South Bay's Neighbor
Paul J. Bellew Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District recently hosted a wide range of guests as part of its Career Day activities. From firefighters to policemen, educators, chefs and nurses, students learned about a variety of career paths to help kickstart their minds. The fifth graders had a special visit from two Department of Homeland Security agents. They gave a presentation to the fifth grade classes in the school’s auditorium before heading outside with them to show off the agency’s armored vehicle and all its features. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District
ANTIPASTO (Choose one)
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Mozzarella Caprese Platter
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Platter
FIRST COURSE (Choose one half tray)
• Traditional Meat or Cheese Lasagna
• Traditional Baked Ziti
• Penne alla Vodka
• Manicotti
• Stuffed Shells
MAIN COURSE (Choose one)
• All Natural Hormone Free Stuffed Pork Roast
• USDA Prime Stuffed Flank Steak Roast
• Boar’s Head Brown Sugar, Sweet Sliced Holiday Ham *4-5lb.
PLACED BY APRIL 16TH
VEGETABLE (Choose two quarter trays)
• Sautéed Broccoli Garlic & Oil
• Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes
• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• String Bean Casserole
• String Bean Almondine
• Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Candied Sweet Potatoes
DESSERT (Choose one)
• Assorted Fresh Fruit Bowl
• Homemade Apple Pie (10 inch)
• Imported Italian Colomba
ANTIPASTO (Choose one)
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Mozzarella Caprese Platter
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Platter
SALAD (Choose one)
• Crispy Green Garden Salad
• Traditional Caesar Salad
• Baby Spinach & Goat Cheese with Fresh Berries
FIRST COURSE (Choose one full tray)
• Traditional Meat or Cheese Lasagna
• Traditional Baked Ziti
• Penne alla Vodka
• Manicotti
• Stuffed Shells
DESSERT (Choose one)
• Assorted Fresh Fruit Bowl
• Fresh Baked Italian Cookie Tray (2 lbs.)
• Imported Italian Colomba
MAIN COURSE (Choose one)
• American Spring Leg of Lamb
• Black Angus Filet Mignon Roast
• All Natural Hormone Free Stuffed Pork Roast
• Boar’s Head Brown Sugar, Sweet Sliced Holiday Ham
*8-10lb. avg. All meat comes raw, must be cooked.
VEGETABLE (Choose two half trays)
• Sautéed Broccoli Garlic & Oil
• Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes
• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• String Bean Casserole
• String Bean Almondine
• Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Candied Sweet Potatoes
1/2 GALLONS
• Family-Owned Home Improvement Company With Over 30 Years Of Experience
• Wide Selection Of Trusted Brands Offering Options For All Price Points
• Expansive Showroom To See And Select Materials For Your Upcoming Project
• In-House Designer Available To Assist With Material Selection And Provide 3d Renderings
• Dedicated Project Manager Assigned To Oversee Each Renovation From Start To Finish
Affordable Health Screenings Coming To Babylon
Assemblyman Durso Announces Annual Pet Food Drive
American Legion Post 94 will host this community event on 3/28/2025.
The site is located at 22 Grove Place in Babylon.
Residents living in and around the Babylon, New York can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening.
FUEL
Screenings can check for:
• The level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and overall vascular health.
• Narrowing of the smaller arteries of your ankles and feet, called Peripheral Arterial Disease
• HDL and LDL Cholesterol levels
• Bone density as a risk for possible osteoporosis
Screenings are affordable and convenient. Free parking is also available. Special package pricing starts at $159, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors. Call 1-877-2371287 or visit our website at www.lifelinescreening. com. Pre-registration is required.
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), in coordination with Long Island Cares, is inviting the community to participate in his annual Pet Food Drive to help families keep their pets out of shelters and remain at home where they belong. Assemblyman Durso is asking residents, community organizations and pet lovers to kindly donate unopened bags of dog and cat food, canned pet food and pet supplies. All items collected will be donated to Baxter’s Pet Pantry, operated by Long Island Cares, which provides free pet food and pet supplies to petowning families in need throughout Long Island. Donations can be dropped off through April 4, 2025 at Assemblyman Durso’s district office located at 512 Park Boulevard in
Massapequa Park or at various other locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
For more information, call Durso’s district office at 516-541-4598.
