Harassing communications
Communication is key in today’s world. Unfortunately, that’s true for criminals too. While you use communication to make your world smaller, criminals are using it to defraud, harass, or offend. Protect yourself from harassing communications using these important tips.
Phone calls Accordion Closed
- Hang up as soon as you realize the nature of the call. Do not try to find out who the caller is or encourage them by responding, even if you think it is a friend playing a joke
- Use voice mail to screen calls from unknown or unfamiliar numbers. Save voice mail messages for later recall if they are suspicious in nature
- If calls occur frequently, keep a log of the date and time the message was received, the caller’s number, and what was said. Make a note of their tone of voice or any background noises. Save or print out call logs, if possible
- Contact your service provider and ask to have the caller’s number blocked or your own number changed
- If the calls persist, call the Police Department at 928-523-3611. If an immediate emergency exists dial 911
Text messages Accordion Closed
- Do not reply to suspicious messages, or open any attachments they contain. Do not try to find out who the sender is or encourage them by responding, even if you think it is a friend playing a joke
- If messages occur frequently, keep a log of the date and time the message was received, the sender’s number, and what was said. Save or print out the messages, if possible
- Contact your service provider and ask to have the sender’s number blocked or your own number changed
- If the messages persist, call the Police Department at 928-523-3611. If an immediate emergency exists dial 911
E-mail Accordion Closed
- Do not reply to suspicious messages, or open any attachments they contain. Do not try to find out who the sender is or encourage them by responding, even if you think it is a friend playing a joke
- If messages occur frequently, keep a log of the date and time the message was received, the sender’s email address, and what was said. Save or print out the messages, if possible
- Contact NAU Information Technology Services, or your e-mail service provider to report suspicious messages or senders
- If the messages persist, call the Police Department at 928-523-3611. If an immediate emergency exists dial 911
Social networking Accordion Closed
- Do not reply to suspicious messages, or open any attachments they contain. Do not try to find out who the sender is or encourage them by responding, even if you think it is a friend playing a joke
- If messages occur frequently, keep a log of the date and time the message was received, the sender’s username, and what was said. Save or print out the messages, if possible
- Familiarize yourself with, and use any privacy features (message blocking, profile blocking, etc.) available through your social network
- Only communicate online with people you know personally. Limit the amount of personal information available to people you don’t know.
- Never post your address, phone number, or other identifying information. Consider using an alias instead of your real name.
- If the messages persist, call the Police Department at 928-523-3611. If an immediate emergency exists dial 911