• If you think someone is following you, do not hesitate to yell for help or call 911

• Whenever possible, walk with at least one other person

• Use well-lit, well-traveled routes

• Do not walk with your headphones in, pay attention to your surroundings, be aware of what and who is around you

• Consider using public transportation after dark

• When approaching your car or your door, get your keys out in advance

• Consider carrying a small, readily available, high-intensity flash light

• Before you leave in the evening, consider letting someone know where you are, where you're going, the travel route you're taking, and when you expect to let them know that you've arrived

• Know the neighborhoods where you live and work
• Use the Safe Walk feature in the UVM CatSafe App. 

If you are on campus and concerned for your safety, contact UVM Police.

• Do not leave any windows or doors unlocked when you leave the room

• Make a list of your valuables, and register applicable property with UVM Police Services

• If it looks as if your room/home has been entered without your knowledge (i.e. cut screen, broken lock), do not enter - call the police from a SAFE location

• Invest in alarms or locks for your property

• Do not let any person you do not know into the building. Persons may try to enter the door behind you, do not hold the door open for them if you do not know that they live in your building

• For tips related to off campus living, visit the Office of Students and Community Relations

• When using social networking sites, never post personal identification information or photographs that could be used for identity theft

• Never download insecure software from an unknown source

• Do not download illegal programs or content from the internet

• Keep any copy you may have of your pins or passwords in a safe location (away from the devices they unlock)

• Keep a copy of all computer content either on the cloud or a separate external hard drive to prevent issues with a malware corruption

• If you know of something related to technology at UVM that might put personal information at risk, seems contrary to policy or law, or raises ethical concerns, please report it to UVM's Information Security Office

Phone Scams

• Callers typically state that they are employed by a law enforcement/government agency, that they have a warrant for the arrest of the call's recipient, and/or that the call's recipient has been engaged in criminal activity and is under investigation.
• The caller then requests photos and/or payment via electronic funds transfer (such as Western Union), threatening that the call's recipient will be arrested if they do not comply.
• The caller may also have some of the recipient's personal information, but this has been obtained from public records/sources -- the caller is not a law enforcement officer and does not have access to law enforcement databases or warrant information.

Be aware that no government or law enforcement agency will call you to demand payment, photographs, or to alert you of warrants.

If you've given the caller any information, call UVM Police to speak with a Dispatcher. They will help you determine what steps you should take based on the information you've provided.

Email Scams

• They may look more legitimate than usual scam emails, through the use of the UVM logo and/or a UVM email address.
• The text of the email may seem fairly professional but contain minor spelling and grammatical errors.
• The emails are typically unsolicited job offers, sometimes describing an alleged UVM affiliate who is reaching out for administrative help.
• The email features a hyperlink that will take you to a non-UVM site (hovering over links will show where they lead; this link will take you to the UVM homepage). Never enter your UVM credentials on a non-UVM site, even if the site appears to be reputable or contains UVM graphics.
• The offer seems like an incredible opportunity, almost like it's too good to be true (it is).
• The email asks interested parties to send personal information such as their full name, address, email, alternate email, and mobile number.

When individuals respond to these emails, the scammers typically request that victims provide instructions to purchase large numbers of gift cards and/or wire money through Western Union. If the assistants refuse, the scammers will start to make threats. If you click on a link that takes you to an unexpected site, exit your browser immediately. Use the information in the "Online and Social Networking Security" tab above to report these electronic scams to UVM's Information Security department.

Identifying scams can be difficult. Remember you should take steps to verify who you are talking to before giving any personal information via phone or email.

• Register your bike

• Never leave your bike unattended without securing it to a bike rack

• Purchase a bike lock that features a steel U-lock system or a chain-link style

• Make sure to weave your lock through the frame of the bike as well as both wheels

• We do not recommend small cable and code locks, as they are easily cut or broken

• Burlington is a great biking town, with many bike lanes throughout the city, but make sure you know the rules of the road - Burlington Bike Laws FAQ

• Be sure to lock your car doors

• Do not leave any expensive items visible to a passer-by

• Have your keys ready in your hand before you get to your vehicle

• Park in a well lit area, where you are familiar with the surrounding streets

• If you have questions about parking, or think your vehicle has been towed, refer to Transportation and Parking Services for help

• UVM Title IX Coordinator's Office / Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity
  428 Waterman Building
  85 South Prospect St
  Burlington, VT 05401
  802-656-3368

• Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations
  50 Cherry Street, Suite 102
  Burlington, VT 05401
  Phone: (802) 652-6800

• UVM Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Website

• Vermont Laws on Sexual Violence

• Financial Help for Women in Abusive Relationships

• National Center for Crime Victims

• If you see something, say something

• CRISIS Hot Line
  Text VT to 741741 from anywhere in Vermont

• Homeland Security: National Terrorism Advisory System

• Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration