The Southington Police Department announced the passing of Police K-9 Damon on July 21, 2015. K-9 Damon proudly served Southington police from Nov. 22, 2004 until his retirement on Nov. 13, 2013.

Police spokesmen said that K-9 Damon served the department and the citizens of Southington with honor and distinction. K-9 Damon and his handler, Officer Stephen Salerno, assisted with many investigations including building searches, evidence recovery, drug arrests, and missing person’s cases.

K-9 Damon was 14 years old at the time of his passing.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

The Southington Police Department (SPD) announced that they have conducted a canvass of the Decker Drive area after receiving a report of a suspicious person and vehicle complaint on Sunday, Oct. 11, but were unable to locate a vehicle matching the description.

The vehicle description was given by children in the area after reports of a black BMW that was spotted on Decker Drive.

The investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle approached two children as they walked on down the street at Silo Drive. The driver exited the vehicle at an estimated distance of 80 feet from the children and began to follow them on foot. The driver was reported to say, “Come here. Don’t be afraid, please,” and then opened the car door.

The children walked away and went to the safety of a friend’s house.

The initial description of the driver of the BMW was a 5-foot white female with curly white or blond hair and a skinny build. She was wearing a black t shirt and blue jeans.

Police have added extra patrols to the area, and the SPD is currently investigating this incident.

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to call the Southington Police Department at (860) 378-1600.

Stephen Cieszynski

Southington police announced that Stephen Cieszynski, 46, of Southington was arrested on Friday, Oct. 9 at approximately 2:30 p.m. after an incident on Atwater Street.

The warrant stems from an incident on Sept. 23, 2015 when Cieszynski allegedly became angry with a victim and pulled the victim’s hair. When Officers attempted to follow up with the investigation, Cieszynski ran into the residence and barricaded himself inside.

At approximately 6:15 p.m., officers were able to enter the residence where Cieszynski was safely located and taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

Cieszynski was charged with second degree breach of peace. He was processed and held on a $50,000 bond. He was presented in court on Oct. 13.

Southington High School, 720 Pleasant St, Southington, CT 06489

Four Southington schools in the Pleasant Street region have been placed on secure school status until further notice as a precaution. Southington High School, DePaolo Middle School, Hatton Elementary School, and Flanders Elementary School have temporarily suspended outside activities after someone threatened a staff member.

An alert was sent to parents from Southington’s Superintendant of Schools Tim Connella. The alert said that someone from outside the schools made the threat, but there is no threat inside any of the schools. The four schools will operate normally inside the buildings, but no one will be allowed to enter.

Reports indicate that Southington police have added patrols in the area.

Southington High School, 720 Pleasant St, Southington, CT 06489

The Southington Police Department announced an arrest after yesterday’s incident in Southington schools that resulted in four local schools being place on secure school status.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, police received a report at approximately 8:15 a.m. that a Southington High School staff member received a threat from someone outside of the school. As a precaution, Southington High School, DePaolo Middle School, Flanders Elementary School and Hatton Elementary School were placed in secure school status.

“Secure school status” means that normal activity inside the school continues, but no one is allowed to enter or exit the school. The incident was investigated, and the threat was dismissed at approximately 9:40 a. m. The secure school status was lifted at that time.

The police investigation revealed that Gregory R Daly, 42, of Southington was involved in a dispute with a Southington High School staff member. As a result of the argument, Daly made personal threats against the staff member. Daly was located at his home in Southington and subsequently taken into custody.

Daly was charged with first degree threatening, second degree harassment, and breach of peace. He was held on a $500,000 bond. His court appearance is scheduled for today at Bristol Superior Court.

