‘Tis the season for crime, Crime Stoppers CEO’s expert tips to avoid being a victim

Texas is ranked fourth in the nation for holiday crime. That’s a scary statistic for those who love this season of joy and giving. There are ways to avoid being a victim to those not on the nice list this year.

Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Mankarious stopped by Studio B to break it all down for us.

Here’s why you should care. Holiday spending is expected to hit a new record, according to the NRF’s (National Retail Federation) Gift and Toy Survey.

With the average person spending close to $1,000 on gifts this year, thieves are also looking to cash in -- especially after you’ve left the bank. One thing to remember is to have a heightened sense of situational awareness.

Rania says...

1. Be quick - don’t count cash in car or linger. 
2. Be cautious - during the day, in well lit areas so you can see who is around you, shield PIN, try not to withdraw large amounts of cash. 
3. Be aware of your surroundings - if you notice you are being followed call police or head to nearest police station.

Going shopping alone or at night?

Rania says...

1. Park in a well lit area
2. Be alert going in and out of car; ready to unlock as soon as you leave the store
3. Don’t store gifts in your car.
4. Don’t resist if someone tries to take belongings. 

Shoplifting increases during holiday so you are walking around with people who are thinking about stealing from you or the stores.

Shopping in-store?

Rania says...

1. You’re focused on shopping but also be focused on safety! Be alert! 
2. Empty that bag! Carry only what you need and keep items near you 
3. Make sure kids know where to meet if get separates, who to ask if they get separated and what your number is. 

Shopping online?

Online shopping is expected to hit as much as $297.9 billion. Up from $273.3 billion last year.

If you are thinking of shopping from the comfort of your home, Rania says...

1. Do research, look for reviews that are legitimate (across different dates, don’t have spelling errors), best if it’s from a company you are know in real life.
2. 2. Once you hit “markets” like FB marketplace or Tiktok shop, you run into risks of buying from scammers. Secure site, return policy. 
3. Only shop through trusted sources 
4. Never connect to an insecure public wi-fi to shop 
5. Confirm your anti-virus software is updated on home computer 
6. Check credit card and bank statements for fraudulent charges 
7. Be cautious when in Online Marketplaces like FB and Tiktok Shop
8. Keep record of what you bought from which site and how items will be shipped to you (Worst, I bought something from somewhere - have no idea what the site was but now the item didn’t arrive)

73% of people admit they don’t check authenticity of email or text message deals -meaning if it looks good, they click to purchase

Rania says...

Scammers don’t take holiday vacation

1. Mail delivery - confirm when and how it is being delivered
2. Fake sites - Will usually just steal your information.
3. Counterfeit sites - selling false goods 

A perpetrator decides if you are an easy target within 7 seconds of seeing you.

Coming home after a holiday gathering or shopping?

Rania says...

1. Practice safety regularly to help your body spring into action in an emergency
2. Have a personal safety tool with you and practice using it.
3. Stay alert by maintaining eye contact, keeping your head up, and greeting people as they walk by to show you are paying attention.
4. There is safety in numbers. Do not walk alone especially at nighttime.
5. Use your cell phone as a tool to help not as a distraction. Keep your phone handy when walking, running, or biking, but do not let it distract you from staying aware.
6. Fight back when necessary. Learn simple self defense techniques and do not be afraid to fight back.
7. Practice yelling things like “STOP” or “GET BACK.”
8. When leaving places – look to see if you are being followed. If you sense that you are being followed, do NOT go home. Call your local Houston Police Department store front.
9. Park and quickly close all gates or garage doors before exiting your car.
10. If parking in a parking garage park closest to the elevator.

Using the valet this season?

Rania says...

1. Remove any valuables from your vehicle.
2. Remove the “home” option from your car’s navigation screen and clear history from time to time if your car allows for it

Rideshare after a fun night is responsible, but make sure you’re safe.

Rania says...

1. The seat diagonally opposite from the driver is the safest place in the car for you to be able to exit the vehicle quickly or fight back if necessary.
2. Check the inside of the door to see if the child safety lock is on BEFORE getting into the car.
3. Be aware and alert the entire time you are utilizing a rideshare service.
4. share your trip location with a trusted friend or family member.
5. Keep all belongings with you and do not exit the car before any accompanying children.

Home for the holidays?

Rania says...

1. Secure your home by making sure all windows and doors lock and utilize reinforcement locks for added security.
2. If possible, utilize security cameras - even a fake camera can deter potential burglars.
3. Ensure the outside of your home is well lit.
4. Avoid having unattended packages on your porch. You can request a vacation hold for any scheduled packages.
5. When you are away, leave some lights and the TV on to create the appearance of someone being home.
6. Be careful about social media posts while you are on vacation. Posting while you are away tells predators that your home is likely empty.

Keeping your kiddos safe this holiday season

Rania says...

Teenagers in 2024 have grown up with computers, gadgets and smartphones. They are tech-savvy and internet-savvy which gives them a lot of online confidence. That said, they are also inexperienced with people and more trusting than the adults in their home. That combination creates a ripe situation for scammers.

FACT: According to the FBI, in 2021, 14,919 scam incidents were reported by people aged 19 and younger in 2021. These scams resulted in losses of $101.4 million to the teens that reported them.

Teens expected to spend around $100 - $200 on holiday gifts and a lot of them said they planned to shop in-store. They have access to technology all the time, so the novel or unique experience is to go into the stores.

Have you been victimized? Here’s where to find answers and resources.

1. If you’re in immediate danger, the priority is to call 911!
2. HPD Cyber & Financial Crimes Division: Investigates criminal activity
3. Harris County District Attorney Consumer Fraud Division: Employs Fraud Examiners in the Major Fraud Division, Consumer Fraud, and the Public Integrity Division. 
4. Harris County Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Unit: Educates the community on financial crime prevention and investigates financial crimes. 
5. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: Accepts online internet crime complaints from the actual victim or a third-party complainant.
6. Report anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or crime-stoppers.

Rania’s new resource

Rania says...parents asked her to create a safety resource for kids. She did some research and realized journaling is on the rise with children and teens. She says journaling has been shown to yield 3 definite benefits:

1. Unplugging 
2. Reflecting
3. Growing 

The TUG Journal: The Teen’s Ultimate Guide: Smart, Safe & Healthy Online Living

Rania says...

“I wanted to combine journaling with every day tools to keep kids safe online. Provide a way to remind them on a random Wednesday that maybe they can set a time limit for scrolling online today. To make sure passwords are secure and that no one beyond parents have them. To talk about scams targeting kids, challenges that are dangerous, why we can never get pills online or how to report things that are scary or inappropriate. Why curiosity online can lead to things that are not good for them, how to stay positive and be a positive roll model on purpose (maybe posting positive things or by refusing to like or share negative content). Reminders to talk to parents about what the families beliefs are and values. Encouraging conversation that kids and parents don’t always have. I wanted to do all this while giving them space to get organized, write out their to-dos and their thoughts. And to reflect on life issues for them so thanks to my youngest who literally added these pages - throughout the journal there are prompts asking you how things are with you parents, your friends, online, school, extracurricular activities, what your favorite season is and holiday, places you dream to go — and through all of it, we’re encouraging teens to ‘track their feelings.‘”

Right now there are three versions available on Amazon with more coming soon.

Talk about information overload! These tips might seem like a no-brainer but it’s good to refresh your memory, they might help you or a loved one from becoming a victim.

Thanks, Rania! Come back to Studio B anytime!