Dear Black Bag Confidential Reader,
I had a tough time choosing this week’s must-read articles. There’s a lot going on in the world, and it seems like some new danger crops up every day.
It helps me to know what kind of threats you’re worried about. Tell me what kind of advice you’re looking for by sending an email to spy@lfb.org.
And let me know what you think of this week’s collection after you check them out below.
1. Holiday Season Crime Prevention Tips
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has published this handy guide to avoid becoming a victim during the holidays — a time when there is a marked increase in robberies and assaults.
Whether you’re out and about, attending a holiday celebration, enjoying quality time at home or driving over the river and through the woods, these are some concrete steps you can take to ensure you have a merry and safe holiday season.
I’ve already covered most of this indispensable advice in detail in my Spy & Survival Briefing, but this two-page primer would be a great reference to stick on the fridge. I also recommend sharing it with your family and friends.
With the increase in crime, you’ll want to exercise greater situational awareness. So keep your head up and these important safety tips in mind.
2. Gatlinburg Photos: Before and After the Fire
Looking at these photos of the damage wreaked by the Tennessee wildfires, it’s surprising the death toll is not higher than the present 14 confirmed victims — although that total will likely go up.
According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, “The disaster began on Nov. 28 when hurricane-force winds topping 90 mph spread embers from a then-500 acre fire near the Chimney Tops in the Great Smoky Mountains.”
With winds of that speed, Gatlinburg residents may have only had moments to leave their homes. This is why it is crucial to have an evacuation plan your family can execute in 10 minutes or less. This is also why you should have your bug-out bags packed and ready to go.
In addition to the food, water and clothing you should have in your escape bag, it’s also a good idea to have a USB containing copies of important documents. I recommend using the IronKey. It’s remarkably secure (self-destructing after 10 failed password attempts) and incredibly durable (able to withstand extreme temperatures and up to 16 G’s of force).
This is another great way to be prepared for the worst, because unfortunately, you never know when disaster will strike.
3. Will Congress Want to Ban This Book?
It’s no secret that being a member of Congress has its perks. What is a secret is that average Americans can take advantage of these same perks — if they only knew how.
The folks at Spy Briefing have been examining these undercover benefits for the last 15 months, distilling that research into a comprehensive 75-page book.
This book outlines 41 completely legal ways you can reap the same rewards as the ruling elite. You’ll learn how to earn extra income, travel like a VIP and get out of tricky situations — scot-free.
So stop letting the players on the Hill have all the fun — and start getting what Congress gets.
4. The Attorney Fighting Revenge Porn
I am a huge stickler for cybersecurity, which is why I’ve published an entire report on ways to better protect your identity and privacy online.
This report includes steps that anyone can — and should — take, because, as we’ve seen, celebrities and average people alike can easily become victims of what legal experts have started to refer to as “sextortion.”
Subscribers of my Spy & Survival Briefing can read this report for free. If you haven’t joined yet, click here to sign up and gain access to this critical information.
Your privacy isn’t the only thing at stake. Victims of this particular breed of crime have lost their jobs, custody of their children — even their lives.
Taking the precautions outlined in this special report will also safeguard you against other cyber invasions of privacy like identity theft, which can also ruin lives and destroy futures.
Being proactive is key — it won’t do you any good to lock the door to the henhouse once the fox is already inside.
5. Monte dei Paschi Is ‘Threatening the Solvency of the Italian State Itself’
Last weekend, when Italy voted down Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s proposed reforms, the leader of the country quit. This sets the stage for major upheaval throughout Europe. And if you think the U.S. is insulated from disaster — you’re dead wrong.
I don’t often touch on financial topics, but I always like to keep an eye on this sector. Because in a financial crisis, people get desperate. And that could lead to civil unrest — an issue many of you said was your No. 1 safety concern.
I’m not sounding the alarm — fear makes people reckless too — but I am taking this opportunity to reiterate the importance of preparedness. Food and water storage is crucial, as is having the means to defend your home and your family.
As a Black Bag Confidential reader, you’ve already got a leg up on most people. But simply knowing what to do isn’t enough. You have to put that knowledge into action. The sooner, the better.
Stay safe,
Jason Hanson
