Staying Safe While Enjoying Dorm Life

Posted on August 24, 2022 by karen

One of the best things about finally going to college and moving into a dorm is that not only are you free of your parent’s strict rules but you’re also in the perfect place to meet people who will become lifelong friends.

While there are many perks connected to living in a dorm, there are also some drawbacks. The first is safety. While most colleges and universities try to take as many precautions as they can and to keep all students safe, they can’t stop everything. It’s up to you to make sure you do everything in your power to stay safe while also enjoying dorm life.

Keep Your Doors Locked

Dorms foster a community vibe that makes it feel like the entire building is your home. This is a great thing but can also be dangerous. The problem is that while you might know and like everyone who lives on your floor, you don’t know who might be visiting. No matter how comfortable you are with the people who live in your dorm building, always be good about keeping your dorm room locked both when you are and aren’t in it.

You also need to get into the habit of checking the identity of anyone who knocks before you open your door. Don’t assume that everyone who knocks on your door has friendly intentions.

Lock Up Your Valuables

It’s a good idea to keep a safe in your dorm room and use it to lock up your valuables, such as your laptop when you’re not using it. Locking away your valuables makes your dorm room less appealing to thieves.

Pay Attention to Your Drinks

It doesn’t matter if you’re hanging out in your room with a handful of friends, at a party, or have gone to a restaurant, pay careful attention to your drinks. Never leave your drink unattended. If you do have to walk away from your drink, dispose of it and get a new one. The last thing you want is to drink something that has been drugged.

Don’t Travel By Yourself, Especially at Night

It doesn’t matter if you were at a party or simply engaged in a late-night study session at the library. Don’t walk home alone. Find someone you trust to walk with you back to your dorm. Don’t ask a stranger. If no one you know can walk home with you, spend a little money and take a cab or call an Uber.

What things do you plan to do to not only make sure you enjoy dorm life but that you also stay safe while you’re at college?

Top Internet Scams

Posted on August 24, 2022 by karen

Shortly after the internet was created, the internet scam was born. It’s amazing the number of different ways the internet has been used to scam different people. It seems like every single year, a new scam hits the virtual world and people start falling for it. While new internet scams are interesting and you should stay on top of the newest scam trends so you can identify the early warning signs, some have withstood the test of time.

Here are the top internet scams of all time.

Email Phishing

Email phishing is a type of internet scam that’s nearly as old as email itself.

Email phishing is a type of scam that involves a con artist sending out emails that look like they come from a legit organization or person. The main purpose of these types of emails is to collect personal information, particularly credit card numbers, which the scammer then uses for their benefit.

One of the most famous email phishing scams is the pseudo-Nigerian prince who used to send out emails asking for donations.

Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams are becoming increasingly common. This type of internet scam works because we’ve grown so accustomed to using virtual tech support options. The difference is that the virtual support you’ve sought out is usually legit. The tech support scams never are.

The way tech support scams work is that someone either calls or emails you. They claim to be from a major computer system company, security company, or common tech store. They then launch into a spiel about how they believe you’re computer is infected. Not only does the malware infection negatively impact your computer’s performance, but the tech support con artist will also explain how it could compromise your identity and steal credit card information.

The problem is that your computer isn’t currently infected. The con artist plans to place some malware on it that will allow them to collect your sensitive data. They do this in a manner that’s both easy to fall for and hard to trace.

Social Media Fraud

Social media fraud is an internet scam that doesn’t get quite as much attention as it should. The idea behind social media scams s that someone will connect with you via a social media channel. They often do this by posing as your friend. They can do this because they create a mirror account that not only uses your friend’s name but also their profile picture. They will usually send a private message that starts as a friendly conversation but quickly turns into a desperate plea for money.

The two best ways to make sure you don’t fall victim to a social media scam are contacting your friend directly and asking the scammer specific questions. If they don’t provide you with the type of answer you’d expect from your friend, report the fake account.

5 Things You Should Know About Your Rights

Posted on August 10, 2022 by karen

At Memphis Bail Bonds, we serve to protect the rights of those who have been arrested, whether that person is truly guilty of the crime or not. That’s why we offer an unmatched bail bond service. We are the most reliable and affordable bail bond agency.

