Seniors a popular target for scams

By Dan Jennings

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 | midnight

Lately, senior citizens appear to be a high-priority target for telemarketing scams.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, 25 million Americans were victims of consumer fraud last year. Citizens age 65 and older make up about 13 percent of our country's population, but telemarketing scams direct upward of 80 percent of their solicitation efforts toward seniors.

You can take several positive steps to protect your identity and your hard-earned money. Before making a commitment with funds from your banking account or credit card, ask the solicitor to send you the "amazing deal" in writing so that you may research the offer.

Never give a stranger your personal information over the phone or on the Internet unless you initiated the contact and are confident of the recipient's reputation.

In the event you become the victim of an identity theft, even if your credit card company reverses any fraudulent charges, make a police report.

Finally, before anyone e-mails me that 65 is no longer considered a "senior" citizen, you are preaching to the choir. I believe that 80 is the new 65.

Suggestion for Your Cell

A gentleman called me and made an excellent suggestion just as I was putting the finishing touches on this week's blotter. He recommended that folks make an "In case of emergency" entry in their cell phones that would identify a point of contact with phone numbers.

First responders, such as paramedics or the police, could easily retrieve this information during an accident or other situation.

Secure your property

A nice lady left me a voice mail to say that many women are leaving purses in plain view in unsecured vehicles.

Please do not become complacent when protecting your property. Hide your purse, or any other valuables, and lock your car.

January 1 — Drunk Driver

Sergeant Glenn stops a vehicle for a traffic violation at 12:40 a.m. and after detecting the odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver's breath or person, conducts a field investigation. The 17-year old driver is subsequently arrested for drunken driving.

January 2 — Disturbance

Officers Wilkin and Woolsey respond to a loud noise complaint at 11:30 p.m. in a residential area near Fir Street. The source of the loud noise was a tailgate party but several vehicles leaving the area were cited for equipment and moving violations.

January 3 — Resisting Arrest

Officers respond to a report of a fight involving multiple subjects at a local bar at 1:15 a.m. A 45-year-old intoxicated man began fighting with the officers and was arrested for several offenses. His 42-year-old accomplice was arrested for parole violations.

January 4 — Narcotics Offenses

Officers respond to a mobile home park to investigate a loud noise complaint at 11 p.m. While Officer Tomao is speaking to a 44-year-old man near his vehicle, Officer Ashby sees the subject trying to hide something. Officer Ashby recovers drug paraphernalia and arrests the man.

January 4 — Warrant Arrest

Officer Ham recognizes a 24-year-old local man who has several arrest warrants. Officer Ham arrests the subject in the 1500 block of Nevada Highway.

January 5 — Drunk Driver

Officer Perkins stops a vehicle after a motorist reports an erratic driver. A 38-year-old man is arrested for drunk driving and his 24-year-old passenger is cited for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Weekly Statistics

Incident Reports — 49

Traffic Stops — 236

Citations Issued — 98

Adult Arrests— 21

Juvenile Arrests — 1

Animal Control Calls — 72

Boulder City Police Sgt. Dan Jennings can be reached at [email protected].