Wright Co. Deputy Terry Klaers spoke at the August Young at Heart gathering Thursday, presenting information on senior citizen safety to attendees.

Seventy percent of seniors are targeted by telemarketers; 75% of its victims are senior adults.

“Seniors are often targeted because they’re trusting and find it hard to say no to a telemarketer,” Klaers told the group. “If something sounds too good to be true it probably is.”

He said neither the IRS nor law enforcement will ask for money over the phone or computer, and warned that scammers often use real company names and logos in emails so they look legitimate. 

“If you’re questioning whether something might be a scam listen to your instincts and look into it,” Klaers encouraged. “Don’t be confused by reputable-sounding organizations.”

Many telemarketers use local numbers to try to disguise themselves; Klaers advised blocking their numbers on cell phones and contacting the phone company to see if they can help block their numbers on land lines.

He explained some of the more common con games and scams, including business schemes, investment scams, insurance and medical fraud, property scams, phony charities, vacation packages and foreign and domestic lottery schemes.

“Don’t fall for lines like, ‘you must pay to win,’ ‘you must pay now,’ ‘your prize is in the mail,’ or ‘the initial investment will be worth the risk,’” Klaers said.

He advised discussing financial decisions with someone that is trusted, such as family or friends, and if there isn’t anyone available to contact the sheriff’s department.

“Many of these scams are difficult for law enforcement to prosecute and get your money back,” Klaers said. “Protect yourself by talking to someone you trust, investigate before investing, get estimates and only work with well-established, reputable companies.”

To help avoid telemarketers altogether, he told the group to use answering machines and voice mail, get caller ID and only answer calls from recognized numbers, get put on the ‘do not call’ lists, and hang up right away if there’s a long hesitation before someone responds or you’re not interested.

“If you do talk to them trust your instincts,” Klaers said. “Never give out personal information like credit card, bank, driver’s license or social security numbers.”

Klaers also talked to the group about home security, telling them that on a national average, one out of every 12 homes will be targeted by a burglar, who look for homes that offer easy entrances and getaways. 

“Robberies account for 38% of violent crimes against the elderly, and 60% of them take place during the day” he said. “You need to be cautious, aware of your surroundings and appear in control.”

Along with investing in a good home security system, Klaers advised checking to see who is at the door before opening it, asking to see a photo ID from service or delivery people, keeping landscaping open, using motion activated lighting and keeping doors and windows locked.

Cars should also be kept locked, and house keys should not be kept on the same key chain as car keys.

“Call law enforcement if you see a suspicious person in your neighborhood,” said Klaers. “When in doubt we can check them out.”

If a person plans to be away, make it appear that someone is home by having the mail and newspaper held or picked up, having the lawn moved during the summer and driveway plowed during the winter, and have lights and televisions set to timers.

If a break-in is suspected, Klaers told the group not to go in, to call for help from a cell phone or the neighbors, and not to touch anything.

Having an up-to-date household inventory list with the serial numbers of valuables can help law enforcement return stolen property if it’s found.

Victims of fraud should contact their local law enforcement or the National Consumers League by calling 1-800-876-7060 or visiting fraud.org. For more information and a complete list of topics visit nationalchildsafetycouncil.org.

Young at Heart is a nondenominational group that meets the third Thursday of every month at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater. Attendees begin gathering at 10:30 a.m. to talk and play cards, followed by lunch at noon and a program. To sign up, call Rejoice at 320-558-6851 or email rejoice@rejoicelutheranchurch.org.