AgePage

National Institute on Aging

Crime and 

Older People

Lucy is worried. She’s lived in the same neighborhood for 50 years, but things seem to be changing. Last week, her friend R

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Older people and their families worry about crime. Though older people are less likely to be victims of crime than teenagers and young adults, the number of crimes against older people is hard to ignore. Older people are often targets for robbery, purse snatching, pick-pocketing, car theft, or home repair scams. They are more likely than younger people to face attackers who are strangers. During a crime, an older person is more likely to be seriously hurt than someone who is younger.
) Do make a list of your expensive 

belongings. You might even take pictures of the most valuable items. Store these papers in a safe place.

) Do ask your local police department about marking your valuable 

property with an I.D. number. 

) Don’t open your door before you 

know who’s there. Look through the peephole or a safe window first. Ask any stranger for proof of identity before opening the door. Remember, you don’t have to 
) Do carry your purse close to your 

body with the strap over your shoulder and across your chest. 

) Don’t resist a robber. Hand over 

your cash right away if confronted. 

Be Safe with Your Money) Do have your monthly pension or 

Social Security checks sent right to the bank for direct deposit. Try not 

to have a regular banking routine. 

) Don’t carry a lot of cash. Put your 

wallet, money, or credit cards in an inside pocket. 
an older person’s money or property. The following tips may help:) Don’t be afraid to hang up on 

telephone salespeople. You aren’t being impolite. You are taking care of yourself! Remember, you can say no to any offer.

) Don’t give any personal information, including your credit card 

number or bank account, over the phone unless you were the one who made the call. 

) Don’t take money from your bank 

account if a stranger tells you to
) Do be on guard about hiring 

people who come door-to-door looking for home repair work. They may not be trained to do the work, and they may overcharge you. You should try to check their references. Always spell out the details of the work you want done in writing. Never pay for the whole job in advance. 

Avoid Identity TheftHow can someone steal your identity? Using 
) Do shred everything that has 

personal information about you written on it. 

) Do be very careful when buying 

things online. Websites without security may not protect your credit card or bank account information. Look for information saying that a website has a secure server before buying anything online.

) Do check with the Federal Trade 

Commission (FTC) to find out how to protect yourself from comknow is being abused, or if you need help, remember:) You can help yourself and others 

by reporting the crimes when they happen. Reporting abuse is a moral as well as legal responsibility in most States. 

) Contact your local or State Adult 

Protective Service programs for help.

) If you have been hurt, go to a doctor 

as soon as possible. Even though you may not see anything wrong, there is always the possibility of injury. 

) If needed, a lawyer can assist you 
National Center on Elder Abuse1201 15th Street, NW, Suite 350Washington, DC 20005-2800202-898-2586www.elderabusecenter.orgNational Domestic Violence Hotline24 hours/day, 365 days/year800-799-7233 (toll-free)800-787-3224 (TTD/toll-free)National Organization for Victim Assistance510 King Street, Suite 424Alexandria, Virginia 23314
Visit www.nia.nih.gov/HeathInformation to order publications (in English or Spanish) or sign up for regular email alerts.The National Institute on Aging website is www.nia.nih.gov.Visit NIHSeniorHealth.gov (www.nihseniorhealth.gov), a seniorfriendly website from the National 

Institute on Aging and the National