Being the victim of a crime is never pleasant, but older adults need to take special safety steps.
1. Older adults may be targeted and attacked by strangers.
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Older victims are more likely to suffer more serious injuries than younger victims.
2. One of the best ways to protect yourself at home is to lock your doors.
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Make sure that your locks, as well as your doors and windows are strong and can't easily be broken. Ask your local police department to send an officer to your house and point out ways to make your home safer.
3. Never open your door unless you've looked to see who is there.
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Use a peephole or a window to find out who's at the door. Ask a stranger to give you their name and show you an identity card. If you feel uneasy about the stranger, don't open the door.
4. A good way to keep track of valuables is to make a list of them.
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Engrave each piece with a number—your driver's license number, for instance. Make a list of all your valuables and keep that list in a safe deposit box. Experts also advise that you take photos of valuables and store them with the list.
5. If you receive a monthly pension check or check from Social Security, arrange to have it deposited directly into your checking or savings account.
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If you make regular trips to the bank, make sure you don't go at the same time of day. Vary the time of your visit.
6. How you dress doesn't matter to a thief.
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Dressing in a flashy way, or wearing valuable jewelry or fur, can make you a crime target. Store jewelry and fur in a safe place.
7. If a business offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
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Trust your feelings. Older adults are often the targets of scams. You can always check with your state's office of attorney general and ask for consumer protection information on common types of fraud. This includes telemarketing fraud, fraudulent sweepstakes, and business scams. Don't give your credit card number out over the phone to anyone calling to request a donation or sell you a product.
8. Family and friends can also prey on older adults.
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Friends and family have been known to steal from older adults. And family, friends, and other caregivers can be guilty of neglect or mistreatment. This can be physical, emotional, or financial. That's called elder abuse. You can get help through your local Adult Protective Services agency or Area Agency on Aging. Or talk to your clergy, healthcare provider, or lawyer.
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