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Safety for Senior Citizens
As people grow older, their chance of being victims of crime decreases dramatically. But a
lifetime of experience coupled with the physical problems associated with aging often
make older Americans fearful.
Though they're on the lookout constantly for physical attack and burglary, they're not as
alert to frauds and con games - in reality the greatest crime threat to seniors' well being
and trust.
Want to conquer fear and prevent crime? Take these common-sense precautions.
Make Your Home Safe and Secure
Install good locks on doors and windows. Use them! Don't hide keys in mailboxes and
planters or under doormats. Instead, leave an extra set of keys with a neighbor or friend
Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in. If you
are the least bit worried, call the company to verify.
Be sure your street address number is large, clear of obstruction, and well-lighted so
police and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly
Consider a home alarm system that provides monitoring for burglary, fire, and medical
emergencies.
Watch Out for Con Artists
Don't fall for anything that sounds too good to be true - a free vacation, sweepstakes
prizes, cures for cancer and arthritis, a low-risk, high yield investment scheme
Never give your credit card, phone card, Social Security, or bank account number to
anyone over the phone. It's illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify a
prize of gift.
Don't let anyone rush you into signing anything - an insurance policy, a sales agreement,
a contract. Read it carefully and have someone you trust check it over.
Beware of individuals claiming to represent companies, consumer organizations, or
government agencies that offer to recover lost money from fraudulent telemarketers for a
fee.
If you're suspicious, check it out with the police, the Better Business Bureau, or local
consumer protection office. Call the National Consumers League Fraud Information
Center at 800-876-7060.
Get Involved in the Community
Report any crime or suspicious activities to law enforcement.
Form a neighborhood watch to look out for each other and help the police
Work to change conditions that hurt your neighborhood. Volunteer as a citizen patroller,
tutor for children, office aide in the police or fire departments, mentor for teens, escort for
individuals with disabilities.
Be Alert When Out and About
Go with friends or family, not alone.
Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside
coat or front pants pocket
Don't carry credit cards you don't need or large amounts of cash.
Use direct deposit for Social Security and other regular checks.
Whether you're a passenger or driver, keep car doors locked. Be particularly alert in
parking lots and garages. Park near an entrance.
Sit close to the driver or near the exit while riding the bus, train, or subway.
If someone or something makes you uneasy, trust your instincts and leave
As people grow older, their chance of being victims of crime decreases dramatically. But a
lifetime of experience coupled with the physical problems associated with aging often
make older Americans fearful.
Though they're on the lookout constantly for physical attack and burglary, they're not as
alert to frauds and con games - in reality the greatest crime threat to seniors' well being
and trust.
Want to conquer fear and prevent crime? Take these common-sense precautions.
Make Your Home Safe and Secure
Install good locks on doors and windows. Use them! Don't hide keys in mailboxes and
planters or under doormats. Instead, leave an extra set of keys with a neighbor or friend
Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in. If you
are the least bit worried, call the company to verify.
Be sure your street address number is large, clear of obstruction, and well-lighted so
police and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly
Consider a home alarm system that provides monitoring for burglary, fire, and medical
emergencies.
Watch Out for Con Artists
Don't fall for anything that sounds too good to be true - a free vacation, sweepstakes
prizes, cures for cancer and arthritis, a low-risk, high yield investment scheme
Never give your credit card, phone card, Social Security, or bank account number to
anyone over the phone. It's illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify a
prize of gift.
Don't let anyone rush you into signing anything - an insurance policy, a sales agreement,
a contract. Read it carefully and have someone you trust check it over.
Beware of individuals claiming to represent companies, consumer organizations, or
government agencies that offer to recover lost money from fraudulent telemarketers for a
fee.
If you're suspicious, check it out with the police, the Better Business Bureau, or local
consumer protection office. Call the National Consumers League Fraud Information
Center at 800-876-7060.
Get Involved in the Community
Report any crime or suspicious activities to law enforcement.
Form a neighborhood watch to look out for each other and help the police
Work to change conditions that hurt your neighborhood. Volunteer as a citizen patroller,
tutor for children, office aide in the police or fire departments, mentor for teens, escort for
individuals with disabilities.
Be Alert When Out and About
Go with friends or family, not alone.
Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside
coat or front pants pocket
Don't carry credit cards you don't need or large amounts of cash.
Use direct deposit for Social Security and other regular checks.
Whether you're a passenger or driver, keep car doors locked. Be particularly alert in
parking lots and garages. Park near an entrance.
Sit close to the driver or near the exit while riding the bus, train, or subway.
If someone or something makes you uneasy, trust your instincts and leave
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