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Senior Citizen Safety
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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.
 | 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.
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| 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. |
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.
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| 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
or 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.
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| 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. |
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