Tips for Seniors to Avoid Physical or Financial Harm

Safety Tips for Seniors

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.