HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981 11-04 Be on the safe side THE REVIEW THE REVIEW Wed., Nov. 4, 1981 _ Page 13A
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"Be on the Safe Side" is a weekly I would like to just touch on one popular
column written by Lt. Dennis Delmont of crime against seniors — bunco.
the Maplewood Police Department.If you One of the most obvious, yet frequent,
have questions about police services that bunco schemes is called "the bank
you would like to see answered in this examiner." This con game plays on the
column, you can call Jonathon Clyde victim's good faith. Generally, a phony
Glass at the Review, 777-8800, to submit bank examiner will call and ask your
your inquiries. assistance in a "secret plan" to catch a
This week Lieutenant Delmont has dishonest bank employee.He will ask that
some comments for senior citizens. you withdraw a certain amount of cash
One of the highest priorities for the from your account to be turned over to
community should be the protection and him so that the serial numbers can be
safety of one of our greatest human checked. After turning your money over
resources, the senior citizens. to the"examiner,"you never see it again.
Opinion polls show that fear of crime is Banks never use this procedure,only con
one of the greatest causes of worry for men do.
older people. Concern can be healthy Another bunco scheme is called "the
when it leads to reducing the chances of pigeon drop." The swindlers arrange for
being victimized. On the other hand, you to "share" a large sum of money
living in constant fear takes the en- which is"found."They only ask that you
joyment out of life. temporarily withdraw a large sum of
Attention to crime by newspapers and "good faith"money from the bank. They
televison may lead to the impression that then take your good faith money and
crime is everywhere and that senior make phony arrangements for you to
citizens are crime victims. collect your share of the found money.
Here are some facts about crime: Citizens of all ages have problems with
— Generally, older persons are not misleading and deceptive business
victimized by crime to a greater extent practices. Many older persons, however,
than the rest of the population, except in have common problems which make
crimes such as purse snatching. them particularly attractive to promoters
—Crimes of violence, although feared of fraudulent schemes.
the most, happen the least. Older people are frequent targets for a
— Most murders and assaults are range of investment possibilities in-
committed by relatives or acquaintances volving retirement living or retirement
as the result of a dispute. Very few are incomes. There is no magic way to get
committed by strangers. rich,so you should enter any investment
— The most frequent cirmes are program only after carefully checking all
property crimes, such as burglary and relevant factors.
theft from yards, and are most likely to Talk to people at your bank, other
happen when residents are away. business advisors and the Better Business
As an older person, you need not be Bureau. The main thing to remember is:
paralyzed by fear of crime, especially if do not act impulsively.If you take time to
you take a few simple steps to reduce your carefully plan your investments,chances
chances of becoming a victim. are that you will not fall into swindles or
Because of the column's limited space, other problem deals.