Older Versions of the Greek Passport are Invalidated

Older Versions of the Greek Passport are Invalidated
(01/08/2007)The Greek Government has announced that, effective January 1, 2007, Greek passports are valid for travel only if issued on or after January 1, 2006, regardless of expiration date.

• Greek passports issued prior to January 1, 2006 will be invalid for admission into the United States.
• All versions of Greek official and diplomatic passports are valid for admission until the document expiration date.
• The Government of Greece announced that all versions of their passport will be valid for return to Greece for Greek nationals.

Carrier Liability
In order to allow transportation carriers sufficient time for informed compliance, CBP will begin imposing penalties on transportation carriers for bringing to the United States any alien who is applying for admission with a noncompliant Greek passport effective February 1, 2007.

Questions may be directed to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at (202) 344-1438.

Source: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/alerts/old_greek_passport.xml

Suspected Cocaine Traffickers Arrested by CBP U.S. Border Patrol

San Clemente, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two illegal aliens in the San Clemente area late Wednesday night, both of whom had warrants for cocaine trafficking charges out of British Columbia, Canada.

Agents on patrol near the San Clemente Border Patrol checkpoint encountered three subjects around midnight during a vehicle stop on Interstate 5 south. Two of the subjects were determined to be in the U.S. illegally, and were subsequently transported to a local U.S. Border Patrol station for processing.

Record checks revealed that both subjects, a 32-year-old male Canadian national and a 43-year-old male Mexican national, had outstanding warrants issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their involvement in narcotics smuggling in Canada. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed the warrants and requested the subjects’ extradition to Canada.

A unified effort of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agencies has recently led to several significant arrests in San Diego based on outstanding warrants. The San Diego Sector Border Patrol’s strategy is to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat targeted transnational threats operating within the San Diego sector area of influence to affect increased operational control of the border.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Know before you go

Notice to Arriving Travelers
We regret that it is necessary to take agricultural items from your baggage. They cannot be brought into the United States because they may carry animal and plant pests and diseases. Restricted items include meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, soil, and products made from animal or
plant materials.
Agricultural pests and diseases are a threat to U.S. food crops and livestock. Some of these organisms are highly contagious animal diseases that could cause severe economic damage to the livestock industry and losses in production, which would mean increased costs for meat and dairy products. Other pests can affect property values by damaging lawns, ornamental plants, trees, and even homes.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are partners in this effort to protect American agriculture against the introduction of foreign plant and animal pests and diseases at our nation’s ports of entry. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) develops the policies that determine what agricultural products can come into the country and what products pose a risk and should be kept out. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at ports of entry enforce these agricultural policies. Confiscated items are carefully destroyed in special CBP facilities. For additional information, please visit the CBP Web site at http://www.cbp.gov/ or write to:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Office of Field Operations
Agriculture Programs and Liaison
1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20229
For more information on agricultural policy, please visit APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Web site at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq or call 1-866-SAFGUARD. If you have any questions please write to:
APHIS-PPQ
Quarantine Policy Analysis
and Support Staff
4700 River Road
Unit 60
Riverdale, MD 20737
CBP: Protecting America’s Agricultural Resources

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON U.S. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TRAVEL FROM THE CARIBBEAN

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON U.S. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
TRAVEL FROM THE CARIBBEAN
In light of the extraordinary circumstances that now exist in Haiti, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are writing to remind commercial air carriers and commercial vessel carriers of the obligations that exist to screen all passengers prior to boarding commercial flights or commercial vessels to the United States. As defined in Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), commercial air carriers and commercial vessel carriers are also required to electronically transmit passenger and crew manifest information for all flights or voyages arriving in to or departing from the United States. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the carriers to screen all passengers and ensure that they are properly documented prior to boarding according to section 273 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Carriers are obliged to take reasonable steps to prevent the boarding of improperly documented aliens at Toussaint Louveture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and any other ports of embarkation in Haiti as well as third countries.
As part of the U.S. government’s ongoing support of international recovery efforts after last week’s earthquake, CBP is taking every step possible to ensure proper screening procedures are followed to protect the safety and well-being of children impacted by the earthquake in Haiti.
Appropriate screening for unaccompanied children will help identify and protect victims of human trafficking as well as ensure the integrity of the adoption process.
United States Citizens
• At this time, the Department of State is providing travel or boarding letters or printouts of passport information for citizens of the United States not in possession of a United States passport where possible.
• The carriers must take steps to include confirmation that the traveler bears a valid United States passport or other documentary proof of United States citizenship provided by United States government agencies.
• The carriers shall confirm that the traveler bears a valid United States passport or other documentary proof of United States citizenship provided by United States government agencies working in Haiti or a third country.
Non-U.S. Citizens
• Carriers are obliged to take reasonable steps to prevent the boarding of improperly documented aliens at Toussaint Louveture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and any other ports of embarkation in Haiti or from a third country.
• Carriers are responsible to verify that the bearer is the rightful holder of the document(s) presented and that the document(s) are valid for entry into the United States.
• Non-U.S. citizens must be in possession of an appropriate travel/boarding document or otherwise cleared with the Department of Homeland Security to allow boarding.
• Carriers must ensure screening of passengers by carrier personnel prior to boarding and examination of their travel documents to ensure that, in the case of aliens, the passport/travel document is valid for entry into the United States and that the bearer is the rightful holder and is in possession of a visa, if required.
• Documentation includes visa, boarding letter, advance parole, evidence of urgent humanitarian parole for medivac or other emergent reasons.
• If appropriate documentation for entry to the United States is not in an alien’s possession, carriers should not board him/her for flights bound for the United States.
• In the event that a carrier determines that an alien seeking to board a flight bound for the United States is not properly documented, the carrier is obliged to refuse to board him/her.
• Although DHS may use discretion to mitigate/waive, on a case by case basis, penalties associated with INA section 273(a)(1) for “bringing an alien without a valid unexpired entry document,” it is critical that carriers continue to conduct their screening responsibilities to ensure aviation security, the safety of travelers, and security of U.S. borders is not compromised.
The Carrier Information Guide is available online at www.CBP.gov.
Continue to contact the Regional Carrier Liaison Groups with questions:
• Honolulu (Asia and Pacific Rim) (808) 237-4632
• Miami (Latin America & Caribbean) (305) 874-5444
• New York - JFK (Europe, Africa & Middle East) (718) 553-1783
APIS Requirements
• Commercial air carriers are required to electronically transmit manifest data pursuant to 19 CFR 122.49a-c, and 122.75a-b, commercial vessel operators are required to electronically transmit APIS data pursuant to 19 CFR 4.7b and 4.64, including Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) data for all flights or vessel voyages between the United States and Haiti, or into the United States from a third country where the flights or voyages are participating in relief or other transportation efforts related to the earthquake in Haiti. In addition, commercial air carriers must also provide access to Passenger Name Record (PNR) data.
• Under extenuating or emergent situations, carriers should make every effort to transmit complete APIS information to allow for advance screening and to facilitate the processing of travelers arriving into or departing from the United States.
• Consistent with existing procedures, carriers must notify their APIS Account Manager and the port of arrival in the event that extenuating circumstances prevent the carrier from providing the required manifest information.
• When carriers cannot transmit APIS due to circumstances beyond their means, CBP officers at ports of entry or CBP officers at other locations may ask carriers to provide a hard copy of the manifest data, if a hard copy is available.

