Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1533506
10 | THE COLONY NEWS | APRIL 2025 | SECURITY STATISTICS ACCESS CONTROL & SAFETY In February, there were a total of 17,916 gate entries recorded consisting of guests, recreational vehicles, vendors, and golfers. Allied Security performed six property/residence checks and issued 62 citations for stop sign violations. ere were 30 medical, fire, and police incidents. Allied cited 57 residents for various resident parking violations and guest/vendor parking violations. 39 residents were cited for putting trash cans out too early and/or not putting them away. 24 garage doors were found to be open and Allied made calls to each resident to advise them to close their garage doors. Allied responded to 96 miscellaneous incidents related to barking dogs, gate strikes/ tailgaters, suspicious activity, trespassers, welfare checks, and broken/burst water lines. Being Aware Of Phone Scams Did you know that phone scammers can appear on your Caller ID as a legitimate Government, Charity, or Bank entity? Scammers also use local area code prefix numbers such as (951) to make you think that someone locally is attempting to contact you. ey accomplish this using readily available "IP Spoofing Tools" to change their caller ID. Once they establish contact with you, scammers will attempt to get your Social Security number, or they may also try to convince you to Zele money to them. ese Zele accounts are mostly overseas making it impossible for law enforcement to pursue. e following information was obtained from the Elder Abuse Unit of the Riverside County District Attorney's Office. Phone Scammers could possibly identify themselves as… • Local utilities such as electric or water providers. ey claim that due to billing issues they need to update and verify your account and need personal information such as your Social Security number, etc. • Medical facilities saying that a distant relative is under their medical care and will not receive necessary medical treatment unless you send them money. • Law enforcement agencies claiming that you have an Arrest Warrant which can be cleared by sending them money. ey might also say that a relative of yours has been arrested and they need bail money. • Charitable organizations that want to capitalize on disasters and humanitarian efforts. • Banks claiming that there is suspected fraud to your account and need to verify your personal information to re-open the account that they were forced to close. • Investment institutions claiming 100percent returns in just a few months with a minimum $1,000 investment. • Fast Trac texts advising you of a toll evasion fee to be paid within 12 hours or you will be reported to DMV. So, what can we do to protect ourselves? • Scammers will work on your emotions to get what they want so let them know that you will call them back. en call the Murrieta Police Department at (951) 304-2677 to report your suspicions. • Consider not answering calls that you are not familiar with. Phone scammers typically will not leave messages. e Murrieta Police Department advises that phone scammers are a problem in Murrieta, and they routinely receive calls about possible scammers. ey added that if it sounds suspicious then it probably is and if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. In summary, be skeptical and if someone contacts you out of the blue, whether it's a business or government official, don't take their word for it. If they ask for your personal information, passwords, or one-time codes, always verify their authenticity. When you get a text message or email, validate the sender before clicking on any links. Open your browser and go to the website instead. For more info, visit https://rivcoda.org/elder-abuse-unit.