Be Wise When Using Craig’s List
Craig’s List is a site of local classifieds and forums that are community moderated, and largely free. Once at your local forum you can find jobs, housing, goods, services, romance, local activities, advice – just about anything really.
If you’ve opted to participate in the trade of goods, whether buying, selling or picking up a free item, it’s important that you exercise caution and don’t become lax about your personal safety. Ideally buyer and seller should meet at a neutral, public location. Though for larger items, that is not always possible. When inviting strangers into your home for any reason, there are a few sound security precautions you should consider beforehand.
1. If at all possible, move the item outside so that the buyer has no need to enter your home. If that is not possible, such as heavy appliances, furniture or exercise equipment, then extra precautions are necessary.
2. Under no circumstances allow any buyer to enter your home without having someone else with you during the buyer’s visit. If this is absolutely not possible, schedule the pick-up during the day, preferably while neighbors are home. Consider having the volume of a radio or television playing softly behind one of the closed doors. Briefly phoning a friend within earshot of the buyer making certain to explain that Bob from Craig’s is presently in your home picking up your piano and you will return her call after he leaves. I know of one woman who goes to the trouble preparing a light snack for the occupant watching TV behind one of the closed doors whenever a stranger must enter her home. What is incredibly ingenious about this is that she lives alone and smart as a whip. Continue reading
Crimes Against Senior Citizens are Rising
Don’t let aging get you down. It’s too hard to get back up! – Maxine
Crimes against senior citizens are rising and they’re rising because the elder population is rising. In additional to fraud, seniors are more vulnerable to purse snatching and mugging. According to the Dept. of Justice, persons age 65 and older face male offenders about 79 percent of the time, usually strangers over the age of 30.
These crimes against elders can be prevented by being careful and alert. Learning how to avoid becoming a victim during your twilight years isn’t terribly different from crime avoidance at any age. Nonetheless, below are some tips and techniques with emphasis on the senior citizen community.
While you are away from home
- If you must carry a pocketbook, hold it close to your body; with a firm grasp on the handle or strap. Don’t slip a purse strap around your neck –- an attacker could use the strap to harm you.
- Before leaving your car or a shop, always pause to observe your surroundings closely, especially if the area is unfamiliar, so you know where to go for safety.
- Carry your wallet in an inside jacket pocket or front pocket – never in your back pocket. Carry as little cash and credit cards as possible. Hold only what you’re prepared to lose.
- Carry change for emergency telephone and transportation use, even if you have a cell phone. Be prepared should the battery go dead or you become separated from your phone.
- Try to sit near the driver when using the bus or other public transportation. Continue reading