As a result of the investigation seven firearms were seized from the home and are now in police custody.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

The Southington Police announced the following arrests from Monday, Oct. 5 to Sunday, Oct. 18:

• Daniel C. Boughton, 27, of 34 Oakwood Dr., New Britain, was arrested on Oct. 5 for possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Michael C. Lorusso, 19, of 323 Connecticut Ave., Newington, was arrested on Oct. 5 for possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Joanna Zysek, 24, of 112 Tremont St., New Britain, was arrested on Oct. 5 for possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Bianca Waite-Landrette, 18, of 30 Knollwood Dr., Bristol,was arrested on Oct. 5 for possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Adam M. Dzilenski, 27, of 1069 Old Turnpike Rd., Plantsville, was arrested on Oct. 8 for sixth degree larceny.
• David Kingsbury, 48, of 500 Darling St., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 9 for second degree sexual assault and second degree breach of peace.
• Jason L. Talley, 36, of 86 Swampscott St., West Haven, was arrested on Oct. 9 for sixth degree larceny and conspiracy to commit sixth degree larceny.
• Douglas A. Daniels, 50, of 321 Eastern St., New Haven, was arrested on Oct. 9 for sixth degree larceny and conspiracy to commit sixth degree larceny.
• Stephen Cieszynski, 47, of 108 Atwater St., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 9 for second degree breach of peace.
• Daniel J. Brewer, 26, of 89 Amity St., Meriden, was arrested on Oct. 10 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Leonard Fuller, 71, of 7 Scenic Dr., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 12 for second degree failure to appear.
• Ariana G. Gugliotti, 21, of 396 Todd Rd., Wolcott, was arrested on Oct. 12 for sixth degree larceny and possession of a shoplifting device.
• Daniel A. Francisco, 34, of 272 Wall St., Waterbury, was arrested on Oct. 12 for sixth degree larceny and possession of a shoplifting device.
• Michael R. Lopez, 29, of 34 Darling St., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 13 for failure to respond to an infraction.
• Zachary Dugee, 22, of 1151 Meriden Ave., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 13 for third degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.
• Jonathan J. Ortiz, 21, of 95 Wheeler Village Rd., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 14 for disorderly conduct.
• Gabrielle A. Cabrera, 21, of 95 Wheeler Village Rd., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 14 for disorderly conduct.
• William E. Roberts, 39, of 151 West Center St., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 15 for two counts of failure to register on the sex offender registry.
• Whitney Lynn Williams, 28, of 383 Crown St., Meriden, was arrested on Oct. 15 for sixth degree larceny and illegal storage of narcotics.
• David H. Maine, 62, of 34 Benny Dr., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 15 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Steven R. Lord, 23, of 64 Longo Dr., Milldale, was arrested on Oct. 16 for three incidents of selling marijuana.
• Bonnie G. Lasky, 49, of 437 Hobart St., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 16 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and drinking while operating a motor vehicle.
• Gordon Devoe, 28, of 301 Main St., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 18 for first degree criminal trespassing and second degree breach of peace.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

The Southington Police Department announced an arrest on Oct. 20 which stems from three burglary investigations on Oak Street and Berlin Avenue in Southington on July 10, 2015.

William Chambers, 18, last known to live in Waterbury, was presented three warrants in the Bristol Court. Chambers is currently incarcerated with the Connecticut Department of of Correction on charges unrelated to this case.

The warrants allege that the burglaries occurred during the overnight hours on July 10, and residents were sleeping within the homes when the burglaries were taking place. Cash, cell phones, credit cards, and various electronic items were reported missing.

Chambers was charged with first degree burglary, second degree criminal trespassing, and sixth degree larceny.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

The Southington Police Department announced the following arrests from Monday, Oct. 19 to Tuesday, Oct. 20:

• William Chambers, 18, of 70 National Ave., Waterbury, was arrested on Oct. 20 for first degree burglary, sixth degree larceny, and second degree criminal trespassing. In a second incident, he was arrested for second degree criminal trespassing, sixth degree larceny, and conspiracy to commit sixth degree larceny. In a third incident, he was arrested for first degree burglary, sixth degree larceny, and second degree criminal trespassing.
• Jeffrey Douglas, 32, of 66 Lincoln St., New Britain, was arrested on Oct. 20 for two counts of sixth degree larceny.
• Gregory R. Daly, 42, of 48 Burwell Ave., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 20 for second degree breach of peace, threatening, and first degree harassment.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

Southington police were called to the 7/11 store at 777 Queen St. at approximately 2:03 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 to respond to a reported robbery.

