Removing theTarget
How to Avoid Real and Potential Personal Safety Threats for Your Family Office BY MOLLIE PAGE
Y
ou worked hard to earn your wealth, but your lifestyle might place a target on your personal safety. Recent Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports show predatory crime in America has decreased 50 percent since the 1990s, but cybercrime continues to grow, stealing over $835 million from Americans over 60 years old in 2019 alone. With great wealth comes great risk. But many family offices renounce the warning signs and continue to expose their personal safety to avoidable dangers. Is this your truth? Do you feel safe in all situations? You probably shouldn’t according to Mark Baker, a 30-year veteran of law enforcement who provides crime risk assessments to wealthy families through RE1Safe. As a tactical safety trainer, Mark says a large number of high-profile individuals expose themselves to predatory criminals every time they leave the house. “I was in London a few years ago and met a very notorious British rock band member who inquired about the need to hire a security consultant. After discussing his family, touring and 60
FON MAGAZINE / SUMMER ISSUE 2020 / FONMagazine.com
travel plans to identify risk exposures, the rocker agreed to take my advice to consider added security and the need to ‘have a security plan.’ After we finished at the musical venue, he grabbed his guitar and he and his family started walking toward the exit to hail a taxi. I asked him, ‘Where are you headed?’ He responded, ‘To a taxi stand a few blocks down and through Hyde Park.’ ‘Alone?’ I asked. ‘Yes. I know the way!,’ he replied.” Baker reminded the man that he was transporting a very expensive vintage instrument and that his face would not go unrecognized on the streets of London. Aside from paparazzi, the rocker was about to create a potential fanatic mob situation. “I couldn’t believe he was so naïve after nearly 50 years of fame!” While most wealthy individuals don’t have to endure paparazzi on a daily basis, some might underestimate their vulnerability to real-life and cyber criminals. Ask yourself: Is my business or digital identity at risk of ransomeware? Am I traveling to a country with a high-crime rate? Do I trust my inner circle to guard my privacy? Fortunately, there are solutions to improve your personal safety both online and IRL.