Sweepstakes Scams

Hard Copy:


(NAPS)—Every day, thousands
of American consumers receive
sweepstakes promotions—but not
all sweepstakes offers are legitimate.
It’s important to be able to
spot the scams.
Legitimate sweepstakes are
marketing techniques that help
marketers draw attention to their
products by offering consumers a
chance to win a prize or money
with no payment required. If you
have to pay to collect your prize,
the sweepstakes is a scam.
“You should never have to pay
to win a sweepstakes or collect a
legitimate sweepstakes prize,”
warns Chief Postal Inspector Lee
Heath. He says this means that
you don’t have to pay shipping
and handling fees, taxes, legal
fees, custom fees or buy a product
to receive your prize. “Whenever
you’re required to make a payment
before you can collect your
prize, that is your clue that you
are not dealing with a legitimate
sweepstakes company,” advises
Patricia Kachura, Senior VP of
The Direct Marketing Association.
Heath says to ask yourself the
following questions to prevent
being scammed:
• Do they ask for your credit
card number, checking account
number, bank account information
or other personal account information?
Heath says no legitimate
prize company asks for this information
to declare you a winner.
• Do they ask you to wire
money or make a payment in an
urgent manner? Do you feel pressure
to make a payment within a
given time deadline to collect
your prize? If so, Heath says to
take a step back and evaluate
the sweepstakes. Contact your
postal inspector to verify that
you are dealing with a legitimate
sweepstakes.
• Does the advertising copy
clearly state that no purchase is
necessary to win and a purchase
will not increase your chances of
winning? Heath says you never
have to pay to play or collect your
prize when the sweepstakes is
legitimate.
To learn more on how you can
prevent being scammed, visit
www.usps.com/postalinspectors
and/or www.dmaconsumers.org/
sweepstakeshelp.html.

Protecting Your Identity—Online And Offline

(NAPS)—A little knowledge
can be a dangerous thing, particularly
if it’s shared by strangers.
Last year alone, almost 10
million Americans became victims
of identity fraud. Despite
increased law enforcement and
consumer awareness efforts, consumers
are concerned about
becoming a target of this crime.
The major threat now comes from
online sources, but the traditional
offline method of theft continues
to require vigilance on the
part of consumers.
According to U.S. Postal
Inspectors, identity fraud occurs
when thieves open new accounts
in other people’s names and rack
up debts on existing accounts,
using consumers’ Social Security
numbers, bank account information,
addresses or phone numbers.
Identity fraud victims may spend
years—and large sums of money—
restoring their credit histories and
their good names. Some consumers
have been denied jobs or
insurance or been arrested for
crimes they did not commit. A
recent survey indicates that the
dollar volume of the crime was
$52.6 billion in 2004, and much of
that cost is accrued by businesses.
“Putting the criminals in jail is
rewarding but we also have a
responsibility to educate consumers,”
said Chief Postal Inspector
Lee Heath. Heath offers these
tips to consumers to minimize
their risk.
• Don’t give out personal information
on the phone, through the
mail or over the Internet unless
you’ve initiated the contact or are
sure you know who you’re dealing
with.
• Guard your mail: Don’t leave
it in your mailbox overnight or on
weekends, and deposit outgoing
mail in a Postal Service collection
box or give it to your letter carrier.
• Tear or shred unwanted documents
that contain personal
information before discarding.
• Be careful responding to
e-mails that ask for confirmation
of your account information or
password.
• Order your credit report
annually and check it for errors.
New federal legislation requires
credit-reporting companies to
provide a free credit report once
every 12 months to consumers
who request it. Get it at
www.annualcreditreport.com.
If you do become a victim,
report it to the police. Identity
fraud victims can obtain an ID
Theft Affidavit at www.consumer.
gov/idtheft. The affidavit can be
sent to multiple merchants to dispute
fraudulent accounts.
Consumers can order the free
DVD, “Identity Crisis,” at
www.usps.com/postalinspectors

Work-At-Home Scams Just Don’t Pay

(NAPS)—Experts say offers to
work at home that seem too good
to be true probably are.
According to the 2000 Census,
over four million people in the
U.S. work at home every day and
the numbers are increasing.
From stay-at-home moms to
college students to retirees, workat-
home opportunities are an
attractive option. So it should
come as no surprise that scams
offering work-at-home jobs that
pay “big financial rewards” have
also grown in popularity.
Proceed with caution, warn
U.S. Postal Inspectors, because
many “offers” don’t deliver on
their promises. Most “opportunities”
will not guarantee regular
salaried employment and many
omit the fact you may have to
work many hours without pay.
Others require you to spend
your own money for products or
instructions before revealing how
a plan works. And the “work”
promised often continues the
fraud by getting other victims
involved.
Some of the classic work-athome
scams include:
• envelope stuffing;
• product assembly/craft work;
• medical billing; and,
• reshipping.
Reshipping—one of the newer
scams—involves receiving items
ordered by the scam artist often
using stolen credit card information.
The scam victim then
repackages the merchandise for
shipment to a foreign country.
Whether they’re old or new,
these scams have cost their victims
thousands of dollars. Check
out any offer before responding.
Legitimate companies should
provide information in writing
about the program they are
offering.
Postal Inspectors offer these
protection tips:
• Don’t give out personal information
to a person or company
you don’t know.
• Be suspicious of any offer
that doesn’t pay a regular salary
or involves working for an overseas
company.
• Check out the company with
the FTC, Better Business Bureau,
or state Attorney General.
There is no easy way to wealth.
Operating a home-based business
is just like any other business—it
requires hard work, skill, good
products or services, and it takes
time to make a profit.
For more information on workat-
home scams or to order a free
DVD, visit the Web site at
www.usps.com/postalinspectors.

