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 »

Every 2 minutes, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. But the majority of these attacks are never reported to the police. If you or someone you know are attacked, it can be a very difficult decision to come forward and report the crime.

Regardless of whether you come forward right away or if you decide to wait, one of the most important tools you have in the search for justice is to have a rape kit taken. When a nurse or doctor takes a rape kit, they collect fibers and DNA samples–hair, saliva, or other fluids–which is sent to a lab to run tests that might help to identify an attacker.

The DNA database contains information for over 6 million convicted criminals, and allows law enforcement to share information across state lines. DNA samples contain accurate information that help to identify a criminal and that could bring you much closer to getting justice.

Check some other posts on sexual assault right here at the AMW Safety Center for more information and resources.

The FBI ranks rape as one of the most serious of violent crimes, second only to murder. If you or someone you know has experienced a sexual assault, the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) is there to help guide and support you. You aren’t required to report the crime, but if you become a rape survivor and do make the decision to talk to cops, there are a few things you can expect about the process Continue reading Sexual Assault: Reporting The Crime »

Since 2007, more than 45 million toys have been recalled for dangers they pose to our children. These hazards range from choking, to tiny magnets, and poisoning from lead paint.

Even after a recall, some of these dangerous toys might still be found on shelves in toy stores, so it’s important for parents to keep up to date with the latest product safety news to be sure that these toys are kept far away from their children.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Groups (U.S. PIRG) has complied a shopping guide just in time for the holidays. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Avoid Choking hazards: never buy toys with small parts for children under 3 years old.
• Watch out for toys with powerful magnets that could fall out and be swallowed. If a child swallows even one magnet, seek immediate medical attention.
• Watch out for strangulation hazards. Remove knobs or beads from cords longer than 1 foot which could tangle into a loop.
• Avoid toys made of PVC plastic which could have lead or toxic chemicals.

You can always visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or Recalls.gov for the most recent list of any products, including toys, food, medicine, that could be dangerous to you or your family. And check out the U.S. PIRG shopping guide for more tips on how you can be prepared against some of these dangerous hazards.