Theft Prevention

Theft is a crime of opportunity. Taking precautions to protect your property can decrease the risk of theft.

The Ohio University community should take the following precautions to safeguard property:

  • Always keep doors and windows locked to your residence or office when you leave. Do not prop open or disengage locking systems on doors and windows.
  • Never leave valuables unattended in a public setting. If you must leave your property, leave it with someone you know, not with someone working/studying in the same area.
  • Never allow anyone you do not know to enter a locked building when you are entering/leaving. Do not let people “tailgate” or “piggyback” with you into a locked building.
  • Keep an updated list of all personal property with serial numbers, especially personal electronics and bicycles. Please note the MAC addresses of any technology with access to the Internet. This information may help law enforcement detectives with their investigation.
  • If you own Apple products, download and use the “Find my iPhone” application.
  • Lock bicycles using steel “U” lock devices rather than a cable or chain lock. Lock the frame and front tire together to a stationary object, preferably a bicycle rack. If the bicycle has an easily removable seat tube, take the seat/seat tube with you. One can purchase devices to secure the seat/seat tube to the bicycle frame.
  • If you are a victim of theft, report it to OUPD at 740.593.1911, or your local law enforcement agency immediately. Law Enforcement is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

What to do if You Have Been a Victim of Theft

  • If you have been a victim of theft, while at Ohio University, contact OUPD or your local law enforcement to report the theft immediately. In an effort to lessen further victimization, it is suggested you follow the below listed, applicable steps:
  • If physical keys/electronic access cards to Ohio University are stolen, notify OUPD immediately. In the event the keys/electronic access cards are missing, students should notify Housing and Residence Life and Access Control. Students can suspend their own access control through their eAccount. Instructions can be found on the Bobcat Cash webpage and following the Mobile App Instructions.
  • Call your financial institutions and cancel applicable credit/debit cards.
  • Call your financial institution if checks for checking/savings accounts are stolen.
  • Consider all accounts that may automatically deduct money from your financial accounts. Contact those companies to update those accounts if applicable.
  • If you have any stolen/missing membership cards, ie. grocery, gym, etc., notify the applicable companies regarding replacement.
  • If any government issued identification card/passport is stolen/missing, contact the appropriate government agency regarding replacement.
  • In the case of theft of a credit card or debit card, contact the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and Transunion) and notify them of the theft. A fraud alert can be placed on your account. After 60 days, you should run a free credit report to verify your account. For more information, visit Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice.

Scams and Identity Theft

The Ohio University community can be subject to scamsand identity theft. The scams are typically initiated by telephone calls or emails in which the callers/senders claim to be government officials, law enforcement officials, or representatives of a financial institution. You can protect yourself by understanding some common characteristics of scams and taking steps when you encounter a potential scam.

Common Characteristics of Scams

  • Scammers pretend to be from an organization you know, such as a utility company or financial institution. They may use a real name or make up a name that sounds official. The scammer will use technology to mask the phone number or email address being used.
  • Scammers say there is a problem or a prize. They may allege you are in trouble, owe money, a problem with your account, someone is injured, or there is a virus on your computer. Some scammers may say you won money in a lottery or sweepstakes but need to pay some money or provide a bank account for the money to be deposited.
  • Scammers pressure you to act immediately. They will create a sense of urgency to prevent you from conducting research or verifying their story. They may allege arrest, suspension of a driver’s license, deportation, or corruption of a computer.
  • Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way. They insist on payment using cryptocurrency or wiring money using MoneyGram or Western Union, or a payment app. Scammers may request payment with gift cards by asking for information on the back of the card they asked you to purchase. The scammer may send you a check (later determined to be fake), then request you to deposit the check and send them the money.

How to Avoid a Scam

  • Block unwanted calls and text messages.
  • Do not provide your personal information or financial information in response to a request you do not expect. Honest organizations will not call, email, or text to ask for personal information, such as your social security number, bank account, or credit cards.
  • Do not click on links in text messages and emails. If you question the legitimacy of the email or text, contact the organization directly using a verified website or phone number to confirm the information in the email or text.
  • Resist the pressure to act immediately. Honest organizations will give you time to make a decision. Anyone who pressures you to act immediately is a scammer.
  • Know how scammers tell you to pay. Never pay someone who insists you can only pay with cryptocurrency, a wire transfer service such as MoneyGram or Western Union, a payment app, or gift card. Never deposit a check and send money back to someone.
  • Stop and talk to someone you trust. Tell a family member, friend, or neighbor before you act. Talking about it may help you realize you are being scammed.

Report scams to OUPD or your local police department. For more information regarding scams and identity theft, visit Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice.