Skip to content

Be Wary of Scams and Crimes That Target Seniors

Scammers are increasingly targeting older adults. But anyone can become a victim of a scam or crime of opportunity. The Rockville City Police Department offers these tips to protect you from scams and while at home:

  • Never open the front door without checking to see who is there first. Install and use a peephole.
  • Lock doors and windows. (Three quarters of the burglaries involving older people involve unlocked doors and windows. Fewer than half of these robberies are reported.) Keep garage doors locked.
  • Install deadbolt locks on all doors.
  • Use neighborhood watch to keep an eye on your neighborhood. A concerned neighbor is often the best protection against crime because suspicious people and activities are noticed and reported to police promptly.
  • Notify neighbors when going away on a trip. Cancel deliveries such as newspapers and arrange for someone to mow the lawn if needed. Arrange for mail to be held by the post office or ask a neighbor to collect it for you.
  • Keep your home well-lit at night, inside and out. Keep curtains closed. Leave lights on when going out. Use a timer to turn lights on and off when you are away for an extended period. RCPD officers are available to inspect homes and suggest safety improvements. Call 240-314-8900 to schedule a time.
  • Be wary of unsolicited offers to make repairs to your home. Deal only with reputable businesses.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for proper identification from delivery people. If they are legitimate, they won’t mind.
  • If a stranger asks to use your telephone, offer to place the call yourself.
  • Never let a stranger into your home. Do not leave notes on your door when you are gone, and do not hide your keys under a doormat or in other conspicuous places.
  • Never give out information over the phone indicating you are alone or won’t be home at a certain time.
  • If you arrive at home and suspect a stranger may be inside, do not go inside. Leave quietly and call 911.
  • Don’t hesitate to report crime or suspicious activity. Call the RCPD non-emergency line at 240-314-8900. In an emergency, call 911.

Find more crime and safety tips with the Rockville City Police Department’s weekly crime reports at www.rockvillemd.gov/271/Weekly-Crime-Reports.

For more information about common scams, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/seniors/fraud-and-scams.html.

Most Recent Articles

RCPD to Distribute Free Steering Wheel Locks

With vehicle theft rates on the rise, the Rockville City Police Department will give away a limited number of steering wheel locks from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, March 23 at the RCPD station, 2 W. Montgomery Ave. The free steering

Read More »

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get the best of Rockville Reports delivered right to your email and stay up to date on what’s happening in our city.

Contact Us

Have a story idea? Email or call the City of Rockville’s Public Information Office.

About Rockville Reports

Rockville Reports is the official publication of the City of Rockville, published at City Hall, 111 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850-2364.