DHS in the News

BP agents seize marijuana, cocaine 

http://www.yumasun.com/news/agents-63735-cocaine-border.html

Quarter Million Dollars of Marijuana Seized, 3 Arrested in Arizona DesertWellton, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents arrested three drug smugglers and seized more than a quarter million dollars worth of marijuana in the Arizona desert east of Yuma on Friday.

At about 5 p.m., a CBP Office of Air and Marine helicopter pilot alerted Border Patrol agents assigned to Camp Grip that he had spotted a group of illegal aliens about five miles north of the border west of the Lukeville, Ariz., port of entry.

The pilot guided agents on the ground to the group’s location and Border Patrol agents arrested three suspected smugglers and seized a total of seven makeshift backpacks filled with bundles of marijuana.

The marijuana had a total weight of 320 pounds with an estimated street value of $256,000. Agents transported the suspected smugglers and contraband to the Wellton Border Patrol Station for processing.

Camp Grip is the Yuma sector’s tactically deployed forward operating base designed to maintain control of the seam between the Tucson and Yuma sectors. Smugglers of humans, drugs and other contraband operating in this area will be detected, tracked and arrested.

To report suspicious activity, contact the Yuma Sector Border Patrol’s toll free telephone number at (1-866) 999-8727.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Editor's Note and Reminder disclosure and Apologies:

Editor's Note and Reminder disclosure and Apologies:

Information offered into public domain from government sources is for the use of specific public. Our audience is a select group of people. Although Motion Center is unique in it's manner of distributing information and allows the general public a look and education into what government employees and those whom serve deal with, so there is a greater respect for these individuals. Not all resources are allowed for the public for security, need to know, or are classified / protected for many reasons. Motion Center in most cases offers government information, without editorializing or editing of the content.

For those who serve. Please remember your security guidelines to access links from your base computers, not from public computers. For the previous story about the Deepwater Horizon Service Awards posted moments ago I visited the website in the post and most likely set off an alarm somewhere.

Okay kids, this is what a member of the civilian public will see when accessing the offered link in the post. So if your curious, here ya be. Let's not drive the SysOps and Admins crazy at DHS Do NOT attempt to access sites that are listed in the posts, unless your job requires it.

Please remember and be respectful to the audience of this website and read the articles to learn more about the excellent work our government hero employees do on a daily basis and keep your family safe with the great information from FEMA and NWS, but do not abuse the site, our sources, or our visitors.

The attempt to access more information about the awards was done so for media purposes only and absolutely not a hostile act.

Avoiding Money Order Fraud

A new counterfeiting

scheme has allowed scam artists to

cash in thousands of phony money

orders—and Americans are footing

the bill. Fortunately, there are

ways to protect yourself.

According to U.S. Postal

Inspectors, the scam begins when

a victim is contacted by someone

through an Internet chat room or

online auction site. The con man

claims to have financial problems

and to need help cashing money

orders. The person “in need” often

claims to be living in a foreign

country (usually Nigeria), but the

scam artist can cook up the

scheme from any location.

Victims are lured into the scam

when they are told they can keep

some cash from the money order as

payment for cashing it and wiring

the difference to the con man. The

scammer then mails the victim a

counterfeit money order with

instructions for the victim to

deposit it in his bank account and

wire the money back to the fraudster.

Victims usually learn the

money order is counterfeit only

when they attempt to cash it or

when their bank account takes the

hit for the full amount of the money

order after the bank refuses payment

on the bogus deposit.

The good news is that legitimate

money orders have security

features that help distinguish

them from counterfeit notes. For a

full list, visit the Web site

www.usps.com/missingmoney

orders/security.htm.

Knowing the signs of an

authentic money order helps, but

according to Postal Inspectors, so

does using your head. They warn

that most lures promising quick

and easy money are cast by fraudsters—

and if an offer sounds too

good to be true, it probably is.

For more information, visit

www.usps.com/postalinspectors.

Source: Postal Service

87 FT COASTAL PATROL BOAT (WPB) TOUR LENGTH ADJUSTMENT

R 201934Z OCT 10

ALCOAST 514/10
COMDTNOTE 1306
SUBJ: 87 FT COASTAL PATROL BOAT (WPB) TOUR LENGTH ADJUSTMENT
A. PERSONNEL MANUAL COMDTINST 1000.6(SERIES)
1. THIS ALCOAST ANNOUNCES AN INCREASE TO THE TOUR LENGTHS FROM TWO
YEARS TO THREE YEARS FOR ALL ENLISTED MEMBERS ABOARD INCONUS 87 FT
WPBS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FOOD SERVICE SPECIALISTS (FS). TOUR
LENGTHS FOR FS ATTACHED TO THESE PLATFORMS WILL REMAIN TWO YEARS.
ADDITIONALLY, TOUR LENGTHS FOR THE FOLLOWING 87 FT WPBS WILL NOT BE
INCREASED TO THREE YEARS DUE TO THE ARDUOUS NATURE OF THEIR
OPERATIONS AND/OR HOMEPORT.
     A. USCGC BARRACUDA
     B. USCGC DORADO
     C. USCGC HERON
     D. USCGC PELICAN
     E. USCGC SEAHAWK
     F. USGCG STEELHEAD
     G. USCGC STURGEON
2. THIS CHANGE IS A RESULT OF MANY FACTORS. THE PRIMARY BENEFIT OF
THIS CHANGE IS THE SAFETY OF THE CREW AND THE CUTTER. SMALL CREWED
CUTTERS WITH TWO YEAR ASSIGNMENTS EXPERIENCE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF
TURNOVER OF ALL UNITS, ROTATING APPROXIMATELY HALF THEIR MEMBERS
EVERY YEAR. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMMANDANTS GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF
HONORING OUR PROFESSION AND RESPECTING OUR SHIPMATES, THIS TOUR
LENGTH INCREASE WILL STRENGTHEN THE EXPERIENCE AND PROFICIENCY LEVELS
OF THESE PLATFORMS ALLOWING THE COAST GUARD TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST
LEVEL OF MISSION EXECUTION, WHILE ALSO PROVIDING INCREASED
GEOGRAPHICAL STABILITY FOR MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
3. THIS TOUR LENGTH CHANGE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR ALL PERSONNEL IN
RECEIPT OF PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION (PCS) ORDERS TO AN 87 FT
DURING ASSIGNMENT YEAR (AY) 2011 AND BEYOND.
4. DUE TO FS RATING WORKFORCE DYNAMICS AND SEA TO SHORE RATIO
REQUIREMENTS, THE FS RATING TOUR LENGTH WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
5. THIS CHANGE WILL BE PROMULGATED IN THE NEXT CHANGE TO REF (A).
FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING THE CONTENTS OF THIS ALCOAST CONTACT LTJG
YUILLE, COMDT (CG-1221), PHONE: (202) 475-5382, EMAIL:
ALEXANDER.T.YUILLE(AT)USCG.MIL.
6. RELEASED BY MR. CURTIS B. ODOM, DIRECTOR OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT.
7. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.