If you are arrested, it is first and foremost important that you know your own rights:

You have the right to remain silent
You have the right to legal counsel
You have the right to know the charges against you
You have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty
You have the right to non-excessive bail

Memphis Bail Bonds will help you protect these rights by helping you bail out of jail. It is not right to hold you in jail until court (you haven’t been formally found guilty yet!) and it is not right to “force” you to stay in jail because you cannot afford your expensive bail. This is where Memphis Bail Bonds can help you. To make an appointment, please call us immediately at (615)544-0000.

Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card

Posted on August 9, 2022 by karen

Credit card fraud happens when someone uses another person’s credit card to either make unauthorized purchases or to withdraw/transfer funds.

There are two main ways that credit card fraud takes place. The first method involves someone either finding or stealing another person’s credit card. Instead of turning it in, the person decides to put the credit card to use and goes on a shopping spree.

The second way that credit card fraud happens is when one person hacks into another person’s credit card accounts, steals the numbers, and starts using them for themselves.

The good news is that you have it in your power to limit the amount of strain both types of credit card fraud puts on your life. The first thing you need to do is become vigilant about checking your credit card statement for unfamiliar charges. The best approach is to have email alerts sent to you each time your card is used. If that’s not possible, get into the habit of logging into your credit card account and checking the transactions at least once a day.

As soon as you see charges that you didn’t make, you need to leap into action and arrange to have your current credit card canceled and a new one issued. Once you’ve done that, start working with your credit card company to get the charge reversed. The sooner you contact the insurance company, the better.

In some cases, credit card fraud is only a misdemeanor while in others it is treated as a serious felony. In serious cases, someone who is convicted of credit card fraud could be sentenced to three years in prison and also be charged a large fine.

Memphis Bail Bonds Q&A

Posted on July 27, 2022 by karen

Do You Need to Pay Bail?

If you’re wondering if you need to pay bail, the simple answer is no. Bail is an amount of money (and sometimes conditions that have to be met) that you have to pay if you wish to be released from jail while your case makes it way through the legal process.

Just because bail has been set, you don’t have to pay it. Some people opt to remain incarcerated while others would prefer to go free. The choice is yours.

Do you Need to Use a Bail Bondsman?

Some people believe that they need to use a bail bonds company in order to cover their bail and be released from jail. The truth is that you don’t need to. If you have enough money on your own, you can pay your own bail or have a friend cover the expense.

How Complicated is the Process?

The bail bond process is one of the simplest aspects of the judicial process. Shortly after you’ve been charged and arrested, you go before a judge who determines the amount of your bail. At this point, you have the option of paying it or of returning to your cell. If you chose not to bail yourself out right away, you still have the option of doing so at a later date.

If you contact us and ask for our help, we require:

Proof of Residency
A valid state-issued identification card or driver’s license
A pay stub or bank statement that shows regular deposits

We provide everyone who contacts us with a free consultation. During the consultation, you’ll speak to a highly experienced bail bond agent who will patiently answer all of your questions and guide you through the bail bonds process. Taking advantage of this consultation is completely free of obligation.

We have a great deal of experience with the local court system and will do everything in our power to expedite the process so you can return to your family and job.

How Difficult is it to Reach Memphis Bail Bonds?

We’re incredibly easy to reach. We’re available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We promise to handle your case with compassion. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we’ll help you walk away from jail. Feel free to call us at (615)544-0000.

The Difference Between Bench Warrants and Arrest Warrants

Posted on July 27, 2022 by karen

Many people don’t realize that bench warrants and arrest warrants are two different things. While both have the same end result, you get arrested, they’re handled in two very different ways.

What is an Arrest Warrant

Before an arrest warrant can be issued, a judge has to sign off on the document. This happens when a new crime has taken place and the police present the judge with enough evidence that you could have been involved. The arrest warrant doesn’t mean that you’re guilty, it simply means that a judge agrees that the police have a legal right to require you to speak to them about the case.

