How to Identify Unusual Purchases

A pattern of unusual purchases by an individual can indicate terrorist or criminal activity. The execution of a terrorist plot, robbery or kidnapping requires supplies that may not seem unusual when purchased individually, but can signal a threat when combined. One way of identifying unusual purchases is looking at the relationship between each item purchased.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Ascertain the purchases most commonly made by criminals and terrorists before analyzing purchase information. State and federal government agencies provide documents on their websites that teach citizens what type of purchases are unusual. A good example of state government documents on unusual purchases is the Texas Special Crimes Service pamphlet on terrorism (see Resources below).
2. Track large purchases of basic goods that can be used in the commission of a criminal act. Examples of suspicious goods when purchased in bulk are fertilizers, small electronic devices and copper wiring.
3. Observe purchases of remote land by suspicious individuals. Criminals and terrorists may utilize barren farm land or forested plots to practice their activities and stage complicated crimes. You can identify the usefulness of a particular land plot by reviewing maps and business listings for the area.
4. Note an increase in usage of rental trucks and storage units by suspicious individuals. One way to identify strange use of a rental truck is to mark down repeated usage or extended use of the same truck. Storage units offer a protected place for criminals to hide tools for their crimes as well as stolen goods.
5. Work with credit card companies and banks to track fraudulent charges or a spike in the volume of purchases by a suspect. You can identify the location of criminals on the run by tracking where they make purchases. A higher volume of purchases may mean a potential terrorist strike or series of related crimes in a community.
6. Compile all of your notes, photos and other information before filing a report with law enforcement officials. A last review of your notes may indicate a series of events that are too coincidental to give police officers probable cause. Organized notes can help FBI agents or police officers see the reasons why you feel an individual is engaged in suspicious behavior.

Tips & Warnings

• Speak directly to vendors and retailers that are frequented by individuals engaged in suspicious behavior. While retailers cannot provide specific purchase information, they can attest to the mentality of potential criminals. Any special requests or purchases discussed by retailers can help you determine a suspect's final goal.