The Southington Police Deparmtent investigation revealed that the suspect entered the store, approached the clerk, and demanded money.

The clerk put the money from the cash register on the counter. The suspect took the money from the counter, threatened the clerk, and left the store. There was no weapon displayed during this incident.

The suspect left the scene and traveled southbound on Queen Street in a gray/silver four door sedan.

The suspect was described as a white male in his 40s, approximately 230 lbs., with tattoos on both arms and a tattoo above his right eye.

The suspect was wearing a gray University of Massachusetts shirt with black shorts and white sneakers.

Police said that they believe that the suspect in this incident was also involved in similar incidents in East Haven over the weekend.

This case is currently being investigated by the Southington Police Department Detective Division. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det. K. Apicella at (860) 378-1647 or by email at  kapicella@southingtonpolice.org.

Southington High School, 720 Pleasant St, Southington, CT 06489

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

Southington resident Gregory R. Daly was arrested on Oct. 20, after threats made to a Southington High School (SHS) staff member led four schools to be placed under “secure school status” on Tuesday morning.

The Southington police Department received reports at 8:15a.m., that a SHS staff member had been threatened.

As a precaution, SHS, DePaolo Middle School, and Flanders and Hatton elementary schools were placed under “secure school status” – during this time the schools continued with normal activities, but received extra security measures with no one permitted to enter or exit the buildings.

The secure status was lifted at 9:40a.m., after an investigation determined there was no threat to the schools.

“I think we did very well,” said Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connellan, “it was precautionary, we worked well with the Southington Police Department, and we took it one step at a time.”

Connellan said SHS Principal Brian Stranieri and the staff at the high school did “an outstanding job” ensuring the safety of the students.

Daly, 42, had made personal threats to the staff member following a dispute.

He was found in his 48 Burwell Ave., home on Tuesday, where he was charged with breach of peace, threatening in the first degree, and harassment in the second degree.

Daly was taken into custody and seven firearms were seized from the home.

He is being held on a $500,000 bond and will appear in Bristol Superior Court on Oct. 21.

Employees of the Southington Police Department will be participating in a “No Shave November” event to benefit cancer research.

Police employees who donate $100 to the Saint Francis Foundation care of the Curtis D Robinson Center for health Equity, will be allowed to forgo the department’s no beard grooming policy from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30. These employees will grow there facial hair in support of this great cause.

All monies collected will be presented to the Curtis D Robinson Center for health Equity/Saint Francis Foundation in a presentation at the police headquarters community room on Nov. 30.

Members of the community, who wish to sponsor a specific employee or simply donate to this cause, can bring a check written to the Saint Francis Foundation to the police department. Donations will also be accepted on the Saint Francis Foundation website under the “donation” tab for the Southington Police Department No Shave November event at www.saintfrancisdonor.com/Events/eventView.asp?EventID=80

Tameka Allen

The Southington Police Department arrested a West Haven woman on Saturday, Oct. 24 for forging a prescription at a local pharmacy.

Tameka Allen, 36, was arrested on a warrant at approximately 4 p.m. after an investigation showed that Allen attempted to fill a prescription for oxycodone at the Walgreen’s Pharmacy at 359 Main St. on June 2, 2015. The pharmacist noticed that the prescription was in the name of another person, so it was not filled by the pharmacist. Two days later, the pharmacy received confirmation that the prescription was fraudulent, and at that time the police investigation was initiated.

