Do not open the door of the house to strangers even if they wear a uniform or claim to be employees of utility companies. Always check with a phone call from which service the workers knocking on your door were sent and for what reasons. If you don't receive reassurances, don't open for any reason. Remember that no body sends personnel home to pay bills, for refunds or to replace wrongly given counterfeit notes. For any problem and to clarify any doubts do not hesitate to call 113 or the unique emergency number 1 1 2 and request the intervention of a patrol.

 

When you make withdrawal or deposit operations at a bank or at a post office, possibly get accompanied, especially on days when pensions are paid or on those of general deadlines. Never stop on the street to listen to those who offer you easy earnings or those who ask you to be able to check your money or your pension book even if those who stop you and want to talk to you are a distinguished person with affable manners. Pay attention to sudden expressions of affection from strangers, whether they are men or young women who try to embrace you. The intent is to rob you of what you are wearing.

 

If you have doubts about being watched, stop inside the bank or post office and talk to the employees or those who perform the security service. If this doubt assails you on the street, enter a store and alternatively look for a policeman or a safe company.

 

On the way to and from the bank or post office, with money in your pocket, do not stop with strangers and do not be distracted. Remember that no bank or post office cashier will chase you down the street to detect an error in the counting of the money they gave you.

 

When using the ATM, do it with caution: avoid operating if you feel watched.

 

Advice for children, grandchildren and close relatives

 

Don't leave your elders alone. Even if you don't live with them, make yourself heard often and be interested in their daily problems.

 

Always remind him to take all necessary precautions in contact with strangers. If they have the slightest doubt, make them understand that it is important to ask for help from you, a neighbor or contact 113 or the single emergency number 1 1 2.

 

Remember that, even if they don't ask you, the elderly need you.

 

Advice for neighbors

 

If lonely elderly people live in your building, have a chat with them every now and then. Your friendliness will make them feel less alone.

 

Urge them to contact you to clarify any doubts if strangers knock on their door. Your presence will make them safer.

 

Report to 113 or to the single emergency number 1 1 2 any anomalous or suspicious circumstance involving your elderly neighbor.

 

Advice for bank or post office employees

 

When an elderly person shows up at the counter and makes an abnormal or disproportionate request for cash, waste a minute talking to him. It doesn't take much to avoid a drama. Explain to him that outside banks and post offices no employee carries out checks. For any doubt, urge them to contact you.