Donations are being accepted at the following locations: Assemblyman Durso’s District Office: 512 Park Boulevard,
Continued On 13
Recipe Of The Week: Seafood Pancakes
It’s
customary for people participating in Lenten fasting to skip meat and poultry dinners on Fridays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. It is a sacrifice symbolic of the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. However, opting for vegetables and fish in lieu of meats doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. “Seafood Pancakes” from “Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food” (White Lion Publishing) are a popular Korean appetizer. Any shellfish can be substituted, but the ingredients listed help keep the pancakes crispy. Enjoy this dish as a light lunch or in addition to other offerings for a tasty dinner.
Makes 4 to 5 pancakes
2 ounces mussels, cleaned and debearded
2 ounces clams, cleaned
3 1⁄4 ounces rice flour
2 tablespoons cornflour
2 1⁄2 ounces self-rising flour
2 tablespoons dwengjang (Korean soy bean paste)
Directions:
In a large saucepan, add enough water so that it’s threequarters full and bring to a boil. Add the mussels and clams and cook until the shells open. Remove the shellfish and set aside to cool. Retain 3⁄4 ounces of the cooking liquor then strain it to remove the meat from the shells of the mussels and clams and set aside.
In a large bowl, gently whisk together the rice flour, cornflour, self-rising flour, dwengjang, pepper, salt and 8 ounces of cold water and liquor from the cooked shellfish until smooth. Add the brown shrimp, mussels, clams, spring onions, garlic and red chillies (keeping the seeds, if you like more heat) and stir batter until thoroughly combined.
1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 large pinches of sea salt
3 1⁄2 ounces brown shrimp
5 spring onions, julienned
1 teaspoon garlic, grated or finely chopped
2 red chillies, thinly sliced at an angle
Vegetable oil for frying
In a large nonstick frying pan, heat a generous drizzle of oil over a medium-high heat. Spoon in the batter and spread it evenly to form a pancake about 5 inches wide. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the base, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Carefully flip and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is golden. Transfer to a kitchen paper-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the frying pan as needed.
Serve immediately with a favorite dipping sauce.
Islip Town’s Young Athletes Shine At Annual Sharpshooter Basketball Competition
The Town of Islip Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs held its annual Sharpshooter Basketball competition recently, a tradition that brings together children in 4th and 5th grade from across Islip Town for some friendly competition and to help promote drug and alcohol awareness.
Students and family gathered at East Islip High School for this tournament and competed to see who would make the most hoops after hearing about the history of the contest and words of encouragement from The Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter.
“Events like these are so important as less and less youth get outside and stay active,” said Supervisor Carpenter, “giving kids a way to have fun and get involved in their community is exactly what we at the Town of Islip strive for.”
Also in attendance were Councilman Jorge Guadron, Councilman Michael McElwee, Town Clerk Linda Vavricka, and officials from the South Shore University Hospital including Irene Macyk, and Deputy
Commissioner, of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Deirdre Wahlberg.
Sharpshooter Basketball Awards
4th GRADE GIRLS
• 1st Place: Joella Brewster, Manetuck
• 2nd Place: Brooklyn Shores, Hemlock Park
• 3rd Place: Mila Valentino, Sycamore Ave|
5th GRADE GIRLS
• 1st Place: Sophia Svonik, Sherwood
• 2nd Place: Jolie Poveromo, Bayview
• 3rd Place: Madelynn Plante, Helen B. Duffield
4th GRADE BOYS
• 1st Place: Easton Moran, Sunrise Drive
• 2nd Place: Tyler Deutsch, Sherwood
• 3rd Place: Dean Ricci, Gardiner Manor
5th GRADE BOYS
• 1st Place: Joel Orobello, Edith L. Slocum
• 2nd Place: Kona Konsevitch, Idle Hour
• 3rd Place: Jayden Eugene, John F. Kennedy
Application Open For Fall 2025 Hope For The Warriors Military
Spouse And Caregiver Scholarships
National Scholarship Program Accepting Applications Until April 30
Now, through April 30, applications are being accepted for the fall 2025 semester for the Hope For The Warriors Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship Program.
