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Call 9-1-1 if you ever feel uncomfortable with someone at your door.
- Never open your door to a stranger.
- Never give out any personal information about yourself or your family to anyone, or any business that you’re not familiar with.
- Make sure you know who is on the other side of the door before you open it. A door with a peephole is a must.
Fraudulent telephone solicitations
Beware of any postcard or voice message promising cash and prizes.
- Most will require you to call an “800” or “900” number, and you will be charged for the call on your next telephone bill.
- In order to collect the reward, you may be required to leave your credit card number to “verify your identity”.
- Once you have given out your credit card number, you have created the perfect opportunity for a thief to use your credit card fraudulently.
Too good to be true
If something sounds too good to be true it probably is.
- Take the time to stop and check out the validity of an offer prior to accepting it. This might save you some time, money and most of all, aggravation!
Charities
Never make a donation to an unknown charity.
- Ask questions such as where will the money you donate go, and who will benefit from your donation.
- Prior to donating, ask for the legal name of the charity, and ask for their telephone number so that you can call them back.
- If the caller is uncooperative in answering any of your questions, simply hang up the phone as this is a clear indicator that the charity may be a fraud!
- Look up the charity online, and compare the information you were given over the telephone to that on their website, and make sure everything matches up, and they are legitimate.
- If you do wish to contribute to their cause, you can call them back and do so.
Safety tips while away from home
- Notify the police if you are going away from your home for an extended period of time, and ask that they perform daily drive bys to ensure your home is safe.
- Install timers that will turn on and off some inside and outside lights, and your television at irregular intervals.
- Ask a neighbor to check on your property while you are away.
- Ask a neighbor to park one of their cars in your driveway.
- Never leave messages on your door for anyone, this is a clear indication that you are not home.
- Be sure to notify your newspaper carrier and the post office to hold your delivery until you return. Never allow newspapers, trash or the mail to pile up.
Brochure
Safety Tips for Seniors