Postal Inspectors Advise Caution Before Giving:

Postal Inspectors Advise Caution Before Giving: Make Sure Your Money Supports Legitimate Charities
Giving to charity helps others, leaves you feeling good about yourself and can even mean a tax deduction. Most charities are legitimate organizations that support good causes. Some, however, are run by swindlers. With more than 700,000 federally recognized charities soliciting for charitable contributions, it pays to be cautious when making a donation.

Disasters and crises bring out the best in people who truly desire to help those impacted by these situations. Unfortunately, disasters also bring out the worst; those who use the circumstances to prey on victims. Postal Inspectors saw numerous charity scams emerge in the days following the September 11 terrorist attacks and the 2004 Southeast Asia earthquake and tsunami.

The Hurricane Katrina disaster that hit the Gulf Coast offers a new opportunity for charity scammers. If you’re considering a contribution to help with relief efforts, it’s important to know where your donation dollars will go. Most states require charities to be registered or licensed by the state. Your state Attorney General's office lists state charity regulators at the National Association of State Charity Officials Web site at www.nasconet.org.

Postal Inspectors vigorously investigate fraudsters who deceive contributors. Scam artists who misrepresent charities via the U.S. Mail, e-mail, or telephone may be prosecuted under the mail fraud statute -- which carries substantial fines, along with prison terms of up to 20 years.
U.S. Postal Inspectors offer these additional precautions:

Avoid cash gifts. For security and tax purposes, it's best to pay by check or credit card. 􀂄
�
Ask for ID. For-profit fundraisers must disclose the name of the charity requesting the donation -- it’s the law. Many states require paid fundraisers to identify themselves as such and to name the charity for which they're soliciting. If the solicitor refuses to tell you, hang up and report it to law enforcement officials. Also ask how much of your donation goes to those in need and how much goes to the fund raiser.

Refuse high pressure appeals. Legitimate fundraisers won't push you to give on the spot.

Discuss the donation with a trusted family member or friend before sending the funds.

Be skeptical if someone thanks you for a pledge you don't remember making. If you have any doubts about whether you've made a pledge or previously contributed, check your records.

If you believe you’ve been scammed by a fake charity, contact your local Postal Inspection Service office at www.usps.com/postalinspectors or the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.
1

Memorial Remembers Cuttermen Who Made Ultimate Sacrifice

Memorial Remembers Cuttermen Who Made Ultimate Sacrifice

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Written by: CDR Glynn Smith

Coast Guardsmen and civilian employees get a look at the new Cutterman's Memorial, which was unveiled during a ceremony at Coast Guard Headquarters Oct. 20, 2010, in Washington D.C. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Second Class Patrick Kelley.

The new Cutterman’s Memorial, dedicated to those lost in the line of duty while serving aboard our cutters, was dedicated at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. today. Etched into the Memorial’s six granite panels are the names of the fallen and the ships they served in, along with the poem “Hurrah for the Sea” and a cutterman’s insignia. Set into the background are some of the cutters and battle streamers.

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Robert Papp, and other Coast Guardsmen study the new Cutterman's Memorial. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Second Class Patrick Kelley.

“These shipmates were simply doing their duty, performing the mission,” said Adm. Bob Papp, commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. “They gave everything to our Service and Nation. This Memorial is a small token of our appreciation. We can never forget them.”
Coast Guard cuttermen are a proud group with a long history of service to our Nation that dates back to the first cutter, believed to be Vigilant, which was launched in March 1791. ADM Papp’s words highlight a stark reality known and shared by all cuttermen who operate in a dynamic and demanding environment at sea. While we honor and remember all shipmates lost in the line of duty, the Memorial was established to remember those who gave their lives aboard cutters in service of their country.
The Coast Guard has operated more than a thousand different cutters across its 220 year history. They span the age of wind driven sail, steam powered paddle wheels, and diesel-electric driven propellers. They saw intense action in war and peace, operating in all corners of the globe. They also include legendary names like Eagle, Bear, Hudson, and Tampa. But behind all of the technology, operations and exploits; are the people: the cuttermen.
“When I entered the Coast Guard Academy, all I wanted to do was be a cutterman,” said Papp. “I spent much of my career at sea fulfilling the responsibilities of our Service. I could not have imagined doing anything else.”

Adm. Robert Papp, thanks Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott Pugh for organizing the unveiling of the Memorial. U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA2 Patrick Kelley.

And while cuttermen have performed great feats in service to our Nation, they have also known great sacrifice. We have lost 124 vessels, 83 of which were during wartime operations. Since 1917, 1242 cuttermen, our shipmates, have made the ultimate sacrifice. Among them, 11 crewmembers of the Coast Guard Cutter Cuyahoga, which was lost 32 years ago today at 8:45 p.m. near the mouth of the Potomac River in a collision with the 521-foot Argentinean bulk freighter Santa Cruz II.
“Our work is difficult and sometimes dangerous,” said Papp, adding, “The sea is unforgiving—it always has been.”

13WHAM Rochester's Sean Carroll story Recognized by Department of Homeland Security

The United States Customs and Boarder Protection, a division of Department of Homeland Security, likes to publish articles and news broadcasts about themselves on their website.

One of the stories chosen recently was 13WHAM Rochester, NY Sean Carrol's work on a large pot growing operation, complete with pictures and video.

