Missouri State Highway Patrol — Public Information and Education Division
Introduction
It is hoped that one's retirement or senior years would be worry free. Unfortunately, there are those persons who target older Americans with scams and, in some cases, physical harm. The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages seniors to take steps to ensure their safety.
Safety in Public Places
Purse Snatching:
• Carry your purse on your side away from the street, close to your body.
• Limit the amount of cash you carry and never carry important papers unless necessary.
• If your purse is grabbed, let it go!
• When sitting in a public place, hold your purse on your lap.
• Always report a purse theft to local law enforcement.
Walking: Vary the route and time you walk. Walk with companions, especially after dark.
Travel Tips: Keep baggage wedged between your feet at airports. Don't answer hotel doors without verifying who it is. Don't display large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
Burglary
• Install light fixtures illuminating entrances, garage, and driveway.
• Keep shrubbery trimmed away from windows and doors.
• Never admit anyone into your home unless you know them.
• Install a one-way door viewer.
• Do not hide keys outside your home.
• When leaving town, arrange for someone to mow lawn and pick up mail.
• Set a timer to switch lights and radio on and off at varying times.
Auto Theft
• Lock your car — half of all vehicles stolen are left unlocked.
• Take your keys — nearly 20% of stolen vehicles have keys in them.
• Park in well-lighted areas.
• Don't leave your car running, even for a minute.
• Don't leave valuables in plain view.
Carjacking Tips: Pay attention to your surroundings. Approach your car with keys in hand. Check the back seat. Keep doors locked. If an armed carjacker confronts you, don't resist.
What to Do If You Are in a Traffic Crash
• Offer assistance and give aid to the injured.
• Call the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately.
• If no one is injured, move vehicles off the road to a safe place.
• If a vehicle leaves the scene, try to get a description of driver, passengers, vehicle, and license plate.
Telemarketing Fraud
• Don't give out your credit card number to phone solicitors.
• Be cautious if the caller says a purchase must be made immediately.
• Ask for the address and phone number of the firm calling you.
• Check with consumer protection offices and the Better Business Bureau.
• Be wary of offers for free merchandise or prizes.
Phone Scams: Scammers often contact seniors posing as relatives who are in trouble and need money. Don't act quickly. Call other relatives to verify the story. Never wire money based on a phone call alone.
Missouri's No Call List: Call 866-289-9633 to sign up. National Do Not Call Registry: 800-382-1222 or www.donotcall.gov.
Cons to Watch For
• Home Repair Fraud: Be wary of door-to-door solicitors. Get a written contract and ask for references.
• Charity Fund: Verify groups soliciting funds are registered with the Attorney General's Office.
• Phony Officials: Always ask for identification from anyone claiming to be in an official capacity.
Protect Yourself
If you have been victimized by a scam artist, contact:
• Missouri Attorney General's Office, Consumer Hotline: 800-392-8222
• Federal Trade Commission: 877-382-4357
Emergency Assistance
1-800-525-5555 or cellular *55
• DWI Victim's Assistance Hotline: 1-888-773-1800
• Sex Offender Registry Hotline: 1-888-SOR-MSHP (767-6747)
• Rural Crimes Hotline: 1-888-484-TIPS (8477)
• Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-392-0210
Contact
Public Information and Education Division
Missouri State Highway Patrol
600 E. Elm St., Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-3313
Website: www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov