Alan Green

Director Seniors vs Crime

What is “Seniors vs. Crime/Triad”?
The program started in September of 1994 and works out of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.  Since its beginning many presentations have been given to senior groups and other local service organizations.  In October of 1996, Attorney General Tom Miller signed the TRIAD agreement making Iowa the 45^th State to do so.  November, 1996 saw Clinton County become the 7^th county in Iowa to sign a local agreement between the Camanche, Clinton, DeWitt Police Departments, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, and the local AARP chapter.

Why is Seniors vs. Crime Necessary?
Older Americans comprise the fastest growing segment of the population.  The older population-persons 65 and older- number 37.3 million in 2006.  That is 12 % of the population, about one in every 8 Americans.  In Clinton County, out of approximately a 50,000 population, 8,000 of them are 65 and older.  Iowa is 3^rd in the nation with persons 85 and older and 4^th with those 65 and older.  The population of Iowans 80 and over is increasing more rapidly than any other age group.

What Programs are offered by Seniors vs. Crime?
1.     Cell Phones for Seniors

911 cell phones are distributed free to seniors and others with a need for emergency calls, just contact our office.  We accept the donation of old cell phones for the program.   Phones not used in the program are recycled.

 2.      File of Life

 This emergency information form slips into a red magnetic packet that attaches to the front of your refrigerator.  When completed, this form contains emergency information such as medical conditions, medications taken, allergies, doctor’s name and phone number, and family or friend’s names and phone numbers.  Emergency responders will send the packet in the ambulance to the Emergency Room in order to assist the health care professionals in providing appropriate and timely care.

3.      Yellow Dot Program

This is the same emergency information form as the File of Life.  The form is placed in a yellow packet that goes in the glove box of your vehicle.  A three inch circular yellow sticker is placed in the rear window.  In case of an accident, the three inch yellow dot alerts emergency responders to look in the vehicle’s glove box for the emergency information form.                            

4.       Public Awareness

• A weekly column providing information to seniors appears in the Clinton Herald, De Witt Observer, and a number of local newsletters.

• Two 5 minute weekly radio spots are recorded and broadcast on KROS Radio.

• Informational presentations are given to local senior, church, and civic groups on the topics of identity theft, consumer fraud, and local scams.

5.     Individual Assistance

The director is available to assist with questions about fraud and scams or to discuss concerns if someone feels they have been or may become the victim of fraud.

 6.     Special Events

Seniors vs. Crime participates in community events such as hosting a spring conference on fraud and the Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet prescription drug collection. 

How Can I Protect Myself?  

• Limit telemarketers by registering on the Federal Do Not Call List

• Call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register or go to www.donotcall.gov.  There are 4 exceptions to the regulations: surveys, political calls, charities, and businesses that you have had dealings with in the last 18 months.  Both charities and businesses must maintain their own No Call List.  You may ask each one to “put you on their no call list” when they call.  It takes about 30 days to take full effect.

• Never give out personal financial information

• Never tell a stranger over the phone your Social Security, Medicare, credit card numbers, date of birth, or the account and routing numbers from the bottom of your bank check.

• Delete fake sweepstakes & lottery email award notices.

• Do not be pressured to “act now”  Ask for promotional information to be mailed to you so you may view it at your leisure.

• Be cautious of sweepstakes. By law, it does not increase your odds of winning by making a purchase.

• Beware of home repair scams.  If you do not know the contractor, ask for references.  If they want money up front, make the check out to both the contractor and the supply company.

• For a contract written at your home, you have the right to cancel in 3 business days.

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

MOST IMPORTANT IF YOU FEEL YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS FALLEN FOR A SCAM OF SOME TYPE, CALL OUR OFFICE AT 563-242-9211 EXT. 4433, OR EMAIL at alangreen@gapa911.us