 Congrats to Sean Carroll and 13WHAM on their national exposure by DHS 

Link to 13WHAM Story

Link to How it looked at US Customs (5th story from the bottom)

13Wham and DHS do not endorse Motion Center.
DHS and various government agencies offer distribution agreements to Motion Center.

Federal Aid Programs For New York Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Straight-line Winds

Release Date: October 14, 2010
Release Number: HQ-10-202Factsheet

» More Information on New York Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Straight-line Winds



Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for New York.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

* Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
* Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
* Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

* Application procedures for local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.




FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Friday, 15-Oct-2010 03:58:29

Bellingham CBP Marine Unit Discovers Body

Search for Missing WWU Student Reveals Woman’s Body along Shoreline



Bellingham, Wash. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Air & Marine (OAM) marine interdiction agents on border security patrol discovered the body of an unidentified woman along the shore of Bellingham Bay, near Cornwall and Pine Streets on Saturday, October 2, at 9 a.m. The agents were headed out of the Bellingham harbor on a routine security patrol of the San Juan Islands and decided to assist local law enforcement authorities in the search for missing Western Washington University student, 18-year-old freshman Dwight Clark. Clark remains missing.

The agents were operating a 33-foot Secure-Around-Flotation-Equipped (SAFE) boat in the shoreline area close to where the student was last believed to be. Crewmembers used Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technology on the vessel to better observe areas too shallow for the vessel to enter. A thermal heat signature was observed on the beach. Two marine interdiction agents were deployed onto the shoreline where a woman’s body was discovered. Agents secured the scene and immediately notified Bellingham police and paramedics who responded to the scene. The woman’s identity has not yet been revealed by local authorities.

“We are saddened by this discovery but glad to be able to assist the Bellingham Police Department,” said James Warfield, director marine operations. “CBP’s border security marine patrols in the Pacific Northwest continue to assist local law enforcement agencies throughout our various communities.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

(Historical) The Internet Crime Complaint Center Hits 1 Million!

The Internet Crime Complaint Center Hits 1 Million!
Fairmont, WV-The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has logged its 1 millionth consumer complaint about alleged online fraud or cyber crime. The 1 millionth complaint hit the IC3 system on June 11th, 2007 at 01:26 PM.
IC3 is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C).
IC3's mission is to serve as a vehicle to receive, develop, and refer criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding arena of cyber crime. The IC3 gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations. For law enforcement and regulatory agencies at the federal, state, local and international level, IC3 provides a central referral mechanism for complaints involving Internet related crimes.
The Internet Crime Complaint Center went operational in May, 2000 as the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC). However, in December, 2003, the IFCC was renamed the Internet Crime Complaint Center to better reflect the broad character of such criminal matters having a cyber (Internet) nexus.
Since it began, IC3 has referred 461,096 criminal complaints to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies around the country for further consideration. The vast majority of cases were fraudulent in nature and involved financial loss on the part of the complainant. The total dollar loss from all referred cases of fraud was estimated to be $647.1 million with a median dollar loss of $270 per complaint. Many of these complaints involved reports of identity theft, such as loss of personal identifying data, unauthorized use of credit cards or bank accounts, and the like. Information from the non-criminal complaints received has been used to detect emerging trends and proactively work to avoid consumer victimization using the resources of project partners and the consumer education website LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.com.

Pentagon Channel Top Stories: Pentagon Shooting Investigation

Spedial Thanks: Pentagon Channel - Call your cable or Sat. Operator to subscribe or watch at your base or installation. The Pentagon does not endorse Motion Center

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan Deputy Commander for Police to Brief live from Afghanistan

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan Deputy Commander for Police to Brief live from Afghanistan

                Canadian Army Maj. Gen. Stuart Beare, deputy commanding general for police, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10 a.m. EDT, Oct 21, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations. 

EOD in Afghanistan

Explosive Ordnance Disposal, or EOD Soldiers have, to some extent, been branded by modern media as the wild cards of the military. Senior Airman Chris Pyles spent a while with the EOD troops from Forward Operating Base Salerno forming his own opinion whether the rumors are true. Includes sound bites from Sgt. 1st Class Adam Jones, EOD Platoon Sergeant, 717th EOD Company, Fort Campbell, Ky.
Link - Click Here

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Cullins, 28, of Simi Valley, Calif.

U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty                 The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.                  Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Cullins, 28, of Simi Valley, Calif., died Oct. 19 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