Since 2006, Hope For The Warriors has awarded Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships twice a year. The nationwide program recognizes and rewards post-9/11 spouses and caregivers for their strength, fidelity and resolve despite adversity as
they assume critical roles in the financial well-being of their families.
Scholarships vary from $1,800 to $2,500 and are applied toward higher education at an accredited U.S. university, college, or trade school. Unique to the program is a scholarship for spouses of the fallen, Restoring Family.
• Honorary Scholarship – awarded to those seeking graduate or post-graduate degree.
• New Beginnings Scholarship – awarded to those pursuing an associate degree, entry level classes or training.
• Restoring Family Scholarship – awarded to spouses of the fallen.
• Restoring Hope Scholarship – awarded to those pursuing a master’s or doctorate of social work, psychology counseling, or mental health counseling-
related field.
• Restoring Self Scholarship – awarded to those pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Since the program’s inception, Hope For The Warriors has granted 290 Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships totaling $737,107.
To receive an application to apply for the fall 2025 semester, visit hopeforthewarriors.org and connect to services.
About Hope For The Warriors: Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a foundation of stability, strength and community for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served over 171,000 service members, veterans, military spouses, and caregivers through 10 programs/services focused on providing financial,
career and educational stability; physical and emotional strength; and social support that builds community. This includes The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors providing confidential, high-quality mental health care services. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.
MARCH HAPPENINGS
SAT., MARCH 22nd
10:00AM-1:00PM
LENTEN COLLECTION FOR SOLES4SOULS
Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street, invites the community to join their Lenten Collection for SOLES4SOULS, a nonprofit organization that collects new/slightly used shoes and distributes them to people in need. Donations can be brought to their Grant Avenue entrance.
SUN., MARCH 23rd
11:00AM-5:00PM
ST JAMES MODEL RAILROAD CLUB WINTER OPEN HOUSE
Located at the Mills Pond House in St James. Once again opening to the public with many new additions to the Layout There is a requested donation, Adults $2.00, Children .50. PLEASE NOTE: The St. James Model Railroad Club is not handicapped accessible. For further information call evenings 516-263-9607 or 631-543-8732
12:00PM-4:00PM
ANNUAL ST JOSEPH CELEBRATION
Long Island Society of Italian Americans (LISIA) are getting ready for their annual St Joseph Celebration at The Inn at New Hyde Park. $100.00 per person includes antipasto, complete dinner, beer, wine & soda and dancing. Call Diane Langella @ 516-398-3484 for additional information and reservations.
TUES., MARCH 25th
7:00PM
N. BABYLON LIONS CLUB
GENERAL MEETING
HOLIDAYS
9th - Daylight Savings Begins
17th - St. Patrick's Day
20th - Spring Begins
MAKE A SUBMISSION!
Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
151 Phelps Lane - In the Blue Room, in N. Babylon. We're not just Pancakes and Pasta. Join us in helping others while having fun. Contact: Joefatuzzo@gmail.com
THURS., MARCH 27th
6:30PM-9:30PM
MUSIC BINGO FUNDRAISER
The Seaford Historical Society will host a fundraiser, Music Bingo, at the museum. The event is $25 per person, which includes 2 bingo cards. There will be raffles, door prize and a 50/50. Coffee and water will be available. The museum is located at 3890 Waverly Ave. in Seaford. Tickets can be purchased at their website seafordhistoricalsociety.org/musicbingo. Seating is limited. For more information, please call Judy Bongiovi at 516-783-8629
FRI., MARCH 28th
10:00AM-1:00PM
FIND YOUR TREASURE SALE
Simpson UMC Presents A Find your treasure sale. Clothing $5 a bag. New Clothing $3 a garment, Household Items, Children’s clothing, toys and furniture, Small animal needs. Something for everyone! Simpson UMC, 30 Locust Avenue in Amityville. Call Mary for more information 516-991-8098
SAT., MARCH 29th
8:30AM-11:30AM
HECKSCHER STATE PARK
MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5K
1 Heckscher State Parkway, Field 6 in East Islip. Rain or Shine. Boston
Qualifier Marathon and USATF Certified 5K and Half Marathon! The
course is fully stocked with water and nutrition stops. The course is on fully closed park roads. This is one of the 1st Marathons & Half Marathons of the spring - come run a well supported event at Scenic Heckscher State Park! Each runner will receive a long-sleeved shirt & a finisher medal! For more information, please contact Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323
SUN., MARCH 30th
12:00PM-5:00PM
NORTH BABYLON LIONS CLUB DART TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER
Sand City Brewery, 150 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. $39pp to play, includes cold foods and cash bar. $15pp to be a guest, includes cold foods and cash bar. Raffles, 50/50. Come join the fun and support one of their causes. For more info https://www.ourgroupline.org/ TheLionsClubofNorthBabylon/ or contact gail315@optonline.net
2:00PM FREE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
Echoes of Sinatra at the Hicksville Public Library – Keeping the “Sinatra” memory alive! The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call 516-797-7900 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com/CAPA.
FEATURING
Massapequa Park,
Honored For His Commitment To Scoutin
Legislator Steven J. Flotteron recognized Committee Chair of Troop 95, Mark Ivy, for his substantial contributions to scouting at the Church of Christ, 600 Montauk Hwy, West Islip. Father of two sons, Cole and Hayden an Eagle Scout, he has been a true leader to young scouts in the West Islip community. He took the role of Committee Chair of Troop 95 during a very difficult time. His knowledge and commitment to scouting, working with Pastor Ford, brought stability to the troop. His commitment continued long after his son, Hayden, aged out. During his time with the Troop, he regularly camped and attended outings, even while dealing with serious medical issues. Mr. Ivy is also active with Boys Scouts of America Sagtikos District as a member of the advancement team as a district approver.
Winter Senior Advocate Schedules
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Islip residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Winter 2025 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.
“It is so important for us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage
of this opportunity.”
This winter, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Islip:
• Bay Shore Library, 1 S. Country Road, Brightwaters: Friday, March 21, 10 am – 12 pm
• Bishop McGann Housing, 200 Bishop McGann Drive, Central Islip: Monday, March 24, 10 am – 12 pm
Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.
Bellew’s Career Day Offers Glimpse Into Future Opportunities
CAREER DAY - From March 3-7, Paul J. Bellew Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District hosted a wide range of guests as part of its Career Day activities. From firefighters to policemen, educators, chefs and nurses, students learned about a variety of career paths to help kickstart their minds. On March 7, the fifth graders had a special visit from two Department of Homeland Security agents. They gave a presentation to the fifth grade classes in the school’s auditorium before heading outside with them to show off the agency’s armored vehicle and all its features. Photos courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District
Oquenock Elementary Is ‘Wild’ About Reading
‘WILD’ ABOUT READING - Oquenock Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District is getting wild about reading in March. As part of their Pick A Reading Partner initiative, the school celebrated their love of literacy with a variety of events during a two-week period. On themed days, students and staff wore readable shirts, pajamas, wacky and wild hair and crazy socks. They engaged with their reading partners and discussed their favorite books and genres. Community readers joined in on the fun and read to the different classrooms throughout the day. To close out PARP, the school hosted a milk and cookies reading event. Photo courtesy of West Islip Union Free School District
Islip Town Clerk’s Office Processes Record Number Passports
The Islip Town Clerk’s office facilitated a record number of US Passport applications in January 2025, processing a total of 737 new applications, compared to 238 new applications in January of 2024. The Clerk’s office also saw a sharp increase in passport applications for the month of December 2024, processing 514 new applications versus 169 in December of 2023.
