By Deana Garner
NFL Player Engagement
While NFL clubs prepare for training camp, here are some suggestions for players, administrators, coaches, as well as fans. As you leave home and head to training camp be mindful that training camp schedules are public knowledge and posted on the Internet for all to see and research – for a variety of reasons. Here are some important safety recommendations that can help make your training camp experience a positive and memorable one.
1. Secure your residence and lock up your valuables
It’s likely that your club’s training camp is located in a venue other than where you live. If you are an athlete, coach, or other administrator you’ll likely be away from your residence for several days and possibly a few weeks. Many who follow the training camp schedules are also familiar with who you are and your role with the NFL Club. Unfortunately, unscrupulous individuals may try to take advantage of you and your residence during this time. To guard against unlawful entry to your home, NFL Security has these recommendations to assist in providing a safe and secure residential environment for you, your families, and your loved ones.
Residential Security
• Alarm your properties and activate them when not at home and while sleeping.
• Landscaping should be moderate and trimmed low.
• Keep garages locked, secured, and alarmed.
• Property should be well lit at night and use motion detectors to control exterior lighting.
• Consider having a panic room installed with interior door hinges and a charged cell phone.
• Don’t put your name on your mailbox, just your street address to assist public safety responders attempting to locate your home in case of emergency.
• Consider using reflective numbers outside your door as they will also assist emergency responders.
When Away from Home
• Stop deliveries of newspapers and mail.
• Place interior lights on timers.
• Arrange for your lawn to be cut.
• Notify your local police department and arrange for a special “vacation watch.”
General Security Tips
• Know everyone you allow into your home.
• If you notice suspicious activity call 911.
• Don’t be a victim.
REMEMBER
Your local police department’s Crime Prevention Officer and your local NFL Security Representative can provide a complete security evaluation of your residence at no cost to you.
2. Offseason checkup
NFL Security recommends that you address these issues – especially prior to the regular season beginning:
Renew Automobile and Driver’s License & Registration
• A lapse in coverage can subject you to personal liability if you are involved in an accident.
Traffic / Parking Violations
• Neglect leads to warrants and criminal action- so promptly pay all traffic fines and citations.
Child Support Payments
• Make sure ALL child support payments are on time.
Unpaid Debts / Liens
• Make sure that your debts are promptly paid as failing to do so can lead to penalties.
Credit Report
• Contact the three major credit bureaus and request a copy of your credit report from them annually.
• Check all financial statements and accounts including insurance policies, checking, savings, trade, and other financial accounts.
Taking proactive measures regarding these matters sooner than later will save you from these issues turning into distractions or more serious negative outcomes.
3. Report criminal and other activity immediately
If your social media or financial accounts have been compromised by unauthorized individuals, you’d be wise to report this activity immediately to your social media security team, your bank, or other financial institutions. If criminal activity has occurred, contact law enforcement – they can assist. If you’re an NFL player, coach, or administrator contact your Club Security Director who can assist.
4. Guard your identity
Identity theft is a serious crime and occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name. NFL Security recommends these ways you can be proactive:
Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information.
• Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before discarding them.
• Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social Security number in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Only provide if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
• Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
• Use strong passwords instead of obvious ones like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.
Detect and report suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.
Inspect:
• Your Credit Report. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history. Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.
– Contact: credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to request a free copy of your credit report each year.
– Visit AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1–877–322–8228, a service created by these three companies, to order your free credit report each year.
• Your Financial Statements. Review financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make.
Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.
• Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient. Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven’t contacted, accounts you didn’t open, and debts on your accounts that you can’t explain.
• Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.
– Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your OK. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
– Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.
– Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
– Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
• File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
• Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.
– Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
– By phone: 1–877–ID–THEFT (438–4338)
– By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, FTC, Washington, DC 20580.
REMEMBER: For assistance reach out to your club Director of Player Engagement/Security or NFL Player Engagement and NFL Security.
Source: 2014 Guide to Personal Security, NFL Security