As we get closer to the holidays, I want to start this post by sharing some information about scams. Our L&IT Department used the month of October to talk about cybersecurity. Those bad actors engaged in this criminal conduct continue to find ways through phone calls, texts and emails to gain access to sensitive personal data. A few of the current scams affecting Bucknell as well as  other institutions of higher education include the following:

• A phone scam where someone will call a parent/guardian of a college student and allege that the student has been arrested, and that they need to pay over the phone to release the student. Law enforcement officers will never call to request money over the phone for bail. At Bucknell, Public Safety does not call parents/guardians. If there are issues of concern regarding individual students, our campus partners in the Dean of Students Office, Athletics, etc., may reach out directly to parents/guardians.
• Another common scam is someone phoning to claim that a loved one who may be in another country has been detained, kidnapped or injured. The caller will then claim they need money to remedy the situation.
• Finally, students may receive legitimate-looking emails that offer them internships if they provide their account information.

Never give your personal bank account, credit card number or other sensitive information over the phone or via email until you have verified who you are speaking with. If you have concerns about an email or phone call from a company, contact Public Safety or L&IT. Remember that law enforcement will never ask you for money over the phone. Here is a list of resources to be aware of:

• National Fraud Information Center. Fraud.org is a project of the National Consumers League. This organization reports fraudulent activity to the federal government and maintains detailed records of fraud incidents. It also provides links for assistance sources in your state.
• Internet Crime Complaint Center. The FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center run a site called the Internet Crime Complaint Center. It features many tips and other helpful information about avoiding email scams and what to do if you fall victim to one. It also offers a link for filing a claim against a third party who stole or attempted to steal your identity. 
• U.S. Department of Justice. The U.S. Department of Justice runs websites that allow you to file email-scam complaints. The site also features plenty of helpful links, tips and advice.
• Better Business Bureau. The BBB makes it possible to alert others to what happened to you so they don’t fall for the same scams.

Public Safety Presence in Residence Halls

Due to recent acts of criminal vandalism, we are increasing our presence in first year residence halls. We understand that residence halls are students home away from home. Engaging in the residence life experience on a college campus can be an exciting time. What is not acceptable is damaging property. In response to a rise in vandalism and until these issues abate our presence in these first-year halls will increase. If anyone has any information on who is committing the damage to property in Larison, Smith, and Vedder, please contact Public Safety.

Vehicle Maintenance

If you are a student who has not driven their car often this semester don’t wait until fall break to discover there may be issues. A dead battery, issue with an alienator, flat tires, can all impact you as you plan to drive home for the upcoming break. Public Safety will advertise another basic vehicle maintenance course. Prior to the break make sure your car is up and running.

Therapy Dog

We are pleased to finally announce that both Digger and CSO Rake completed their therapy dog certification! You will see them both around campus, and we could not be happier with how they both have been received by Bucknellians. We want to thank Kelly Pastuszek for her partnership in helping to make this a reality. Members of the campus community who would like to invite Digger to an event or schedule an appointment with him should contact jg062@bucknell.edu. We encourage everyone to get a photo with Digger and share it with us at publicsafety@bucknell.edu.

Parking

As we enter the winter months, it can be tempting to park illegally in spaces closest to campus buildings. As a reminder, Public Safety tows vehicles that have received five citations, are blocking traffic or creating a safety hazard. We also tow unauthorized non-motorized objects parked in a campus-owned lot. Also, please remember that Lewisburg Borough engages in snow removal, street cleaning and leaf removal that may affect parking on borough streets, so be sure to pay attention to street signs to avoid being towed. 

It is important for individuals to familiarize themselves with the acceptable parking practices. One of the last things we want to do is tow a vehicle. We are encouraging our community to follow the parking rules for Bucknell’s campus and Lewisburg Borough.

Finally, as we have two breaks coming up over the next several weeks. Students’ vehicles can be left legally parked in student or all decal designated parking lots.