Tips for Seniors to Avoid Physical or Financial Harm

In today's world there are people that are always looking for someone to rip off and take advantage of. Unfortunately these are often times senior citizens. Seniors are usually very trusting because they grew up in a time where you could leave your door unlocked when you left the house and you didn't have to be concerned about anything being bothered while you were away. These days you have to worry about everything from the door being locked to answering the telephone to a scam artist. Here are some safety tips for seniors on how to avoid someone causing you physical or financial harm.

1. Never give out any credit card or personal information such as your social security number on the telephone. Unless you specifically call a company to pay a bill or such never give your credit card number to someone on the phone claiming they need to verify it or for any other reason. Many scam artists will call claiming to be from some company like the IRS and they will need your social security number and credit card number to verify who you are.

2. Never let anyone in your home you don't know or wasn't expecting. If someone comes to your door claiming to be from a utility company ask them for proof of ID, get their name and then call the company and verify that this person works for them and has a legitimate reason for being at your house. Scam artists see seniors as vulnerable and think they will buy into their story without asking any questions.

3.Be careful of repair men that come to your house unexpected trying to claim you need your roof, siding etc. fixed. If you notice something that needs repaired call a repairman based on recommendations of family or friends.

4. If someone comes to the door needing to use the phone don't allow him or her inside. Offer to make the call for them. Crooks see seniors as an easy target and think they will feel sorry and allow them to come inside the home.

5.Keep your doors and windows locked. Even if you just leave the house for a few minutes lock the door. This could allow someone to enter your house and potentially cause you harm. Install Deadbolts on all your doors. Do not leave notes on the door telling people where you have went or when you will be back.

6. Keep the outside of your house well lit at night. Make sure to have a light on all sides of the house.

7.Never hide your door key under the doormat or in a place that is likely to be found.

8. If you are going away for vacation have someone pick up your newspaper and mail or have them held until you return. Mail and papers piled up is a sure sign to a crook that nobody is home. Also leave a few lights on in the house, consider a timer to have them come on at dusk. Pull the curtains shut so no one can look inside your windows. Tell a neighbor you are leaving and have them watch the house for you. Many criminals seem to think seniors have lots of money stashed in their house. If they think you are not home they might decide to find out for themselves.

9.Become involved in a neighborhood watch. This is a great way for a senior to get to know their neighbors and have a system of everyone looking out for each other. If you see anything that doesn't look right to you call your local police department and report it.

10.Make sure to keep your daily routine constantly changing. For example if you take a daily walk at AM every day consider changing it to the afternoon. Don't always travel the same route while walking neither. If possible let someone know you will be out and about the time you expect to return. This way they know if they don't hear from you that something might have happened. When you return home if you suspect that someone has entered your home Do Not go in! Call the police from a neighbors or your cell phone.

Inform any seniors that you know of these safety tips and let them know of any new scams you hear of that are targeted to seniors. We need to do our part in protecting our elders.