“The Islip Town Clerk’s office is unique in that it is the only township in Suffolk County that is a US Passport application facility. We are fortunate to be able to offer this convenient service to our residents,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter. The Islip Town Clerk’s office has been a US Passport facility since 2009.
Islip Town Clerk Linda D. Vavricka serves as the
Town’s secretary of all official minutes, registrar, licensing officer, records custodian is and the designated marriage officer of the Town.
Marriage, hunting, fishing, dogs, clamming, peddlers, games of chance, bingo and taxi licenses are issued by the Town Clerk. Requests for parade permits, block parties, garage sales, and going out of business sales are processed by the Town Clerk’s office as well. As the Registrar of Vital Statistics, the Town Clerk is also responsible for recording all births and deaths in the Town.
“Since taking office in January, it has been a priority of mine to create an awareness of the many services the Town Clerk’s office provides to its residents. The clerk’s office recently went digital, streamlining the
process by offering forms conveniently online, and some that are fillable,” said Islip Town Clerk, Linda Vavricka.
By visiting the Town’s website at www.islipny. gov, residents can now fill out the following forms and submit them online: Digital Birth Record Request; Digital Block Party Application; Digital Carnival, Circuses, Fairs & Outdoor Shows Application; Digital Death Record Request; Digital Dog License Application; Digital Dog License Application *Fee Exempt*; Digital Freedom of Information (FOIL) Application; Digital Marriage Record Application; Digital OneDay Marriage Officiant License Application; and Digital Parade, Races and Assembly Application.
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•
•
• Will they be at every Showing and at Closing?
the rest?
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• Will they take professional photographs?
• How will they advertise/promote your home?
•
• Will they just list your home on MLS and
• How will they advertise/promote your home?
• Will they just list your home on MLS and make you do the rest?
• Will they be at every Showing and at Closing?
Student Scholarship Opportunity
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso announced that the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators is accepting applications for four $3,000 scholarships, two academic and two athletic.
Scholarships are available to residents of the 9th Assembly District who are currently enrolled in a higher education program or are high
school seniors entering college. Students can access and complete the application by visiting: https://www.nyiacsl.org/ apply-for-scholarship-form
The application deadline is Friday, March 30, 2025.
“This is an excellent scholarship opportunity for high school seniors and college students in the 9th Assembly District who have worked hard, distinguished themselves from their
peers and intend to pursue higher education,” said Assemblyman Durso. “With college costs continually rising, this is a chance to lessen the financial burden that is a concern for so many young people and their families. I encourage eligible students in my district to apply.”
Applicants need not be of Italian American heritage to apply.
Scholarship recipients will
be announced in April and contacted directly. Winners should plan on being in Albany on Monday, May 19th to receive their award at our Italian-American Day Celebration.
For additional information, or to inquire if the student lives in the 9th Assembly District, please call Assemblyman Durso’s office at 516-5414598.
Pa int & Spackle, Fa scia, Soffit, Rotten Wood Re pair Kitchens , Baths FREE ESTIMATES lic/ins 516
BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING?
Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6
NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276
APARTMENT TO RENT? Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276
Making The Most Of A Spring Reset
By JoAnn Cilla
In 2025, more people are prioritizing purposeful living, making this spring season ideal for introducing the changes you want to see in your life. A good spring reset can include setting new goals, strengthening important relationships, and exploring a few creative outlets. I did some research and found four ways to begin your journey toward a more vibrant year and mindset starting this month!
Try Something New Outdoors: This month, consider planting a simple raised herb garden. It will add beauty to your backyard, and you get to reap what you see. Clear away winter debris, loosen the soil, and choose hardy, native plants that thrive in your region for a truly flourishing and eco-conscious yard.
