Since scams never go away, here are timeless real estate safety protocols from APD's Safety Manager, Steve Sink.

Personal Safety

• Go where you're going quickly, with purpose and always pay attention!
• Don't get distracted with texts, phone calls and paperwork.
• When you are shopping alone, don't let your purse make you a target – just carry the essential: keys, ID and credit cards. Do not wear a cross-body purse when shopping (alone). It can make it harder to get away from an attacker.
• If you keep your purse in the trunk, put it there before you leave the house, not at the destination.
• If your car is not parked in the garage, take the garage door opener inside with you.
• Always lock your doors and windows. Don't provide an easy opportunity.
• If you are going to a movie (or anywhere a criminal knows you will be away from your car for a while), take your registration and insurance card with you. Don't leave anything with your address in the car so they don't target your house while you are out.

Look out for your neighborhood. If something is not normal, it is suspicious. Report suspicious activity to 242-COPS (2677). If you see a crime in progress, report it to 911. Do not try to stop a crime. Keep your distance from suspicious activity. Call the police for help.