GOOD ADVICE

By Dan Overy

Dan Overy, Professor of the Criminal Justice Program at Lambton College retired in June 2005. As a parting gift to his colleagues, he made comments related to personal safety at a breakfast meeting of Lambton College retirees. Margaret Turner of the Lambton Seniors Association Executive recorded these. They will be published as a series in this and succeeding issues of the Cardinal.
Here is a cautionary note. Retirement can be lonely at times. Scam artists who present themselves at your door or contact you at home by phone are well aware of this. A good rule is “My safety first, your feelings second”. The most frequent report of crimes among seniors is fraud. If a salesperson wants money up front, alarm bells should sound in your head. Even your kids expect delays in such requests. These people are not your friends.
Handymen/Women from the LSA carry identification that signifies that they are LSA-affiliated volunteers. Be sure to ask for their green business type card and their ID badge, so you know you are dealing with a responsible person at your front door. Utility workers will carry similar identification