‘BOT ROAST II’ NETS 8 INDIVIDUALS

‘BOT ROAST II’ NETS 8 INDIVIDUALS (Historical)
SECOND PHASE OF ONGOING CYBER INVESTIGATION REVEALS MORE THAN $20
MILLION IN ECONOMIC LOSS AND MORE THAN ONE MILLION VICTIMIZED
COMPUTERS. PUBLIC URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTION.
Washington, D.C. - The FBI today announced the results of the second phase of its
continuing investigation into a growing and serious problem involving criminal use of botnets.
Since Operation „Bot Roast‟ was announced last June, eight individuals have been indicted, pled
guilty, or been sentenced for crimes related to botnet activity. Additionally, 13 search warrants
were served in the U.S. and by overseas law enforcement partners in connection with this
operation. This ongoing investigative effort has thus far uncovered more than $20 million in
economic loss and more than one million victim computers.
FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III said, “Today, botnets are the weapon of choice of
cyber criminals. They seek to conceal their criminal activities by using third party computers as
vehicles for their crimes. In Bot Roast II, we see the diverse and complex nature of crimes that
are being committed through the use of botnets. Despite this enormous challenge, we will
continue to be aggressive in finding those responsible for attempting to exploit unknowing
Internet users.”
A botnet is a collection of compromised computers under the remote command and
control of a criminal “botherder.” A botherder can gain control of these computers by
unleashing malicious software such as viruses, worms, or trojan horses. By executing a simple
task such as opening an attachment, clicking on an advertisement, or providing personal
information to a phishing site (a fraudulent site that mimics a legitimate site), an individual
computer user has unintentionally allowed unauthorized access. Bot operators will then typically
use these compromised computers as vehicles to facilitate other actions such as commit identity
theft, launch denial of service attacks, and install keystroke loggers.
FBI offices participating in Bot Roast II included Cincinnati, Detroit, Jacksonville, Los
Angeles, Philadelphia, Sacramento, and Washington D.C. As happens most often with complex
cyber investigations, there was valuable intelligence sharing amongst law enforcement agencies
that led to the success of Bot Roast II. Through the exchange of information, the U.S. Secret
Service and the New Zealand Police also initiated botnet investigations that enhanced the FBI‟s
investigation. In one example, authorities in New Zealand, working in collaboration with the
FBI Philadelphia Office, conducted a search this week at the residence of an individual who goes
by the cyber ID of AKILL. AKILL is believed to be the ringleader of an elite international
botnet coding group that is responsible for infecting more than one million computers.
The individuals identified as part of Bot Roast II are as follows:
1.) Ryan Brett Goldstein, 21, of Ambler, PA was indicted on 11/01/07 by a Federal Grand Jury
in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for botnet related activity which caused a Distributed
Denial of Service (DDoS) attack at a major Philadelphia area university. In the midst of this
investigation the FBI was able to neutralize a vast portion of the criminal botnet by disrupting the
botnet‟s ability to communicate with other botnets. In doing so, it reduced the risk for infected
computers to facilitate further criminal activity. This investigation continues as more individuals
are being sought.
2.) Adam Sweaney, 27, of Tacoma, WA pled guilty on September 24, 2007 in U.S. District
Court, District of Columbia, to a one count felony violation for conspiracy fraud and related
activity in connection with computers. He conspired with others to send tens of thousands of
email messages during a 1-year period. In addition, Sweaney surreptitiously gained control of
hundreds of thousands of bot controlled computers. Sweaney would then lease the capabilities
of the compromised computers to others who launched spam and DDoS attacks.
3.) Robert Matthew Bentley of Panama City, FL, was indicted on 11/27/07 by a Federal Grand
Jury in the Northern District of Florida for his involvement in botnet related activity involving
coding and adware schemes. This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Secret Service.
4.) Alexander Dmitriyevich Paskalov, 38, multiple U.S. addresses, was sentenced on 10/12/2007
in U.S District Court, Northern District of Florida and received 42 months in prison for his
participation in a significant and complex phishing scheme that targeted a major financial
institution in the Midwest and resulted in multi-million dollar losses.
5.) Azizbek Takhirovich Mamadjanov, 21, residing in FL, was sentenced in June, 2007 in U.S.
District Court, Northern District of Florida, to 24 months in prison for his part in the same
Midwest bank phishing scheme as Paskalov.
Paskalov established a bogus company and then opened accounts in the names of the bogus
company. The phishing scheme in which Paskolov and Mamadjanov participated targeted other
businesses and electronically transferred substantial sums of money into their bogus business
accounts. Immigrations Customs Enforcement, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the
Panama City Beach Police Department were active partners in this investigation.
6.) John Schiefer, 26, of Los Angeles, CA agreed to plead guilty on 11/8/2007 in U.S. District
Court in the Central District of California, to a four felony count criminal information. A wellknown
member of the botnet underground, Schiefer used malicious software to intercept Internet
communications, steal usernames and passwords, and defraud legitimate businesses. Schiefer
transferred compromised communications and usernames and passwords and also used them to
fraudulently purchase goods for himself. This case was the first time in the U.S. that someone
has been charged under the federal wiretap statute for conduct related to botnets.
7.) Gregory King, 21, of Fairfield, CA was indicted on 9/27/2007 by a Federal Grand Jury in the
Central District of California on four counts of transmission of code to cause damage to a
protected computer. King allegedly conducted DDoS attacks against various companies
including a web based company designed to combat phishing and malware.
8.) Jason Michael Downey, 24, of Dry Ridge, KY was sentenced on 10/23/2007 in U.S. District
Court, Eastern District of Michigan, to 12 months in prison followed by probation, restitution,
and community service for operating a large botnet that conducted numerous DDoS attacks that
resulted in substantial damages. Downey operated Internet Relay Chat (IRC) network Rizon.
Downey stated that most of the attacks he committed were on other IRC networks or on the
people that operated them. Downey‟s targets of DDoS often resided on shared servers which
contained other customer‟s data. As a result of DDoS to his target, innocent customers residing
on the same physical server also fell victim to his attacks. One victim confirmed financial
damages of $19,500 as a result of the DDoS attacks.
FBI Assistant Director James E. Finch, Cyber Division, said, “The public is reminded
once again that they can play a part in thwarting botnet activity. Practicing strong computer
security habits such as updating anti-virus software, installing a firewall, using strong passwords,
and employing good e-mail and web security practices are as basic as putting locks on your
doors and windows. Without employing these safeguards, botnets, along with criminal and
possibly terrorist activities, will continue to flourish.”
It should be noted that the FBI does not contact the public online with requests for
personal information. Computer users are urged to be wary of fraud schemes that request this
type of information, especially via unsolicited emails. To report fraudulent activity or financial
scams, contact either the local police or FBI Field Office as well as file an online complaint with
the FBI‟s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov
For more information on botnets and tips for cyber crime prevention, the public is
encouraged to visit the following online resources:
 www.fbi.gov
 www.onguardonline.gov
 www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com
 www.uscert.gov
 www.ic3.gov
######

REPORTED DOLLAR LOSS FROM INTERNET CRIME REACHES ALL TIME HIGH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 3, 2008 (Historical)

REPORTED DOLLAR LOSS FROM INTERNET CRIME REACHES ALL TIME HIGH

Washington, D.C. – According to the 2007 Internet Crime Report, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 206,884 complaints of crimes perpetrated over the Internet during 2007. Of the complaints received, more than 90,000 were referred to law enforcement around the nation, amounting to nearly $240 million in reported losses. This represents a $40 million increase in reported losses from complaints referred to law enforcement in 2006. All complaints received by IC3 are accessible to federal, state, and local law enforcement to support active investigations, trend analysis, and public outreach and awareness efforts. “The Internet presents a wealth of opportunity for would be criminals to prey on unsuspecting victims, and this report shows how extensive these types of crime have become,” said FBI Cyber Division Assistant Director James E. Finch. “What this report does not show is how often this type of activity goes unreported. Filing a complaint through IC3 is the best way to alert law enforcement authorities of Internet crime.” Although Internet auction fraud was the most widely reported complaint, others cited in the report include fraudulent activity such as non-delivery of purchases and credit/debit card fraud, and non-fraudulent activity such as computer intrusions, spam/unsolicited e-mail, and child pornography. In an effort to raise public awareness, the report also describes the characteristics of commonly reported scams such as those involving the purchase or sale of pets, check scams, e-mail spam, and online dating fraud.
IC3 is a joint operation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center to serve as a vehicle to receive cyber crime complaints from private citizens and industry, and to develop and refer complaints to law enforcement. The National White Collar Crime Center, a Bureau of Justice Assistance program, provides a nationwide support system for agencies involved in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of economic and high-tech crimes, and supports and partners with other appropriate entities in addressing homeland security initiatives related to economic and high-tech crimes.

