Sheriff
Safety for our Seniors
What is SOS?
Safety for our Seniors (SOS) is a partnership program of the Sheriff's Office and CrisisLink's CareRing program. The objective is to check on the physical welfare of registered seniors living alone or who are disabled. If you would like to register for our program or to have someone registered please contact the Sheriff's Office at 703-228-4460 or CrisisLink at 703-516-6764.
CrisisLink's CareRing program engages volunteers specially trained in active listening, suicide prevention, and crisis response to monitor the mental and physical well being of Arlington seniors. SOS and CareRing participants that live in Arlington will be given the opportunity to take advantage of this free service. CrisisLink will handle the daily phone calls to seniors to check on their physical and mental wellness and the Sheriff's Office will provide in-person safety checks and other assistance when needed to ensure the safety of Arlington's seniors.
For more information, visit CrisisLink at: www.crisislink.org/services/carering.html
What is SOS Plus?
SOS Plus is the crime prevention arm of the program designed to educate seniors and others in the community to help prevent seniors from becoming victims of crime.
Below are a few tips that may help you from becoming a victim.
How do you stop Fraud?
1. Hang up. When solicitors call, hang up. Established businesses in the community generally do not solicit by telephone. If it is something that you are interested in, ask them to send you information. Reputable businesses will be glad to do so. NEVER give out personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account information, social security number, drivers license number or mother's maiden name over the telephone. HANG UP!
2. Tear it up. Beware of mail offering you credit cards. This mail may have some personal information and, if you are not interested in the offer tear it up into small pieces or run it through a shredder before discarding. Often these mailings may include blank checks bearing account information. Dumpster divers can use this information to steal your identity. Just tear them up!
3. Do Not Open it. Door to door sales are fairly rare today as most legitimate businesses operate from a stationary place of business. Door to door con artists and criminals go door to door to prey on seniors and attempt to take their money. If you don't know the person at your door, DO NOT OPEN IT! If they are persistent call the police at 703-558-2222. If it is an emergency then call 911. If someone claims to have an emergency and asks to use your phone, Do not let them in but offer to call the police for them. Talk to all strangers through a closed door. DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR!
TEN COMMON SCAMS
1. HOME REPAIR SCAMS: These include but are not limited to : Driveway paving, landscaping, roof repairs, house painting, window replacement, pest control (including alleged snake infestation) and mortgage refinancing to pay for repairs.
2. HEALTH CLAIMS: promise "cures"
3. ESTATE PLANNING: Always consult an attorney before signing any contract about investments or wills.
4. EXTRA INCOME SCAMS: these usually require you to make an initial investment. Don't do it!
5. UNORDERED MERCHANDISE: Legally, you are not responsible for paying for merchandise you did not order.
6. DOOR TO DOOR SALES: Do Not Open your door to a stranger.
7. LAND IN THE SUN: Beware of offers for a dream retirement property. You should consult your attorney and a reputable realtor before signing any contract.
8. BANK AND CREDIT CARD SCAMS: These have varied scenarios but all ask you to release your account numbers or withdraw sums of money.
9. TRAVEL SCAMS: These state you have won and ask you to send money to claim your prize.
10. AUTOMOBILE SCAMS: Beware of unnecessary repairs. It pays to get a second opinion.