Allen was arrested and charged with second degree forgery and criminal attempt/obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. She was released on a promise to appear at Bristol Superior Court on Nov. 2.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

The Southington Police Department announced the following arrests from Thursday, Oct. 22 to Thursday, Oct. 29:

• Arthur E. Sullivan Sr., 58, of 662 Spring St., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 22 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and making an improper turn.
• Debra M. Sheehan, 62, of 303 Mansfield Ave., Waterbury, was arrested on Oct. 23 for second degree failure to appear.
• Tameka Allen, 36, of 132 Fenwick St., West Haven, was arrested on Oct. 23 for second degree forgery and criminal attempt to obtain a controlled substance by fraud.
• Timothy Orozco, 33, of 513 Emmett St., Bristol, was arrested on Oct. 23 for sixth degree larceny.
• Nathaniel Walker Jr., 38, of 15 Dorchester Dr., Windsor, was arrested on Oct. 23 for possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Christopher S. McCarthy, 30, of 29 Buell St., New Britain, was arrested on Oct. 24 for misuse of registration, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Rhiannon Daley, 35, of 42 Linden St., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 26 for second degree breach of peace and third degree assault.
• Michael Cruess, 44, of 457 Queen St., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 26 for second degree breach of peace.
• Kendra Lee Mitchell, 23, of 103 Lawncrest Dr., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 27 for second degree failure to appear. In a separate incident, she was arrested for first degree failure to appear.
• Dylan M. Norton, 21, of 44 County Rd., Marion, was arrested on Oct. 27 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and failure to drive in the proper lane.
• Jordan Ryan Goodwin, 20, of 9008 Bryan St., Crown Point, In., was arrested on Oct. 28 for second degree criminal mischief and second degree breach of peace.
• Brett R. Federowicz, 34, of 15 Overhill Dr., Berlin, was arrested on Oct. 28 for second degree larceny.
• Daniel Szabat, 38, of 1000 Follybrook Blvd., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 28 for second degree failure to appear.

Jonathan Siarkowski

The Southington Police Department announced the arrest of Jonathan Siarkowski, 20, of Plantsville for four separate warrants. Siarkowski turned himself into police on Nov. 1, at approximately 8:43 p.m., after learning about the active warrants.

The first arrest stemmed from a continuing investigation that originated on Sept. 17, 2015 when Siarkowski was arrested for allegedly stealing aluminum forming joists from the Brunalli property located on Buckland Street in Southington.

During the course of the investigation, police learned that Siarkowski and another person took aluminum to a scrap yard on Sept. 15 and Sept. 16 that was similar to the Sept. 17 case. The value for the aluminum that was turned in on Sept. 15 and Sept. 16 was $2,048.

Siarkowski was charged with two counts of third degree criminal trespassing, two counts of second degree criminal mischief, and third degree larceny. He was held on a $5,000 bond with an appearance date of Nov. 2.

Siarkowski was also arrested at the same time on unrelated charges as a result of three Southington Police Department Special Investigation Unit (SIU) warrants.

During the month of August 2015, the SIU received information that Siarkowski was selling marijuana in town. Based on this information, three controlled purchases of marijuana were made from him. As a result, there were three arrest warrants issued by Bristol Superior Court.

Siarkowski was processed and charged with three counts of selling controlled substances. He was held on a $75,000 bond on each warrant and was scheduled to appear in Bristol Superior Court on Nov. 2.

The arrest warrants are sealed and no further information will be released at this time.

The Southington Police Department announced that the town-wide winter parking ban will take effect on Sunday, Nov. 15. The emergency parking ban, sidewalk maintenance ordinance, snow throwing ordinance, and absent owner requirements go into effect on the same day.

