How To Protect Yourself Against Crime

It's all over the news! A 101 year old woman gets mugged outside her apartment in Queens, NY. She got punched in the face twice, got a broken cheek bone, and ended up in the hospital for three days.

Are any of us really safe? It tears me up to think of how low some of the adult population have sunk to take advantage of senior citizens. This was not the only case. An 85 year old woman was punched by the same mugger, and knocked to the ground.

Total take for the two muggings...under a $100.00!

Yesterday, in the LA area, a 67 year old woman was killed in her car when it was broadsided by another car speeding . It seems that two other cars, with a number of occupants, were shooting at one another. The driver of one car was hit, and went out of control, crashing into the vehicle with the senior who was killed and her daughter.

And now the Internet and identity theft...we are not safe at home, on the streets, in stores....what can we as seniors do to protect ourselves?

"Identity theft is a crime of opportunity and the bad guys often target seniors because they perceive older adults as the most vulnerable members of our society; but armed with knowledge, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim," says Dennis Everett of Dignity Memorials Smart and Safe Living program. He points out a good place to start is with a working knowledge of how the crime is perpetrated.

How do thieves get your information?

According to The Identity Theft Resource Center, a national non-profit organization founded in 1999 by a woman who fell victim to the crime, there are many ways. Thieves may steal your mail or wallet; go through your trash can, looking for papers with personal information; listen in on conversations you have in public; or trick you into giving them the information over the telephone or by e-mail.

They may also obtain your personal information by purchasing it on the Internet or from someone who has already stolen it; by taking it from a loan or credit application form you filled out or from files at a hospital, bank, school or business with which you deal; or by retrieving it from dumpsters outside of such companies.

What can you do to protect yourself?

* Check your credit reports once a year from all three of the credit reporting agencies -- Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

TransUnion:
(800) 888-4213
www.tuc.com

Experian:
(888) EXPERIAN
www.experian.com

Equifax:
(800) 685-1111
www.equifax.com

* Guard your personal information. Be very careful about giving out your Social Security Number (SSN)..

* Don't put your SSN or drivers license number on your checks.

* Destroy papers you throw out, especially those with sensitive or identifying information. A crosscut paper shredder works best.

* Be suspicious of telephone solicitors. Never provide information unless you have initiated the call.

* Do not reply to and delete suspicious e-mail requests.

* Use a locked mailbox to send and receive all mail.

What can we do to protect ourselves from other crimes as we get older? We all have to think about it, face it, and plan for it.

EIGHT THINGS SENIORS CAN DO TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST CRIME

Though less likely to be victimized by crime than other age groups, seniors are still vulnerable to crime. To further ensure your safety, whether you are young or old, the following tips are worth considering:

1. Get involved in your community. Get to know your neighbors and community leaders. Know the area in which you live. Report problem areas to police.
2. Do not carry a lot of cash. Consider getting a debit card-it can be used to buy groceries and a wide variety of other goods. As a senior you may not have to pay a service charge (check with your bank).
3. Visit the community police center nearest you. A staff member should be willing to arrange for a free on-site safety inspection of your home. You will get a list of things you can do to make your home safer.
4. A well-lit home, outside and inside, will discourage thieves.
5. Identify your possessions with a code number. Put a notice in your window that your possessions are marked.
6. When walking outdoors, do not carry a bulky purse or package. Walk in well-lit areas.
7. If you are home when someone tries to break in, do not try to catch the intruder. Call the police. Then try to get a good look at his or her face so you can provide a good description.
8. If you think you are being followed, cross the street, go to the nearest home, service station, or business and call the police. If you have a cellular phone, bring it with you.