Welcome
In the Home
- Do not believe or buy anything that sounds too good to be true – on the phone or at your door.
- Beware of individuals claiming to represent companies, consumer organizations or government agencies that offer to recover lost money from fraudulent telemarketers for a fee.
- Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in. If you are worried, call the company to verify.
- Never give your credit card, phone card, Social Security or bank account number to anyone over the phone.
- If anything is suspicious, check out any company with the police or the Better Business Bureau.
- Use direct deposit for Social Security and other regular checks.
- Be sure your address is large on your home, and free of obstruction.
Outside the Home
- Go out with friends or family, not alone.
- Do not carry credit cards you don’t need, or large amounts of cash.
- Sit close to the driver or the exit while riding the bus, train or subway.
- If something makes you uneasy, trust your instincts and leave.
- Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
- Whether you are a passenger or a driver, keep car doors locked. Be particularly alert in parking lots and garages. Park near an entrance.