• Winter Parking Ban. It shall be unlawful from November 15 to April 15 for the owner or operator of a vehicle to allow such vehicle to stand or park on any street in the Town for more than one hour between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. on any given day.
• Emergency Parking Ban. The Chief of Police or such other person as may be designated by him to act in his absence or incapacity may terminate street parking on any or all of the streets in the Town during a snowstorm or other emergency.
• Maintenance of Sidewalks. Whenever any sidewalk adjoining and fronting any land or premises shall be wholly or partially covered with snow, the owner, tenant or occupant of such adjoining premises shall cause such sidewalk to be made safe and convenient by removing such snow there from within twenty-four (24) hours after the accumulation of the same thereon, and, should ice be accumulated on any sidewalk so that the same cannot be removed, such ice shall be covered with sand or other substance within three (3) hours after the accumulation of such ice.
• Snow Throwing. No owner, tenant, occupant or other individual shall throw or cause to be blown by machine or other implement snow into the right-of-way or sidewalks in the Town of Southington. Any person or company found to be in violation hereof shall be fined per violation. Cul-de-sac residents shall be subject to consideration of the difficulties of snow removal in such areas by the agent who decides on the issuance of a violation.
• Absent Owner of Premises. In the event an owner of premises is absent from the premises when an accumulation of ice or snow occurs such as needs to be removed from a sidewalk adjoining said premises, and the police are unable to reach the owner by phone or in person, then in said event the Town of Southington may cause the snow or ice to be removed and lien the premises for the amount so expended in addition to any other remedy or fines as allowed by law.
• Fines. Fines are listed in the Fine Schedule, § 37-2 of the Town Ordinances and posted on the Town of Southington website.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

The Southington Police Department announced the following arrests from Friday, Nov. 6 to Monday, Nov. 9:

• Nicolas Chiarella, 24, of 485 Janes St., Bridgeport, was arrested on Nov. 6 for three separate incidents of selling marijuana.
• Christine Cianciola, 46, of 79 Alpine Trail, Plantsville, was arrested on Nov. 6 for disorderly conduct and third degree assault.
• Thomas M. Cianciola, 47, of 79 Alpine Trail, Plantsville, was arrested on Nov. 6 for disorderly conduct.
• Jamal R. Gatling, 39, of 102 Sabina Dr., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 7 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and interfering with an officer.
• Daniel P. Skoronski, 31, of 106 Rejean Rd., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 7 for interfering with a 911 call and disorderly conduct.
• Gilbert Levesque, 58, of 44 Spellman St., Forestville, was arrested on Nov. 9 for risk of injury and six counts of breach of peace.

At approximately 10:03 a.m. this morning, the Southington Police and the Southington Fire Departments responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident in the area of Marion Avenue and Burritt Street, which has resulted in a road closure.

Upon arrival, police found that a tractor trailer had struck a utility pole, and the pole and a transformer had been taken down by the trailer.

“It appears that the trailer broke free from the truck that was towing it and rolled backwards into the pole,” a police spokesman said in a press release.

There were no injuries reported and no enforcement action taken at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Marion Avenue will be closed from Defashion Street to Burritt Street while crews repair the downed utility pole. Traffic in the area will be detoured around the accident scene. There are several neighborhoods without power and at least one intersection without a functioning traffic control signal.

UPDATE: Police have advised that, as of 3 p.m., the trailer was in the process of being removed from the accident scene and work on replacing the pole will begin. The area will be closed to vehicular traffic for several more hours. There is no further information available at this time.

As motorists take to the roads this holiday season, Southington Police are urging everyone to buckle up. Beginning on Monday, Nov. 23, and running through Monday, Nov. 30, law enforcement officials will be out in full force, taking part in the 2015 national Click It or Ticket Occupant Protection enforcement mobilization.

While Southington officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round, they will be even more focused during this week long drive, cracking down on motorists who are not belted. They’ll also be cracking down on drivers that are operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs or distractions.

