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Awareness could save a life--or 3,000 lives

It is every person's responsibility to be aware of "Red Flags".  A Red Flag is anything that may indicate that criminal activity is occurring, has occurred, or may occur.  Here is a list of red flags that may warrant a report of suspicious activity.  Although we do not want to infringe on any person's legitimate right to privacy, it is better to err on the side of public and individual safety rather than on the side of criminals.

HOW TO USE THIS LIST

This list is intended to make you think.  It is not intended as an indictment of any law-abiding individual person or group.  Please keep the list handy, discuss it with your friends, family and associates.  When appropriate, use the list as a reference to report suspicious activity.

Range of Criminal Activities. This list is meant to cover a broad range of indicators of possible criminal activities or tendencies.  It is certainly not all-inclusive.  The list is a work-in-process, so please email us your specific suggestions for additions, revisions or need for clarifications.  (Editor@Burbank.com).  These red flags may point to child molesters, women- children- or elder- abusers, scammers, money launderers, drug dealers, smugglers, human traffickers, dealers in stolen property and contraband, as well as rapists, perpetuators of hate crimes, mobsters, murders and terrorists, and other criminals.

Red Flag List.  In some cases, even one of these red flags may warrant a report of suspicious activity.  In other cases, look for a combination or pattern.  It is always better to be safe than sorry.  These red flags apply to adults.

1. Known to make frequent and large-scale questionable wire transfers.
2. Carries a large amount of cash money.
3. Uses cash to pay for large purchases. 
4. Refuses to provide necessary information necessary to fill out required reports.
5. Provides false information.
6. Involved in any kind of transaction or business activity without an obvious and clear purpose.
7. Conducts business under unusual circumstances, at irregular hours or in unusual locations.
8. Has money, assets, possessions or lifestyle that is inconsistent with admitted occupation or business.  Lives too richly or more frugally than you would expect.
9. Makes casual remarks that may indicate criminal activity, such as "I don't want the government to find out about this."  "I don't pay taxes." "I help my people keep certain things secret." "I can get you drugs at a good price." "I have a little drug business on the side." "I have to get my money out of the country." "I belong to a secret militia that aims to bring freedom back to this country."  "I hate_______ (ethnic or other group)."  "I know the guy's a crook, I only do business with him for the money."
10. Offers gifts or gratuities that are greater than normal.
11. Pattern of activity suddenly changes for no apparent reason.
12. Subject of news reports, rumors or an investigation indicating possible criminal activity.
13. Unwilling to provide identification documents, references, or other information required.
14. Exhibits unusual concern about secrecy.
15. Attempts to do business at a location that is unusually remote from home or normal place of business.
16. Insists on using a post office box or mail drop.
17. Operates as an agent for an undisclosed principal.
18. Has difficulty describing the nature of his business.
19. Lacks general knowledge of his industry.
20. May be reached solely by pager, cell phone or email.
21. Apparently weak internal business controls.
22. Hires inexperienced people and does not train them.
23. High employee turnover.
24. Dishonest, untruthful, evasive, or never looks you in the eye when talking or listening.
25. Personality anomalies.
26. Poor reputation.
27. Known womanizer.
28. High-profile government official or businessman who has extra-marital affair with younger woman.
29. Aggressive attitude or behavior. 
30. Disrespectful attitude towards women, children, the elderly, or particular ethnic or cultural groups.
31. Apparent conflicts of interest.
32. Activities and interests primarily involve children, few significant normal peer relationships.
33. Immaturity, inappropriate dependence upon spouse or parents, unable to accept responsibility or make decisions, unusual attraction to child-oriented toys, video equipment, photographic equipment, Jacuzzi, or swimming pool.
34. Provides products with incomplete packaging and/or suspicious pricing.
35. Business performance is inconsistent with others of comparable size in its industry.
36. Conducts business with people from countries known to be centers for illegal activity, and/or where official sanctions exist. These may include the Balkans, Burma (Myanmar), Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, North Korea, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Syria, UNITA (Angola), Yugoslavia, and others.  See:
    http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/
    enforcement/ofac/sanctions/
    for updated list.
37. Has connections with or sympathies for known terrorist organizations, paramilitary groups, secret societies, cults or fanatics.
38. Holds extreme religious or political beliefs, and is intolerant of those who hold beliefs that are different that his or her own.
39. Often observed moving materiel to or from his property during the black of night.

Any one of these "red flags" may or may not be indicative of criminal behavior or criminal tendencies.  However, when any of these red flags pop-up, the person should be watched carefully, especially for emergent patterns.  Remember, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety, and for the safety of others in our community as well.

Please do not use this information to unlawfully discriminate against law-abiding people or groups.  Please do use this information to help identify and prevent existing or potential criminal behaviors.

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY TO THE FBI OR TO THE POLICE

FBI

http://losangeles.fbi.gov/contact.htm

Burbank Police

http://www.ci.burbank.ca.us/
police/Crime_Information.htm

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