Current Crime Trends Shared by LMPD Detectives
Crime Trends in Lower Moreland Township and Surrounding Areas
The Lower Moreland Police Department is committed to keeping our community informed about emerging crime trends in our area. Below, you will find a list of current trends that our detectives are seeing in Lower Moreland Township and surrounding communities.
By staying informed and vigilant, we can work together to prevent crime and keep our neighborhoods safe. If you have any questions or concerns about these trends, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Remember, if you see something, say something. Your tips and cooperation are invaluable in helping us combat crime and keep our community safe.
FBI : Sharp Increase in the Activity of "764"
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning regarding a significant increase in the activity of violent online networks, "764," operating within the United States and globally. These networks systematically target and exploit minors and vulnerable individuals, making it crucial for the public to be aware of the risks and warning signs exhibited by victims.
These networks employ threats, blackmail, and manipulation to coerce or extort victims into producing, sharing, or live-streaming harmful content, including acts of self-harm, animal cruelty, sexually explicit acts, and/or suicide. The footage is then circulated among network members to further extort victims and exert control over them.
It is essential for the public to be vigilant and aware of these warning signs to protect themselves and others from falling victim to these online networks. If you or someone you know is a victim of online exploitation, report it to the authorities immediately.
The FBI recommends that family, friends, and associates consider the following potential indicators and warning signs:
- Sudden behavior changes such as becoming withdrawn, moody, or irritable.
- Sudden changes in appearance, especially neglect of appearance.
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits.
- Dropping out of activities and becoming more isolated and withdrawn.
- A new online "friend" or network prospective victims seem infatuated with and/or scared of.
- Receipt of anonymous gifts, such as items delivered to your home, currency, gaming currency or other virtual items.
- Scars, often in patterns.
- Fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks, burns, or other wounds.
- Carvings, such as words or symbols, on the skin.
- Wearing long sleeves or pants in hot weather.
- Writing in blood or what appears to be blood.
- Threatening to commit suicide and openly talking about death, not being wanted or needed, or not being around.
- Idealization of mass shooting or mass casualty events.
- Family pets or other animals being harmed or dying under suspicious circumstances.
- Family pets uncharacteristically avoid or are fearful of your child or you.
- Law enforcement being called to the home under false pretenses (known as swatted or doxxed) by an unknown person.
The FBI recommends the public consider the following when sharing content (e.g., photos and videos) or engaging with individuals online:
- Monitor children's and other vulnerable individuals' online activity and discuss risks associated with sharing personal information.
- Use discretion when posting images, videos, and personal content online, particularly those that include children or their information.
For more information on online risks:
- Parents, Caregivers, Teachers - FBI
- Take It Down
- FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Facebook Marketplace Safety Alert
The Lower Moreland Police Department wants to inform the community about a growing concern regarding Facebook Marketplace scams and safety risks. We have noticed an increase in incidents where buyers and sellers are being targeted and victimized. (Read more about it here.)
Beware of Potential Dangers:
- Buyers luring sellers to a location with the intention of robbing them.
- Sellers offering counterfeit or incorrect items, putting buyers at risk of financial loss.
Here are some valuable tips to help you stay safe:
- Verify the authenticity of online profiles: Before making any transactions, ensure the Facebook page or profile is legitimate and has been established for a while. Be wary of profiles with minimal photos or friends.
- Beware of unusual payment requests: Never accept overpayments or agree to send money back to the seller. This is a common tactic used by scammers.
- Do your research: Take the time to research the item you're interested in buying and the seller's reputation before making a purchase.
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is: Be cautious of deals that appear too good to be true or promise unrealistic discounts.
By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online scams. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Safe Exchange Zone for Online Transactions
The Lower Moreland Township Police Department offers a safe and secure location for our community to conduct online buy/sell transactions. This service is available 24/7, providing a convenient and secure environment for individuals to exchange goods. This location is at 640 Red Lion Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006, on the driveway leaving from the front of the police building to their side lot (where the tall communications tower is located).
We encourage residents to take advantage of this service and conduct their online transactions in a safe and secure environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Beware of EZ PASS Scam
Be cautious of suspicious texts claiming you owe money for your EZ PASS.
These fraudulent messages are designed to deceive and manipulate individuals into divulging personal information or making payments. Remember, legitimate EZ PASS notifications will never request sensitive information or demand immediate payment via text message.
To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam:
- Be wary of unsolicited texts or emails claiming you owe EZ PASS fees.
- Never provide personal information, such as login credentials or financial details, in response to these messages.
- Verify the authenticity of EZ PASS notifications by contacting the official EZ PASS customer service directly. (1-877-736-6727)
Remember: if it seems too good (or bad) to be true, it likely is. If you have received a suspicious message, please report it to the Lower Moreland Township Police Department by calling us or coming into the station.
MAILING CHECKS? THINK AGAIN
Protect Your Mail and Your Finances: The Lower Moreland Police Department is warning residents of a recent surge in stolen checks from mail deposited in outdoor post office mailboxes. To safeguard your sensitive information and prevent financial loss, we urge you to take a simple yet crucial step: hand-deliver your mail inside the post office instead of using the outdoor mailboxes.
By doing so, you can significantly reduce the risk of your checks being stolen and used for fraudulent activities. This proactive measure can help protect your identity and financial security.
What is check washing?
Check washing is a type of fraud or theft that occurs when a personal or business check is intercepted or stolen before it reaches the intended payee. The check is treated with a chemical formula to remove the ink or "wash the check". As a result, the check can be rewritten with a higher amount, addressed to a new payee and cashed or deposited. It may take several weeks for the victim to notice the theft occurred.
One possible solution:
Some research has shown that gel pens are a good preventative for check washing, specifically the Uni-ball #207 gel pen (see below). According to Uni-Ball, this gel pen gets trapped in the paper when writing, making it more difficult to “wash” it off with chemicals.
While this is only a minor preventative tip, it may just work for you when you mail your next check. LMPD has no proof of this so we recommend conducting your own research before proceeding.
Here are some other preventative tips for check washing:
- Optimize Mail Deposit Times: meaning ensure your mail is deposited into the mailbox as close to pickup times as possible. Or hand your mail to post office staff, minimizing the window of opportunity for mail theft.
- Retrieve mail from your mailbox promptly! Don’t wait too long to retrieve it once it has been delivered.
- Sign up for informed delivery with the post office. This will send you emails, allowing you to see what mail you will be receiving ahead of time.
- If you plan on going away on vacation, have the post office hold your mail until your return. Coordinate with family, friends, or neighbors to collect your mail for you daily.
Banking tips:
- Avoid having ordered checks delivered to you and instead pick them up at your bank.
- Regularly review bank statements.
- Consider online banking versus sending paper checks.
- Check credit report often.
If you suspect Mail Theft:
- Notify your bank
- Report the theft to United Postal Inspection Services
- Make a report with your local police department.
