone will be available to receive it. Consider selecting the “signature required” option.
• Consider sending FedEx packages to a FedEx Office location near you or choose from several delivery options. 
• Consider sending UPS  packages to a UPS stores near you that has package pickup options. 
• The United States Postal Service offers ways to track your packages and and secure safe delivery. 
• Amazon has lock boxes at various locations. Check your shipping options before you order.

If you see something, say something

If you see something suspicious, such as a person picking up a package from your neighbor’s front step or a car following a delivery van, call 911.

If you are a victim of package theft,  contact 311. If you have suspect information, call 911 or file an online police report.

File claims with your shipper

For lost, stolen or damaged shipments, contact the shipper:

• U.S. Postal Inspection Service
• UPS
• FedEx

When dining out or shopping

• When dining out, keep your purse on your lap or between your feet with the handle around the leg of your chair or foot.
• Do not leave valuables unattended at your table.
• When shopping, don't leave your purse or wallet unattended. If you must put your purse in a shopping cart, anchor it to the cart with the child safety seat belt. Keep the purse closed.

Keep passwords and credit cards safe

• Never carry passwords in your purse or wallet.
• Keep a list of all credit, debit and identification cards and numbers and their customer service numbers in a safe place in case you need to close an account or report a theft.

• Roll up vehicle windows and lock the doors, even when parked in your own garage.
• Keep your garage door closed.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Hide all valuables out of sight. If you can see them, so can a thief.
• Keep a record of your vehicle identification number (VIN).
• If your vehicle has anti-theft technology, use it.