THREE DEFENDANTS PLEAD GUILTY IN “ADVANCE-FEE” FRAUD SCHEME

THREE DEFENDANTS PLEAD GUILTY IN “ADVANCE-FEE” FRAUD SCHEME
Fraud Victims Lose More Than $1.2 Million
WASHINGTON – Three defendants pleaded guilty to federal charges of running an
“advance-fee” scheme that targeted U.S. victims with promises of millions of dollars, including
money from an estate and a lottery, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal
Division and U.S. Attorney Benton J. Campbell of the Eastern District of New York announced
today. The guilty plea proceedings were held before United States Magistrate Judge Ramon E.
Reyes, Jr. at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York.
The investigation was initiated by Dutch law enforcement authorities. After identifying
victims in the United States, the Dutch authorities notified the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,
which opened its own investigation, resulting in the charges against the defendants. Three of the
defendants were arrested in Amsterdam on February 21, 2006, and were subsequently extradited
to the United States. They are:
• Nnamdi Chizuba Anisiobi (a/k/a Yellowman, Abdul Rahman, Michael Anderson,
Edmund Walter, Nancy White, Jiggaman, and Namo), 31, citizen of Nigeria;
• Anthony Friday Ehis (a/k/a John J. Smith, Toni N. Amokwu and Mr. T), 34,
citizen of Senegal; and
• Kesandu Egwuonwu (a/k/a KeKe, Joey Martin Maxwell, David Mark, Helmut
Schkinger), 35, citizen of Nigeria.
Anisiobi pled guilty to one count of conspiracy, eight counts of wire fraud, and one
count of mail fraud. Ehis pled guilty to one count of conspiracy and five counts of wire fraud.
Egwuonwu pled guilty to one count of conspiracy, three counts of wire fraud and one count of
mail fraud. The fraud victims allegedly lost more than $1.2 million.
A fourth defendant, also a Nigerian citizen, Lenn Nwokeafor (a/k/a Eric Williams, Lee,
Chucks, and Nago), fled to Nigeria and was subsequently arrested by the Nigerian Economic &
Financial Crimes Commission on July 27, 2006, pursuant to a United States arrest warrant. He
is being held by the Nigerian authorities pending extradition to the United States.
- 2 -
According to the indictment and an earlier filed complaint, the defendants sent “spam”
e-mails to thousands of potential victims, in which they falsely claimed to control millions of
dollars located abroad. Attempting to conceal their identities, the defendants used a variety of
aliases, phone numbers, and email addresses. In one scenario, the defendants sent emails
purporting to be from an individual suffering from terminal throat cancer who needed assistance
distributing approximately $55 million to charity. In exchange for a victim’s help, the
defendants offered to give a 20% commission to the victim or a charity of his or her choice.
Subsequently, as part of the ruse, the defendants would send a variety of fraudulent documents,
including a “Letter of Authority” or a “Certificate of Deposit,” making it appear that the
promised funds were available, and pictures of an individual claiming to suffer from throat
cancer. Defendant Anisiobi allegedly telephoned victims, disguising his voice to give the
impression that he was suffering from throat cancer.
After obtaining their victims’ trust, the defendants asked them to wire-transfer payment
for a variety of advance fees, ostensibly for legal representation, taxes, and additional
documentation. In return, the victims received nothing. In a variation of the scheme, if the
victims said they could not afford to pay the advance fees, the defendants would send them
counterfeit checks, supposedly from a cancer patient, to cover those fees. Many victims
deposited the checks and then drew on them to wire-transfer the advance fees. Subsequently,
when the checks did not clear, the victims suffered substantial losses.
“Online scam artists should be on notice that we will continue to work closely with our
international partners to ensure that there are no safe geographic boundaries for committing these
crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division.
“These defendants preyed upon the kindness and charity of their victims by sending
thousands of scam emails aimed at their recipients’ heartstrings,” stated United States Attorney
Benton J. Campbell. “If you receive an email offering you money in exchange for an advance
fee, you would be well advised to delete it.”
The maximum penalty for mail and wire fraud is 20 years in prison. The conspiracy
charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and prosecuted by Fraud
Section Trial Attorneys Mary (Kit) Dimke, Amanda Riedel, and Nicola Mrazek, Paralegal
Pamela Johnson, and Assistant United States Attorney Tanya Hill.
###

ARREST MADE IN INTERNET GIFT CARD SCHEME

ARREST MADE IN INTERNET GIFT CARD SCHEME
LEV L. DASSIN, the Acting United States Attorney for
the Southern District of New York, and RONALD J. VERROCHIO,
Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Office of the United States
Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced that OLEKSANDR
VEROVKIN, 50, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested last evening at
JFK Airport by Inspectors of the United States Postal Inspection
Service on a charge of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
As alleged in the criminal Complaint unsealed today in
Manhattan federal court:
From May 2007, through December 2007, OLEKSANDR
VEROVKIN and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud
consumers, through use of the website, Otartel.com, into
purchasing purportedly discounted gift cards for use at various
retail establishments.
The website claimed that it was the largest reseller of
gift cards online with the best prices and selections, including
gift cards for Best Buy, Home Depot, Gap, Costco, Barnes & Noble
and Lowe’s. The Website claimed it sold and bought gift cards
and that its “sell prices [were] on average 15% below face value
and on the other side our buy prices about 20% below face value.”
Over one hundred customers mailed or wired payment and
never received their purchases; other customers received cards
when they first ordered, but did not receive cards when they
delivered money to make additional purchases.
Over one hundred customers from at least 36 states have
filed complaints related to the Website. Based on these
complaints alone, over $155,000 was stolen.
VEROVKIN is charged with one count of conspiring to
commit mail and wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of
thirty years in prison and a fine of the greatest of $1 million
or twice the gross gain or loss derived from the offense. He is
expected to be presented before a United States Magistrate Judge
in Manhattan federal court later today.
Mr. DASSIN praised the work of the USPIS in this case.
Assistant United States Attorney JENNIFER E. BURNS is
in charge of the prosecution.
The charges and allegations contained in the Complaint
are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent
unless and until proven guilty.
09-060 ###

Source: DOJ
-

Remember your Passport Forget the Trouble

PDF Attachment in references to passports

Rental Scams

Direct Link: Click Here: Rental Scams

IC3 2009 ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNET CRIME RELEASED

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), released the 2009 Annual Report about fraudulent activity on the Internet today.
Online crime complaints increased substantially once again last year, according to the report. The IC3 received a total of 336,655 complaints, a 22.3 percent increase from 2008. The total loss linked to online fraud was $559.7 million; this is up from $265 million in 2008.