Something that some people don’t realize is if you’re arrested without an arrest warrant that summarizes the crime you’re suspected of or if there is insufficient probable cause to justify the arrest warrant. One of the things a good defense attorney looks at is the probable cause connected to the search warrant. If there wasn’t sufficient evidence, it’s possible they’ll be able to get the arrest warrant dismissed so you can go home.

What is a Bench Warrant?

A bench warrant is another warrant that gives law enforcement the right to arrest you but it’s not the same thing as an arrest warrant. Bench warrants are issued when you do something like fail to appear in court. Most police officers don’t actively go after people who have a bench warrant sworn out against them. A vast majority of people who have bench warrants issued for them are caught during traffic violations.

It’s not a bad idea to contact a criminal defense lawyer and ask for their help with the bench warrant. It’s likely that they will guide you through the process of contacting the court house and rescheduling.

If you suspect that a bench warrant has been issued for you, it’s in your best interest to be proactive about the situation. Rather than spending all of your time looking over your shoulder or stressing that each time you go a few miles over the speed limit you’ll be arrested, you should resolve yourself to settle the matter once and for all.

When dealing with an outstanding warrant, you seek out the services of a good defense attorney. Not only will they be able to confirm if there an outstanding warrant has been issued for you, but they will also help you through the initial booking process, help you decide how to handle bail, and guide you through the hearing.

You won’t believe how much better you feel once you’ve resolved all the legal issues surrounding an outstanding warrant and are able to resume your life without having to worry about being arrested.

Stay Safe During Wildfire Season

Posted on July 12, 2022 by karen

No matter what part of the state you live in, you should know how to take care of yourself if a wildfire is in your area.

Have an evacuation plan in mind. Wildfires move fast and can change suddenly. Don’t wait until you receive evacuation orders to get things in order. As soon as you know that there is even the slightest chance that a wildfire could pass near you, create an evacuation plan. This plan should map out the best way to leave your neighborhood, already having overnight bags stowed in your vehicle, filling up the car’s gas tank, and having everything needed to move pets at the ready.

Rather than calling the fire department every few minutes, listen to reports on the radio/news program as they come in. When there’s a wildfire in your area, you should always pay attention to official reports. These reports will let you know if there’s a chance that wildfire will come closer and even more importantly, let you know if you need to immediately evacuate.

Charge your phones and make sure you have plenty of working batteries on hand. There is a good chance the power will be turned off so you’ll want to be prepared in advance.

Once you have your own situation in order, connect with family, friends, and neighbors and find out how they are doing. An approaching wildfire is one of those times when everyone needs to pull together and lend a helping hand. Make sure everyone has the ability to evacuate and enough supplies to get them through if they have to stay home while the power is out. If they don’t try to help them find what they need. Offering just a little assistance during this time is the best way to make sure everyone survives.

Once everything is taken care of in your community, reach out to relatives and friends who live in another area. The odds are good that they already know about the wildfire and are concerned about your welfare. Touching base, even if it’s only through a social media post will give them some peace of mind.

Stay safe this wildfire season!

Benefits to Being the Oldest Sibling

Posted on July 12, 2022 by karen

People generally think that being the younger sibling is “better” and “more fun.” Parents are more lax with their second child, having raised the first child and seeing the pros and cons to their parenting style. Over-protective on the first child? Ease up a bit on the second. Trust the first child enough? Certainly trust the second. But, there are definitely big pay offs to being the older sibling, and the best thing is getting to be in a role model position.

The older sibling gets the blessing of having the younger one look up to them. It’s imperative for the older sibling to model him or herself in a positive, goal-oriented manner. The parents will be very pleased with their older child. Effectively, the younger child wants to be just as perfect, if not better. He or she will take after the older sibling and they too, will grow up to make their parents extremely proud.

The older sibling also has the ability to steer their younger sibling away from danger and rough obstacles that aren’t necessary. If they see their younger brother or sister acting too close to getting arrested, they have the strongest influence to help turn them around.

This is the best thing about being the older sibling – being the wonderful role model for the younger sibling. Older siblings have that watchful, caring eye. And younger siblings will likely respond a bit better to their older sibling than to their parents because well, they’re parents.

