DOs AND DONTs - REMINDERS FOR SENIORS

Dos and Don'ts, a reminder for seniors,
comes compliments of
the Cape May County Sheriff's Department, Cape May, New Jersey.

Telephone SCAMS - Do's and Don'ts:

• Do be aware of strangers.
• Do be aware if the caller insists you must act immediately - JUST HANG UP!!!
• Don't be pressured and Don't worry about being polite - JUST HANG UP!!!
• Don't give credit card numbers over the telephone unless you called to order something.

A legitimate business will not hesitate to give you a return telephone number and address. You may ask for this information and tell them you will call them back. This will give you time to verify if the business is real. It will also allow you time to think about their offer without feeling pressured. If the person refuses or hesitates to comply with your request when you ask, then you should hang up, it most likely a SCAM.

Mail SCAMS - Do's and Don'ts:

• Do be aware of offers from strangers.
• Do be aware of anyone offering: Free prizes / Free Services or special promotions.
• Don't accept , return or pay for anything you didn't order.
• Don't send money for any "free" items.
• Don't send money to anyone unless you check validity of the offer - ask your family, friends or senior groups.
• Don't feel obligated or pressured to buy or donate anything. USE YOUR WASTEBASKET !

Door to Door SCAMS - Do's and Don'ts

• Do be aware of strangers.
• Don't let anyone into your house.
• Do ask to see credentials of "inspectors" from City or Utilities, then check with their offices.
• Do be aware of "leftover" or "special promotion" SCAMS involving : driveways, roofs, siding, painting, etc.
• Your best defense is to deal with established local businesses.
• Don't sign anything the first time around.
• Don't pay cash at anytime.

If someone comes to your door and you suspect a SCAM, you can be helpful to your police department by noting a description of the person who came to your door, a description of the vehicle they came in and if possible try to get a tag number off the vehicle. Report it to your police department with the information you noted. It is best not to say anything to the person you suspect. Just tell them you are not interested and close the door.

Other SCAMS on Seniors - Do's and Don'ts

• Do be aware of legal type offerings involving:
• Estate or property changes
• Reverse Mortgages
• Insurance- Nursing Homes
• Wills, Living trusts, Probate

• Do take your time by checking above offerings with:
• Family
• Friends
• Reputable Lawyers
• Department of Aging

• Don't sign anything the first time around.
• Check and calculate your phone bill each month!!