Safety
for Seniors
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.
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Be Alert When Out and About
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Go with friends or family, not
alone.
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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.
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Use direct deposit for Social
Security and other regular checks.
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Whether you're a passenger or
driver, keep car doors locked.
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Be particularly alert in parking
lots and garages. Park near an entrance.
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Sit close to the driver or near
the exit while riding the bus, train, or subway.
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If someone or something makes you
uneasy, trust your instincts and leave.
Find
out more about protecting your home.
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Make Your Home Safe and Secure
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Install good locks on doors and
windows. Use them! Don't hide keys in mailboxes and planters or under doormats.
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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.
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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.
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Consider a home alarm system that
provides monitoring for burglary, fire, and medical emergencies.
Find
out more about frauds and cons.
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Watch Out for Con Artists
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Find
out more about neighborhood action.
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.
Does
Your Community Have a Triad Program?
It's
sponsored on a national level by the American Association of Retired Persons
(AARP), the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National
Sheriffs' Association (NSA). Triad promotes partnerships between senior
citizens and the law enforcement community, both to prevent crime against the
elderly and to help law enforcement benefit from the talents of older people.
If you're interested, contact your chief of police, sheriff, or AARP chapter or
call Triad at NSA, 703-836-7827.