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Guidelines

GUIDELINES AGAINST SWINDLING THE ELDERLY

In collaboration with State Police Force

Guidelines

  1. Do not open the door to anyone you do not know personally, even if they are wearing a uniform or say they are employees of public utility companies;
  2. Always check with a telephone call which service has sent the workers who are knocking on your door, and why. If you are not given reassurance, do not open the door for any reason whatsoever;
  3. Remember that no public body sends people to the door for the payment of bills, refunds or to substitute false bank notes received by mistake;
  4. Do not stop in the street to listen to anyone who offers easy earnings or who asks if they can check your money or your pension book, even in the case of an apparently distinguished, polite person;
  5. When paying money into bank accounts or post offices, or withdrawing it, it is advisable for a friend or relative to accompany the elderly person, especially on days when his/her pension is paid or on other days when money is due;
  6. If you think that someone may be observing you, it is advisable to remain inside the bank or the post office and tell the clerk or the surveillance staff. If you have the impression of being observed when you are in the street, it is advisable to enter a shop or to look for a policeman, or someone you are totally sure you can rely on to accompany you;
  7. During the trip to and from the bank or post office, when you have money on you, do not stop to speak to anyone you do not know, and always beware.
  8. Remember that no bank cashier or post office clerk will come into the street to inform you of a mistake in the money that has been given to you;
  9. Be careful when you use the automatic teller (cash point): avoid using it if you feel someone is watching you;
  10. For any problem or to clear up any doubt whatsoever, do not hesitate to call 113.

Advice for sons and daughters, grandchildren and nephews and nieces, and close relatives

  1. Do not leave elderly people alone, even if they live on their own they must be contacted frequently and you must take an interest in their everyday problems;
  2. Always remind the elderly to take all necessary precautions in contact with people they do not know personally. If they have the slightest doubt, make them understand that it is important that they ask for help, even from a neighbour, or phoning 113;
  3. Remember also that, even if the elderly do not often ask, they need someone to be near them.

Advice for neighbours:

  1. If elderly people live alone in your building, exchange a few words with them every now and then. A little friendliness will help them to feel less alone;
  2. Encourage the elderly to contact a neighbour to clear up any doubts if unknown people knock on their door,
  3. Phone 113 and report any unusual or suspicious circumstance involving an elderly neighbour.

Advice for bank and post office clerks:

  1. When an elderly person comes to your desk and asks for an unusually large sum of cash, spend a few moments to speak with him/her. A dramatic incident can easily be avoided;
  2. Explain to the elderly that outside the bank or post office no clerk will make any checks;
  3. For the slightest doubt, urge the elderly to contact the bank and post office clerks.