Fraudsters and petty criminals are increasingly preying on vulnerable senior citizens who are seen as ‘soft targets’, Roy Rawlins, a managing director of ADT said.
“It is important for senior citizens to take extra precautions,” he added.
Here are some valuable hints and tips to bear in mind:
Senior safety begins at home:
– Install and use good locks on doors and windows.
– Do not hide keys under the doormat, in the mailbox or in a pot plant. If needed, leave a spare key with a family member or a trusted neighbour.
– When service or delivery people come to the door, ask for identification and check with their company if you are still not 100% certain about their identity.
– Make sure that the street number on your house is large, well-lit and unobstructed so that emergency personnel can find your home quickly when needed.
– If you decide to install an alarm system, consider one that is monitored for burglary, fire and medical emergencies.
– If you live in a retirement home, ensure you have communication with the guard at the main gate.
Stay safe when you go out:
– Preferably go out with family and/or friends rather than on your own.
– Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables but carry a cell phone which you can use in an emergency. Programme in an emergency number.
– Avoid walking early in the morning or late in the afternoon and try and avoid isolated areas.
– Always let someone know when you are going out alone – a neighbour, family member or complex guard.
– Always keep your handbag closed and close by and keep your wallet in an inside pocket. Petty criminals know that the elderly prefer cash to credit cards.
– When shopping, never leave your purse unattended in your trolley, even for a second.
– It is advisable to use a direct deposit service for social security and other regular cheques.
Do not fall for con artists’ tricks:
– Be wary of offers, if they sound too good to be true, such as a free vacation, miracle cure, sure-fire investment and more.
– Be wary of anyone requesting personal information such as your credit card and/or banking details. If necessary, ask them for their details and call them back once you have verified that it is a legitimate request.
– If someone tries to rush you into signing an insurance policy, sales contract or any other contractual agreement, be suspicious. Read the documentation carefully, and if possible ask a trusted friend or an adviser to check it as well.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 072 435 7717.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