Reboot Your Fitness Routine:
Warmer days encourage us to move more, ** but if you don’t have a regular exercise routine, consider a gentle approach. ** Start with daily morning stretches or short walks to awaken your muscles. Gradually incorporate activities like biking or yoga outdoors. Prioritizing restful sleep and balanced meals will also promote better energy and overall well-being.
Refresh Your Professional Goals:
Whether you want a new job or want to learn more about AI, March is a great month to work on your business goals. Small changes— like introducing ergonomic tools or rearranging furniture—can spark motivation and lead to increased productivity and fulfillment. If it is a new job you want, be prepared for
a much tougher job market. Remote work has increased the number of job candidates tenfold, and it’s easier than ever to apply for jobs online. In the past, when job openings attracted dozens of résumés, today recruiters are getting hundreds and thousands of them.
Elevate Your Living Space: If you’re staying put in 2025 or aiming to list your home, freshening up interior details is a must. Easily add a new coat of paint, swap out heavy drapes for breezy curtains, and incorporate statement lighting. A little organization, such as storage bins or labeled cabinets, makes daily routines easier. Simple upgrades give your home an uplifting atmosphere, ready to greet friends, neighbors, and sunny skies.
Welcome Spring! Who’s excited to start their projects?
Lenten Season In The Orthodox Church (English Language Services)
We invite you to worship with us during Great Lent at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. The more ancient form of the liturgy, the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, is celebrated at 9:30 AM (Hours at 9:00 AM) every Lenten Sunday (from March 9 to April 6 this year). Each of the Sundays of Great Lent has its own special theme, which is reflected in the New Testament readings and hymns of that day, as well
as the sermon. All services are conducted in English. A vegan coffee hour follows the Sunday Divine Liturgy during Great Lent. Services are also streamed on https://www.facebook.com/ htocem. The full liturgical schedule for Great Lent can be found on the parish website’s calendar at www.htocem.org. For more information, contact us at 516-483-3649 or htocem@gmail. com.
JOANN CILLA
All Pets ANIMAL HOSPITAL
(NAPSI)-A recent online survey by Toluna/Greenfield Online, Inc. found that while most consumers try to protect their identity, many admitted to risky behavior that could put them at risk for ID theft. To help educate and protect consumers, world-renowned fraud prevention expert Frank Abagnale offers these tips:
• Shop smart: Limit the credit cards you carry.
•Keep receipts and check
Identity Theft Prevention Tips
your statements: Examine every charge on your statement before paying. Your receipts provide a great cross-reference check and guard against suspicious activity. You have 30 days from the date of your statement to notify your financial institution of any discrepancies; otherwise, you can be liable for any purchases.
• Protect your computer when online shopping: Make
sure your security patch and anti-virus software are updated regularly. Consider technology to protect against potential viruses.
• Watch where you shop online: Look for the lock icon on the site’s browser status bar, a sign that that site is safe. If you have never heard of a website before, see if it has security precautions in place and isn’t a fake site set up by identity thieves.
•Don’t write checks:
Give cash or gift cards. The information on a check— name, signature, address— can be used to steal identity.
•Strengthen passwords: Use passwords with at least eight characters, including a combination of letters, numbers and symbols that are easy for you to remember but difficult for predators to guess.
• Watch your wallet: Be careful at parties, restaurants, fitness clubs,
shopping carts and your car.
• Don’t take the bait on phishing scams: Also, beware of shoulder surfing (when a thief looks over your shoulder while you’re at an ATM, either directly or via a camera).
• Stop mail and newspaper delivery when you’ll be away from home.
• Consider an identity theft protection service: One low-cost solution monitors the online
criminal underground where identities are bought and sold and instantly alerts you if your Social Security number or up to 10 credit card or debit card numbers are posted by thieves. The service also scans online directories and search engines, prime sources for spammers and thieves, letting you know where your information is available, and provides advice on how to remove it.
