Cop's Corner

  • Published
  • By 31st Security Forces Squadron
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  On March 6, an active duty military member reported that they lost their official passport book. The Airman stated they last saw their passport book while on temporary duty to Romania last October. The Airman further stated they believed they left the passport book in the hotel they were staying in. The passport book was discovered missing while the military member was out processing. Losing your official passport (in the wrong hands) allows a suspected terrorist to manipulate your information and possibly gain access to multiple countries to conduct illicit actions. Secure your personnel information at all times. 

On March 9, an active duty military member reported that someone stole their debit card and made purchases on the account totaling $1,379.18. The active duty military member further stated they canceled their debit card after finding out purchases were being made on the account. Losing your debit card is not good, but waiting around for someone to start making unauthorized transactions before you cancel and report it just doesn't make sense. If your card is lost or misplaced, cancel and report it immediately. 

On March 9, an active duty military member reported that someone stole their debit card and made purchases on the account totaling $887.12 while in Romania. The active duty military member canceled their debit card after finding out purchases were being made on the account. This individual must have consulted with the individual from above on what to do. The same advice from the previous mishap applies here, if your debit or credit card is misplaced or stolen, cancel the card immediately and place a fraud alert on your account. 

On March 11, a civilian contractor reported that they had lost their base entry credentials on the same day. This individual did the right thing. They attempted to retrace their steps in an effort to find the lost identification, and when it wasn't found, they reported it the same day.

Aviano All Star Award:
This weeks Aviano All-Star Award is kindly given to the two individuals who waited for someone to start using their checking accounts as their own personnel ATM's before cancelling and reporting their lost/stolen debit cards. Through their misfortune, let's all learn why we should report these things as soon as possible. 

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week:
It's not always easy to spot con artists. They're smart, extremely persuasive and aggressive. They invade your home through the telephone and the mail, advertise in well-known newspapers and magazines and come to your door. Most people think they're too smart to fall for a scam, but con artists rob all kinds of people from investment counselors and doctors to teenagers and elderly widows of billions of dollars every year. Just remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Refer to next week's Cop's Corner for tips on how to avoid being a victim of con artists.