Be a Street Smart Senior

Be aware of your surroundings. Walk and talk with confidence.

Tell someone you know where you are going, and your estimated time of return.

Avoid deserted routes, know the neighbourhood. Know the stores that are open late, and where police/fire departments are located.

Carry proper change for emergency telephone/transportation use.

Carry key to destination firmly in hand to ensure quick, effective entry: then lock door behind you.

Carry purse tucked under arm. DO NOT wrap strap around wrist several times. This creates the least injury in case of purse snatching.

Have in purse one credit card, 2 or 3 cheques, I.D., cash (small amount).

If attacked, make noise, scream, yell, holler, fall like dead weight to the ground.

And whatever you do, don't talk to, or accept gifts from strangers.

Don't leave wallet or keys in dressing rooms, restaurants, grocery store carts.

If a stranger approaches you for the time, lift watch to eye level, so you are always aware of what's going on around you.

Ask security guard of mall to walk you to your car in parking lot if you are nervous.

Do not hang your purse on the hook behind the door in the washrooms. Place it on the floor between your feet.

If you are the victim of a robbery, give the robber your material possessions. Possessions can be replaced, you cannot be replaced.

Stand near the control panel on the elevator, ask others what floor they want first before you press floor number.

If nervous with a stranger in the elevator, get off at the next floor.

If attacked on the elevator, hit the alarm, and as many floors as possible. This will give you a better chance to get out of the situation quickly.

Ask bank tellers to count money behind counter, out of view of others.

Know bus schedules so you don't arrive too far ahead of time, take a seat close to the driver.

Keep purses on floor of car, not on passenger seat.

Place valuables in trunk before arriving at destination: there are those who shop from parking lots.

Park in well lit areas. Stay away from big hedges where someone could be hiding.

Always lock your vehicle.

If you are being followed, DO NOT go home: head to a police/fire station, block parent or populated area.

Do not pick up hitchhikers or stop for motorists. Call for assistance instead.

Do not lift the hood of your car if broken down. This obstructs your view to people approaching.

Keep a pen, paper, candle, and first aid kit in your car.

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES give your credit card numbers or personal information to phone solicitors.

Do not allow door-to-door contractors into your home for free estimates.

Ask to see credentials (and phone them) before getting any kind of work done to your home.

Speak through the door to strangers.

Investigate mail orders carefully. Usually you can get the item cheaper from a local store.

Monitor bank accounts regularly.

Do not pay for anything until goods are in your hand.

"Cash only"...................... why isn't a cheque accepted?

"Secret plan".................... why is it a secret?

"Get rich quick".... ............these schemes should be carefully investigated.

"Something for nothing"...you never get something for nothing

"Today only".....................be wary of pressures for a quick sell..

"Contest"...........................they are usually a money losing scheme, i.e. spend $100.00 for

                                                                        shipping and handling and you will receive a car or a trip.

Be wary of "nice" strangers when it comes to your money.

You need not be negative or rude, but try to separate genuine situations from scams .......

Let's prepare you to receive these calls or situations.

"Leave your number and I will get back to you after checking with (the better business bureau, local police department, friend.)"

"Send some information and I will consider it."

"if I have to give you an immediate answer, that answer would be no."