Personal safety

[ChrissyRyan]

Is it true that the TSA will take away your self defense pepper spray?

Chrissy

[Athena]

Is it true that the TSA will take away your self defense pepper spray?

Chrissy

I would be surprised and concerned if they didn't

[Gaydave]

For me if I go somewhere unknown I try to stay in populated areas simply because no one will start anything if there it pretty much populated or lot of people ( witnesses)  or know who I am meeting and try to stay quiet like a ghost lol.

[Lori Dee ✅]

Online Safety:

A new wave of romance scams is washing across the internet – here's how to stay safe
https://theconversation.com/a-new-wave-of-romance-scams-is-washing-across-the-internet-heres-how-to-stay-safe-274121 🔗
The Conversation - Tony Jan
Published: February 10, 2026 2:08pm EST

Romance scams are among the most emotionally damaging forms of cyber crime because they combine carefully manufactured intimacy with financial theft – the scammers go after your heart, and then your wallet.

Just last week, Australian police warned more than 5,000 people they may have been targeted in a large-scale romance scam linked to overseas syndicates. The scammers used common dating apps to find victims and start online relationships, then tricked their victims into buying a fake cryptocurrency.

Importantly, the romance scammers' toolkit has changed in recent years. Artificial intelligence (AI) has lowered the cost of impersonation. Convincing profile photos can be generated in minutes, affectionate conversations can be auto-generated, and "proof" of identity can now be faked through voice and video.

In the lead-up to Valentine's Day, dating apps get busier. So how can we stay safe from romance scammers?

----------------------------

Read the Full Article for information.
https://theconversation.com/a-new-wave-of-romance-scams-is-washing-across-the-internet-heres-how-to-stay-safe-274121 🔗

[Dawn Kellie]

The world is a dangerous place.  Those that act and look like targets will become targets
When out by yourself or with others don't bury your face in your phone. Keep your head up, look around, monitor what's happening.
I took a ccw class and the instructor put it the best.
You been no less than 3 levels of observation.
1) you're home doors are locked and you're favorite pj's. That's a green light situation relax and enjoy your time.
2) you're out with friends in a part of town you're comfortable with. That a yellow light. You observe but you can have fun and just know what's going on around you.
3) You're by yourself or with otherswho can'tkeep their had up. It could be any area you know or don't know. This us a red light. You're head is always moving you keep your eyes and ears open. You know what's going on.  You watch reflections and shadows.  You are aware.

I didn't do the explanation justice, but I hope everyone gets what I'm saying.
Please be safe when one of us gets hurt we all get hurt. Look out for others sometimes just identifying a concern can stop it.

[Dawn Kellie]

Oh, I forgot. You need to go from any of the 3 settings to another quickly. That strange noise in the backyard you go to yellow, and ready for red.
Don't become paranoid that doesn't help just be observant

[Rochelle]

I always live in condition yellow when away from the home.  I am a ccw carrier.  15 years of military law enforcement in the far past has kinda melded my mindset.  I never want to be a victim or see others in danger.  I already know how I will react if needed.  It's unfortunate to think this way but the world can be unkind sometimes.  My workplace leadership is aware and appreciative of the extra layer we have at the office.  The odd thing is I think law enforcement has changed alot in the past three decades and I am a bit standoffish and don't enage them unnecessarily.