So, for all the older children out there, we’re counting on you to not only be able to keep yourself out of trouble, but to also keep your younger peers who you call brothers and sisters out of jail. We hope you won’t ever need to call us but if you do, for yourself or for a loved one, we at Memphis Bail Bonds will not hesitate to answer your call and help you out. We can bail someone out quickly and quietly.

Conserving Electricity This Summer

Posted on June 28, 2022 by karen

There are a few different reasons why electricity is becoming increasingly difficult for us to use. The leading reasons that electricity is in short supply include wildfires that not only destroy many electrical resources but often put an additional strain on the grid. The drought makes it harder to find the water needed to create electricity. Last is the sheer demand people are placing on the state’s electrical system. As the days get hotter, people are using their air conditioning more frequently which drains electrical resources.

While you may not be able to completely spare the state from rolling black and brownouts this summer, there are a few things you can do that will limit the strain you place on the overtaxed system and also lower your monthly electricity bill.

Use Window Covering/Treatments

You will be amazed by the amount of money upgrading your window coverings/treatments saves you. Good quality window coverings/treatments are designed to significantly reduce the amount of heat that’s let into your house. The less heat that enters your home, the less you’ll pay to keep the interior air conditioning.

Consider Using a Fan

Switching the air conditioning off and turning a fan on is always a great way to conserve electricity, especially when you’re the only person home. Fans create a wind-chill effect as they circulate air around the room. Occasionally using a damp towel to moisten your skin will enhance the fan’s cooling properties.

Since the fan doesn’t actually cool your home but simply moves air around, you’ll want to shut it off whenever you leave the room. Continuing to allow it to run will simply drain your electrical supply for no good reason.

Invest in a New Thermostat

Believe it or not, the thermostat you’re using can have a major impact on your monthly utility bills. All you have to do is replace your traditional thermostat with an automated one that you can program to accommodate your family’s routine. Why is this important? It means that during the times when no one is home, the system will turn off your air conditioning and allow the internal temp of your home to rise a bit while you conserve energy by not running the A/C. Just before you’re scheduled to get home, the automated thermostat will turn the A/C on so you return to a cool and comfortable environment.

What steps have you taken to decrease your electricity use this summer?

Safe and Sane vs Dangerous Fireworks

Posted on June 28, 2022 by karen

The first category of fireworks and the one everyone would prefer that you work with is referred to as “safe and sane fireworks.” Most of us are perfectly happy using safe and sane fireworks. These are the simple yet satisfying light shows that you can put on in your own backyard. They include things like snap caps, sparklers, small little rockets that only travel a few feet into the sky, fountains, and spinners. The simple things that pretty much anyone can figure out how to operate safely.

Dangerous fireworks are more complicated. These are the fireworks that create the bigger light show. Lawmakers consider fireworks that exceed ten inches in length and a quarter-inch in diameter to be dangerous. More importantly, they’re illegal.

While safe and sane fireworks are perfectly legal for you to purchase and use in the comfort of your own backyard, they’re still heavily restricted. To sell safe and sane fireworks, vendors must be properly licensed. They are also only allowed to sell the fireworks from June 28th through July 6. If you want to purchase the safe and sane fireworks, you’ll need to get to the store as close to that June 28th date as possible. Anyone who can’t prove that they are at least 16 years old will not be allowed to purchase the fireworks.

When it comes to what lawmakers consider dangerous fireworks, you shouldn’t have them at all. It’s illegal for you to have dangerous fireworks.

If you’re caught with a large number of dangerous fireworks, you’ll face serious legal ramifications. The large quantity of fireworks means you’re facing felony charges. If convicted, the maximum sentence is three years in a state prison and/or a $50,000 fine.

If you plan on purchasing and setting off any fireworks this season, you first need to check your local government ordinances. Some cities and counties, have banned even the types of fireworks the state considers to be safe and sane. Before lighting up your small stash of safe and sane fireworks, make sure you’re not about to break any local ordinances that could result in misdemeanor charges.

Your local fire department will be able to provide you with detailed information about local firework laws and restrictions.