The Crete Police Association has recently been advised of two new telephone scams that seem to be making the rounds. While we are not aware of any local occurrences as yet, we would like to make the public aware of them so that people can be cautious.

1. Area code “809” scam – You return home to find a message on your answering machine. You listen to the message and the caller asks you to call a number beginning with AREA CODE 809 to receive information about:

An ill family member

An arrested family member

A family member who has died

A wonderful prize you may have won.

Unless you know someone in area code 809 DO NOT RETURN THE CALL. Offenders are using 809 numbers as “pay-per-calls” similar to 900 numbers in the U.S. Area code 809 is for the Caribbean and therefore not subject to U.S. regulations on “pay-per-call” calls.

Victims returning “blind” calls to 809 numbers are surprised to find exorbitant charges on their next phone bills. Victims are also seeing 809 numbers appearing on their pagers with the same result if they return the page. Please be aware of this new scam and avoid returning any unsolicited calls from 809 area code.

2. Ameritech advises of another scam making the rounds. An individual calls and identifies him/herself as a phone company service technician conducting a test on the telephone lines. The caller will ask the victim to dial a specific set of numbers followed by the pound sign (#) and then hang up. The victim is then surprised the following month when there are extensive long distance charges on their phone bill.

The phone company advises that by pushing a specific sequence of numbers followed by the pound sign (#) you give the caller access to your telephone line. This enables them to place long distance calls billed to the victim’s home phone. The scam is apparently originating from prisons and jails.

If someone calls claiming that they are from the phone company and requests that you run this test – DON’T. If you feel that you have already been a victim of one of these scams, please contact phone company security or the police department.

Most residential burglars are amateures and include drug addicts, teenagers and adult criminals looking for anything they can convert into quick cash. The property they steal most often is televisions, stereo sets, cameras, power tools, guns, jewelry and anything that can be quickly sold. When casing a house, they usually enter those homes that can be easily broken into. Anything you can do to lessen the opportunity for entry and increase noise during the burglary is added protection.

Trim shrubs and bushes from around doors and windows. Do not place a key under the mat or above the doorway. Locks should be a good quality dead bolt. All windows should have anti-slide locks. When not at home, maintain normal lighting throughout. Install sensor lights around every entry point. Place interior lights on a timer switch, when away. If possible, leave a vehicle in the driveway. Stop mail and deliveries during vacation. Don't leave notes on the door that you will be away. INSTALL AN ALARM. Leave a key with a trusted friend along with an emergency phone number. Call the local police or sheriff and ask to be put on a vacation watch list. Report non-working street lights to the utility company. Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street. Install a peephole on all entry doors. Secure large amounts of cash and jewelry in a safe deposit box. Hide you valuables in an unpredictable place. If you notice anything or anyone suspicious, call the police.

Lock your vehicle and protect the key. Close the windows all the way. Control your keys, don't leave an identification tag on your keys. Keep everything of value in the trunk. Park in well-lighted and busy areas. Deter the thief by using a steering wheel lock (club), column lock or alarm. Stop the thief with a fuel cut off or electrical kill switch. Check your license plate often and if missing report it to the police. If your vehicle is broken into, DO NOT touch anything. Contact the police immediately.

It's hard to think of someone familiar like your date, a steady boyfriend, or a casual acquaintance as a rapist. Familiarity makes you less inclined to trust your self-protective instincts. Being forced into having sex, even if it's someone you know is still RAPE and it's a CRIME. Nothing you do, say, or wear gives anyone the right to assault you sexually or otherwise. Men and women are both responsible for preventing sexual assault. Poor communication, mixed signals, and body language that contradicts the spoken word are often key factors in date rape.

You have the right to set limits. Communicate those limits clearly, don't rely on E.S.P. Trust your instincts. Be aware of sex-role stereotypes, such as "It's macho to score". Speak up when others joke about their sexual conquests. Remember, alcohol and drugs decrease your ability to take care of yourself and make sensible decisions. Plan ahead on your first date or blind date. Check him out with friends. Go to a public place, a movie, restauraunt, or public event. Take along a friend. Don't leave a party, concert, or bar with someone you just met. Be wary of behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable. Stand up for yourself. If someone pressures you, let them know you don't like it and mean it.