Healthy Aging

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Crime

Home > Healthy Aging > Safety and Abuse > Crime

• When You're Out and About
• Home Safety
• Fraud
• Additional Resources

It's normal to fear being a victim of crime. That fear often increases with age. Teenagers and young adults are most likely to be victims. But older adults may be seen as easy targets for crimes such as robbery, purse-snatching, pick-pocketing, car theft, or home repair scams. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), older adults are also frequent targets for fraud. Common types include health care and telemarketing fraud. There is no guaranteed way to avoid becoming a crime victim. But you can take steps to make it less likely.

When You're Out and About

Some tips to help keep you safe when you're out and about:

• Stay alert! Be aware of your surroundings.
• Know where you are going and walk confidently.
• Stay away from unsafe places like dark parking lots and alleys.
• Park in well-lit areas and always lock your car and take your keys.
• Lock your car doors as soon as you get in.
• Don't open the door or roll down the window for strangers.
• Keep cash and valuables out of sight.
• Carry your purse close to your body.
• Don't resist a robbery. No amount of money is worth your life.

Home Safety

Home should be the place where you feel the most safe. Rest easier with these safety tips for your house or apartment:

• Know your neighbors — people who know each other look out for each other.
• Always lock your door. It's best to have a deadbolt lock and strong door.
• Close and lock your windows.
• Make sure your windows won't break easily.
• Don't open the door for people you don't know. If someone claims to be a maintenance worker, cable installer, or even a police officer, ask for ID and a number to call and confirm before you open the door.
• Make sure the walkways and parking areas you use are well-lit.

Fraud

Older adults are often targeted for fraud. There are many scam artists out there looking to take all your money. Don't let them. A few tips:

• Don't give out any personal information — especially your social security number, credit card information, or bank account numbers — on the phone unless you made the call.
• Don't respond to emails that ask you to verify account numbers and passwords. This is called "phishing" and is a way for thieves to steal your information. If you think there's a problem with a credit card or bank account, contact the company directly, either by phone or going to directly to the web site. Don't click on any link in a suspicious email.
• Beware of get rich quick schemes.

To learn more about fraud targeted at older adults, read "Fraud Target: Senior Citizens" from the FBI.

And finally, in all instances, trust your instincts! If you feel uncomfortable or threatened get out of the situation. Don't be afraid to be rude. You have the right to walk away, hang up, or close the door on anyone who makes your uncomfortable.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Age Page: Crime and Older People — This fact sheet discusses fraud, identity theft, and elder abuse and explains what you can do to protect yourself from these crimes.

   http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/crime.asp

2. Help for Victims and Vulnerable Persons (Copyright © NCPEA) — This publication links to information about where to find help if you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse.

   http://www.preventelderabuse.org/help/help.html

3. Major Types of Elder Abuse (Copyright © NCEA) — This publication provides information on the many different types of elder abuse, which can include: physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, and financial or material exploitation. It also contains information on elderly "self-neglect" as a form of abuse.

   http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/NCEAroot/Main_Site/FAQ/Basics/Types_Of_Abuse.aspx

Organizations

1.   Administration on Aging, HHS
2.   National Center on Elder Abuse
3. National Center for Victims of Crime
4. National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated March 5, 2009.