Although the complaints consisted of a variety of fraud types, advanced fee scams that fraudulently used the FBI’s name ranked number one (16.6 percent). Non-delivery of merchandise and/or payment was the second most reported offense (11.9 percent).
The 2009 Annual Report details information related to the volume and scope of complaints, complainant and perpetrator characteristics, geographical data, most frequently reported scams and results of IC3 referrals.
“Law enforcement relies on the corporate sector and citizens to report when they encounter on-line suspicious activity so these schemes can be investigated and criminals can be arrested,” stated Peter Trahon, Section Chief of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “Computer users are encouraged to have up-to-date security protection on their devices and evaluate email solicitations they receive with a healthy skepticism—if something seems too good to be true, it likely is.”
NW3C Director Donald Brackman said the report’s findings underscore the threat posed by cyber criminals. “The figures contained in this report indicate that criminals are continuing to take full advantage of the anonymity afforded them by the Internet. They are also developing increasingly sophisticated means of defrauding unsuspecting consumers. Internet crime is evolving in ways we couldn’t have imagined just five years ago.” But Brackman sounded an optimistic tone about the future. “With the public’s continued support, law enforcement will be better able to track down these perpetrators and bring them to justice.”
The report is posted in its entirety on the IC3 website.
About IC3
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a joint operation between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). IC3 receives, develops, and refers criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding arena of cyber crime. The IC3 gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism utilized to alert authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations. For law enforcement and regulatory agencies at the federal, state, local and international level, the IC3 provides a central referral mechanism for complaints involving Internet-related crimes.

Source: FBI Not an Endorsement

Message 34 - Maritime - Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Message 34 - Maritime - Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
(08/20/2010)

Current Status:	ALERT ALERT ALERT
HSAS Level:	Yellow
MARSEC Level:	One
Affected Ports(s)/Terminal(s):	Port of Pensacola, FL; Port of Gulfport, MS
Incident Description:	Hazardous Materials - Oil Spill
Time of Incident:	Ongoing
Location of Incident:	Gulf of Mexico
Impact of Incident:	Pensacola Pass will be closed to vessel traffic during flood tide; navigation will be restricted in Biloxi Bay near the southeastern portion of Deer Island and will be closed during flood tide and open during ebb.
Status and Hours of Operation at Area Ports(s)/Terminal(s):	Normal Hours of Operation
CBP Hours of Operation at Area Ports(s)/Terminal(s):	Normal Hours of Operation
Next Update:	This will be final update until warranted by condition change
Additional Information:	All other waterways are currently open with no restrictions

Brownsville CBP Officers Intercept Over 20 People for Alleged Immigration Law Violations

Brownsville, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville port of entry have intercepted 21 individuals for alleged violations of immigration law thus far in the month of October.

The alleged violations of immigration law include the interception of six men and 15 women. These cases include four individuals who allegedly attempted to bring undocumented aliens into the country without proper entry documents.

On Oct. 11, two females, identified as a 23-year-old and a 29-year-old, both U.S. citizens who reside in Brownsville, Texas, arrived at Gateway International Bridge accompanied by a third female identified as a 56-year-old Mexican citizen. The 56-year-old woman provided CBP officers a U.S. passport.

“Our officers are vigilant and highly trained in the detection of counterfeit documents. This interception is an example of how CBP works daily to prevent unauthorized entry into the United States,” said Mike Denning, acting CBP Atlanta port director.

CBP officers noted discrepancies with the entry documents and referred the women to passport secondary for further examination. In secondary, CBP officers utilized a CBP database and determined the U.S. passport presented was not issued to the person being inspected. CBP officers identified the woman as a Mexican citizen from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, with no legal immigration documents to enter or reside in the U.S.

In another significant case at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge on Oct. 14, CBP officers came in contact with a male driver identified as a 21-year-old U.S. citizen accompanied by a minor female child as a passenger in the vehicle he was driving. A primary CBP officer’s inspection of the birth certificate presented by the male driver for the child resulted in a secondary referral for verification and identification of the travelers.

At secondary, CBP officers’ review of the birth certificate presented for the passenger revealed the certificate did not belong to the minor girl. Upon further examination it was determined the child was in fact a Mexican citizen with no legal immigration documents to enter or reside in the U.S.

The next case also occurred on Oct. 14 at Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge when CBP officers identified the driver of a vehicle as a 23-year-old woman, citizen of the U.S. who resides in Brownsville, Texas. A CBP officer’ checks of a national data system revealed the birth certificate presented by the passenger as being issued to another person and not the woman allegedly presenting it as her own entry document. CBP officers identified a female passenger as a 48-year-old citizen of Mexico with no legal immigration documents to enter or reside in the U.S. in alleged violations of immigration law.

In the next case, a 36-year-old male applied for admission into the U.S. on Oct. 16 by presenting a Lincoln Visa and a Mexican passport at the Gateway International Bridge. A primary CBP officer noted discrepancies to the visa and referred the male pedestrian to CBP secondary for a further examination. In secondary, checks of a national data system revealed the Lincoln Visa as being issued to another person and not the man presenting the document to enter the country.

In all cases, CBP officers seized the border crossing cards, passports and birth certificates presented; the six women and 15 men were taken into custody.

“We enforce the laws of the United States as we secure our borders against terrorists and weapons of terrorism. In doing this important work, we still continue to maintain our traditional enforcement functions and routinely intercept would-be immigrants with no legal documents to enter or reside in the United States. I congratulate our officers for their vigilance as they safeguard our country’s borders,” said Michael Freeman, CBP port director in Brownsville.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.