For more on the national Click It or Ticket mobilization, visit www.nhtsa.gov

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

The Southington Police Department announced the following arrests from Wednesday, Oct. 28 through Monday, Nov. 17:

• Melvin Asipi, 19, of 2118 Meriden Waterbury Rd, Southington, was arrested on Oct. 30 for second degree breach of peace and third degree assault.
• Juan Gonzalez, 27, of 27 Linsley Ave., Meriden, was arrested on Nov. 3 for sixth degree larceny.
• Shawn Brunoli, 19, of 48 John St., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 6 for failure to respond to an infraction.
• Ronald Barker, 55, of 395 Waterville Rd., Waterbury, was arrested on Nov. 10 for second degree breach of peace and second degree threatening.
• Ronald White, 33, of 88 Oak St., Manchester, was arrested on Nov. 11 for a probation violation.
• Michael Edward Corso, 25, of 32 Vermont Ave., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 11 for second degree failure to appear.
• Javier Trujillo, 22, of 25 Bagley Rd., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 11 for fifth degree larceny, possession of marijuana, and possession of marijuana within 1500 feet of a school.
• Anthony Gdovin, 34, of 31 Whitney Ave., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 13 for disorderly conduct and third degree assault.
• Edwin C. Scott, 57, of 316 Old Turnpike Rd., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 13 for failure to register his address with the sex offender registry.
• Nathan J. Plaskett, 37, of 237 North Main St., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 14 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Jennifer Crapo, 20, of 141 Liberty St., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 15 for disorderly conduct.
• Judy Dinello, 50, of 141 Liberty St., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 15 for disorderly conduct.
• Walter Gerard Kolb, 20, of 17 Birch St., Rocky Hill, was arrested on Nov. 15 for third degree criminal trespassing, fifth degree larceny, and consipiracy to commit fifth degree larceny.
• Jeffrey Ronald Nanfito, 49, of 19 Summary St., Meriden, was arrested on Nov. 16 for third degree criminal trespassing, fifth degree larceny, and consipiracy to commit fifth degree larceny.
• Alexander Michael Fraenza, 23, of 67 Westwood Knoll, Meriden, was arrested on Nov. 16 for third degree criminal trespassing, fifth degree larceny, and consipiracy to commit fifth degree larceny.
• Keith Shook, 47, of 22 Plum Orchard Rd., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 17 for violation of a protective order.

The holiday season is fast approaching which means many Connecticut residents will be heading to the stores and to their computers to do holiday shopping. With our busy lives becoming more chaotic during the holiday season, many people forget some basic personal safety measures they should be taking.

The Connecticut State Police provided the following safety tips for shopping at stores and online. Following these tips can greatly reduce the opportunity criminals have to target you, your family, and your property.

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

• Lock your cars while shopping and while parked at home. Always move valuables out of sight.
• Shop with friends and family. Remember that there’s safety in numbers.
• Never leave your vehicle running when you go into a store.
• Never leave children unattended in the store or alone in a vehicle (This could lead to criminal charges).
• Teach your children about stranger safety.
• Keep your purse close to you. Carry your wallet in your front pocket.
• Don’t leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart.
• Have your keys out when approaching your vehicle.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep purchased merchandise in your trunk and out of view.
• Park in a well-lit area if shopping at night.
• Alert store security or police if you see an unattended bag.
• Alert store security or police if you notice someone acting suspiciously.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Only give cash to someone at a register. Be alert for criminals posing as employees.
• Be alert for strangers or con-artists distracting you while another person takes your purse or wallet.

Online Shopping Safety Tips

• Make sure the computer has updated security software, anti-virus protection, spyware protection, and active firewalls.
• Keep your login usernames and passwords secure.
• Only shop from secure websites. Look for the padlock icon in the URL or at the bottom of the screen. Also make sure the URL starts with https://.
• Only shop from reputable companies (i.e. Amazon.com, Macys.com, Bestbuy.com, etc.). Look for tricks in the URL such as Amazon.net, Bestbye.com, Maceys.com.
• Never send personal information via email to “verify” information. Legitimate companies and banks would never ask customers to do this by email.
• Online shopping companies do not need your social security number. Asking for your SSN is a red flag.
• Save receipts and email confirmations for purchases made online.
• Check bank statements to double-check transactions and identify any suspicious activity.