There have always been crimes fueled by hatred or prejudice, but according to the FBI, it wasn’t really until a generation ago that the term “hate crime” entered our collective vocabulary. At least since the 1920s, the FBI has looked into crimes that appear motivated by bias, including civil rights violations. But hate crimes can extend beyond race or religion, and can include attacks motivated by gender, sexual orientation or even disabilities.

Often, this bullying and violence stems from attitudes learned at a young age. American society is increasingly diverse, and our children are going to encounter people of various ethnicities, cultures, and faiths in school and in the community. An understanding of tolerance for those differences among us is something that will help our children navigate the world around us and help them succeed. As Kid’s Health points out, tolerance is about accepting people for who they are, and treating others the way you would like to be treated. Continue reading Teaching Your Kids Tolerance »

We’ve talked quite a bit about identity theft here on the AMW Safety Center, but it’s important to keep on guard because thieves are always working at coming up with new and innovative ways to separate you from your money. One of the latest types of these crimes is Synthetic Identity Theft, where criminals take individual elements–a name, a birthdate, a social security number, each from a different person–in order to create a synthetic identity. This type of ID theft can sometimes be more difficult to trace because it may take a while for any one of those individuals to take notice.

There is another rising type of ID theft that could be  dangerous to your health, and could even kill you. Medical Identity Theft occurs when your personal information is used to to obtain prescription drugs from a pharmacy or hospital. This type of ID theft is very dangerous, because in an accident or emergency station, a medic will look at your medical history. If a criminal has been prescribed a drug you are allergic to–in your name–you could be administered that drug with fatal results. Continue reading ID Theft Upgraded: Watching Out For New Threats »

With as much time as we all spend online, the frustration of a computer slowed down by spyware or a virus is probably very familiar. These sinister and invasive applications can range from simply annoying you with advertising, to being completely malicious–they could invade your system, destroy your files, or transmit your personal information to identity thieves.

But some of the latest viruses finding victims today are placing horrendous photos and videos onto your computer. These viruses are able to turn you into an unwitting child pornographer. So instead of malicious software used to target your identity, it’s being used to destroy your reputation. Pedophiles are able to utilize your virus infected computer to store their files without getting caught themselves. The viruses are designed to make it look like the traffic is coming from your computer, potentially landing you in serious trouble. Continue reading Could A Computer Virus Frame You For Child Pornography? »

For many of us, gang violence seems like something that happens in other neighborhoods, in movies or on TV. But it’s important to recognize how pervasive it really is, and how susceptible our kids and teens could be to the dangers. Gang violence is not just limited to urban centers, to poverty or any particular ethnic group or race.  The National Center for Victims of Crime reminds us that gangs can reach out to rural and suburban communities, no matter the socio-economic or cultural make up.

Such violence brought tragedy to three California families in May of 2009. Police say that a group of thugs walked up behind unsuspecting 25 year-old C.J. Davis as he was on his way to the market, and opened fire on him with an assault rifle. While speeding away from the scene and with police in hot pursuit, the Cadillac carrying the gang members slammed into another car at an intersection, killing the other driver instantly. The impact sent the vehicles spinning out of control, striking and killing a pedestrian as well. While three of the gang members have since been apprehended, a fourth, Rafael Campbell is still at large. Continue reading How Gang Violence Can Affect Your Community »