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Back to Safety Info for Residents
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Contact Information

(208) 359-3020
Email Customer Services

Personal Safety

The Rexburg Police Department and the Madison Fire Department are dedicated to our community's safety. When it comes to personal safety, there are a few things you can keep in mind in today's climate to ensure you are protected. 

Cyber/Internet Security

Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to access or damage a computer or network system. Cyberattacks can lead to the loss of money or the theft of personal, financial, and/or medical information. These attacks can damage your reputation and safety. Cybersecurity involves preventing, detecting, and responding to cyberattacks that can have wide-ranging effects on individuals, organizations, the community, and the nation.

Common Fraud Claims & Scams | Phishing & Smishing 

The Rexburg Police Department and other local agencies are constantly being made aware of false claims and scams effecting our local residents. Often these claims come in the form of a text message, email, or social media contact. Please be aware, THE CITY OF REXBURG AND ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES [INCLUDING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT] WILL NEVER CONTACT YOU WITH A THREAT OF ARREST OR OTHER PENAL ACTION as a result of an action on your part, such as failing to appear for jury duty or not paying a bill on time. If you receive such a threat, notify the Rexburg Police Department immediately and NEVER click the link or send payment from someone you have not confirmed the identity of. 

Common scams may look like:

  • "Package Can't be Delivered" scam. This scam typically comes in the form of a text telling you that you have a package meant for you that couldn't be delivered to your address and will ask you to click a link to enter your correct address. DON'T CLICK that link! If you do, you're likely exposing yourself to identity and monetary theft. Delete the text message and report it as junk if you are able. If you are concerned about a package you happen to be waiting for at the time, contact the delivery agency or the business of sales origin. 

  • "Account Subscription" scam: This will typically come in the form of an email or text message indicating that your subscription was automatically renewed and includes a link asking you to verify your account to make any changes. Often, this will be for a common name subscription (such as Netflix or YouTube) that you don't have. If a link is included, DON'T CLICK that link! Report it as spam and delete any messages about auto-renewals claiming to be from a company where you don’t have a subscription.

  • "Phantom Hacker" scam: These scammers will contact you stating "you have been hacked" to try to gain access to your computer system so they can, themselves, steal your information. Sometimes they pose as local law enforcement or other official agencies to gain your trust. Government entities and legitimate businesses will NEVER send unsolicited messages to ask for access to your computer. DON'T CLICK that link! Report the email as spam an unsubscribe from future contact, OR delete the text message and report it as junk. If you receive a phone call of this type of scam, report the phone number to the police department. 

  • Learn more about these scams from the U.S. Department of Justice

Some ways you can protect yourself:

  • Before opening an email or clicking a link within a message of any sort, be sure to check for discrepancies in the email address. 

  • When in doubt, throw it out. 

    • If you are concerned about the source of the information, contact the official source directly, not through any information provided in the message. 

Resources:

Credit & Identity Theft

"Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. It can damage your credit status and cost you time and money." - USA.gov

How Identity Theft Happens:

  • Someone uses a scanner or reader on your unprotected charge cards to gather your information.

  • Someone gathers information from your personal document(s) that they have gained access to. 

  • Skimmers can be installed on fuel pumps, ATMs, and cash registers to steal information from you. 

  • Personal information can be hacked when you use an open/public Wi-Fi network.

  • Information can be gathered from your social media accounts including posts, photos, online quizzes, comments to public posts and more. 

Some ways you can protect yourself:

  • Shred any documents that have personal information like bills, old credit cards, old plane tickets, etc.

  • Collect your mail every day - do not leave mail sitting in your mailbox for an extended time.

    • If you are going out of town for a while, place a hold on your mail through the post office. 

  • Only use Wi-Fi on trusted and secure networks; the ones with passwords are the best. 

  • Ensure that your wallet or card-carrying case is RFID-protected. 

  • INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY:

    • Read privacy policies before agreeing to them.

    • Ensure that your phone number and email are not public on your social media and other personal accounts. 

    • Set your profiles to private access, so they can only be seen by those in your contacts and/or friends list. 

    • Never post photos or messages that allow strangers to identify your exact home address, including house numbers and or street names. 

    • Avoid answering questions on social media from unknown pages. Even simple survey answers can be misconstrued and altered in the future. 

    • Always be wary and skeptical of strangers online. 

      • Be careful accepting "friend requests" from strangers. 

    • Delete your browsing history once a month or more. 

    • Use a current and actively maintained Anti-Virus software. 

    • Monitor your children and elderly's activity and make them aware of potential hazards. 

    • Be advised that many cases of trafficking are first initiated online. 

Resources:

Attacks in Public Spaces

Take steps to prepare and protect yourself and help others in the event of a mass attack.

Types of Mass Attacks

  • Individuals using firearms to cause mass casualties (active shooter).

  • Individuals using a vehicle to cause mass casualties.

  • Individuals using homemade bombs to cause mass casualties.

Other methods used in mass attacks may include knives, fires, drones, or other weapons.

Surviving a Mass Attack: 

Rape, Aggression, and Defense Safety

The Rexburg Police Department offers a course to women interested in maintaining their personal safety against attacks called R.A.D.: Rape Aggression Defense System. "The Cornerstone of R.A.D. Systems,...has its foundations in education and awareness. The course includes lecture, discussion, and self-defense techniques suitable for women of all ages and abilities. Classes range from a minimum of nine to twelve hours plus in length, depending on the Instructor."

Visit the Rexburg Police Department R.A.D. page to learn more and sign up.

Mental Health Crisis Emergencies

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.

  • Visit the SAMSA page to Find Help

  • The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988 in the event of a mental health crisis for immediate help.