Seniors should be on guard for offers that sound too good to be true, whether its a free vacation, sweepstakes prizes, cures for cancer or arthritis, or a low-risk, high yield investment scheme. Never give your credit card, Social Security, or bank account numbers to anyone over the phone. It is illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify a prize or gift.

Con artists use any number of techniques to make what they are offering sound too good to refuse. Children should educate their aging parents about schemes that promise wealth but require an up-front payment by the recipient as a show of good faith.     

Many of the scams that are being perpetrated today originate in foreign countries. Once an unsuspecting victim’s money leaves the US it is very difficult to recover. The rule of thumb – If it sounds too good to be true it usually is.

Seniors are also a target of good deals on home repairs. Fly-by-night contractors often pressure unsuspecting homeowners for full payment before they begin the project.  They then disappear before they finish the project or they leave the homeowner with sloppy workmanship.  Legitimate contractors should be willing to accept payment for satisfactory work as the project progresses.     

 Don’t let anyone rush you into 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 are suspicious, check it out with your police or sheriff’s office, the Better Business Bureau, or the consumer protection office.  

Other common-sense precautions for seniors:

Be alert when out and about. Go with friends and family, not alone. Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat pocket 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 checks whenever possible. Whether you’re a passenger or driver, keep car doors locked. Be particularly alert in parking lots and garages. Park near an entrance when you can. 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, and 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 their identity. Be sure your street address number is large, clear of obstruction, and well-lighted so law enforcement and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly.

Get involved in the community. Report any crime or suspicious activities to local law enforcement. Join a Neighborhood Watch to look out for each other, help law enforcement, and work to change conditions that hurt your neighborhood.

Seniors can sign up for the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Senior Registry.  Information is available by calling 728-7300.

Seniors who follow these tips can avoid becoming crime victims, and can be a vital resource to create a safer community.  Stay safe!