An awareness campaign, promoted by the Ministry of the Interior and carried out by the municipal administration in collaboration with the prefecture of Matera. It is called “Alert and informed is better” to inform frail elderly people about the increasingly refined techniques used by scammers to deceive and rob them.
The project
The awareness campaign starts today and includes a series of information meetings, starting from the parishes and in places where the elderly meet. “Watch out for scams, learn to defend yourself”, is the slogan chosen for the prevention campaign which starts at 3.30pm in the parish of San Giacomo, continuing at 5.30pm in Agna, in the parish of Sant’Agnese. A booklet will also be distributed with all the advice to identify and avoid the most common scam attempts, with instructions to contact the emergency numbers 113, 112 and 117 if you feel threatened.
The security
We read in the brochure being distributed, under useful advice for the elderly, «when you return home, be careful that no one follows you, close the door and don’t leave the key in the lock. Don’t open to strangers. All companies (electricity, gas, telephone, health company) announce their arrival via condominium notices. If there are no appointments, do not open to anyone in charge.” And again «Do not let people into your home who say they have been sent by an administrator, neighbor, relative or bank for problems of various kinds. If you are not sure of their identity, do not open the door even to members of the police force; if in doubt, contact the emergency numbers (112, 113 or 117).” Safety, especially in elderly people, represents an urgency for institutions that must provide adequate responses, preventing citizens from having to face dangerous situations for their safety at the bank, at the post office, on the bus or walking on the street. .
Other tips
In the booklet and in meetings with the elderly, some precautions are reiterated, explained in a simple and easy way. «Do not keep money or valuable objects in drawers or closets within easy reach. During maintenance interventions (plumber, electrician) make sure that there is a trusted person to help you, to avoid theft, robberies and scams. If you use the internet, be wary of anyone who asks you for your credentials and personal information. Never give out your bank details.”
This may seem like obvious advice, but in the case of the elderly, who are often alone, it must be repeated frequently to avoid ending up in the network of thieves and scammers.
