2M2P: Preventing Elder Financial Exploitation. Coral Springs Police Department Community Involvement Unit

Transcription

1 2M2P: Preventing Elder Financial Exploitation Coral Springs Police Department Community Involvement Unit

2 2M2P (2 Minutes 2 Prevent): We know that your time is extremely valuable. This is why the Coral Springs Police Department is launching the 2 Minutes 2 Prevent series of crime prevention tips, techniques, and trends as part of our Make a Call, Make a Difference campaign. If you have just two minutes to review these prevention techniques, you can help deter becoming a victim of crime. Remember, knowledge is truly power!

3 Good Financial Practices: Use direct deposit for your checks. Do not leave money or valuables in plain view of others. Sign your own checks. Do not sign blank checks where another person can fill in the amount. If someone else is managing your finances, get a third person to review your financial institution statements.

4 Financial no-no s Do not lend money in return for a general promissory note. Do not sign any agreement until it has been reviewed by a trusted friend, advisor, or an attorney. Do not allow anyone, even relatives to place their name on your account without your express consent. Your financial institution can set up a separate account with automatic transfer and limited funds. Do not sign over money or property to anyone in return for care, even a family member or friend, without having the agreement reviewed by an attorney.

5 Plan ahead Establish relationships with personnel at your financial institution. Cultivate friends of all ages so you maintain a strong support network and become familiar with community resources. A Power of Attorney can be as limited or broadly defined as you wish and can be revoked at any time. Consider a Durable Power of Attorney that may remain in effect even if you are incapacitated. Consider a Trust, a legal arrangement where a person or financial institution manages assets for you. Put all financial instructions in writing and be specific. Keep accurate and complete financial records of transactions.

6 Personal Safety: Be aware of the risks of living with a person who is a substance abuser or has a history of violence. Have a plan to keep yourself safe, and explore different housing options available to you. Keep up with your friends. Maintain control or your own phone, and open and post your own mail.

7 Automatic Teller Machines (ATM): Do not allow anyone else to use your ATM card or share your pin number. Do not use an easily translated pin number such as your date of birth. Cancel your ATM card if you never use it. Check your financial institution s statements for unauthorized withdrawals. Be aware of people around you while entering your pin number. Look around prior to exiting an ATM area. Do not leave if you feel unsafe.

8 Avoid Scams: Never let yourself be rushed into a deal. This usually means the person is up to no good. Ask for details in writing and time to review them with a trusted friend, advisor, or attorney. Never give out credit card numbers over the phone unless you placed the call. Never give out your social security number or account number. Get several estimates before any renovations or work is done. As a rule, do not have work done on your home by companies or people who initially contact you for the work. Do not pay for work in advance. Check references, telephone numbers, and home addresses. Contractors must be licensed by law. Check their license numbers!!!

9 Reporting Remember that you are a valuable part of the community. The Coral Springs Police Department requests your assistance in discouraging crime. If you suspect the abuse or exploitation of an elder, call ABUSE ( ) immediately. If you have personally been victimized, please call or dial 911.

10 Crime Prevention Tip: Don t put your head in the sand!

11 Knowledge = Power Stay aware of the crime trends in the area you live or work. FREE crime mapping is available at

12 CSPD reminds you to report suspicious activities, To stay better connected, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and today!