Crime Prevention for Seniors

At Safe City Mississauga, we believe everyone deserves to feel secure and supported, especially in their later years. Unfortunately, seniors can sometimes experience bullying or become targets of fraud. We’re here to share practical tips and resources to help keep you safe and confident.

Fraud Against Seniors

Sadly, seniors are often prime targets for financial scams. According to estimates, fraud is the number one crime committed against older adults, yet only around 5% of incidents are reported. This under-reporting makes it harder to gather evidence and stop scammers in their tracks.

Common scams to watch for

Phone or email scams: Scammers may pretend to be a government agency, a bank, or even a grandchild in trouble, asking for money or personal information.
Door-to-door scams: Unscrupulous salespeople may offer fake home repairs or products.
Online scams: Phishing emails, pop-up ads, or suspicious links that trick you into revealing personal or financial details.

How to protect yourself

Never share personal information (SIN, credit card details, bank info) with unsolicited callers or emails.
Take your time: If someone pressures you to “act now,” it’s often a red flag. Hang up or close the door if you feel uncomfortable.
Verify requests: Contact the organization or person directly using a trusted phone number or website to confirm if the request is real.
Talk to someone you trust: If an offer or call seems suspicious, get a second opinion from a friend, family member, or a reputable community resource.

Bullying Among Seniors

Recent surveys have shown that bullying between older adults is a serious issue:

57% of participants reported being bullied
56% acknowledged they had participated in bullying
55% said they witnessed bullying within the last four months
70% found being bullied distressing or extremely upsetting

What does senior bullying look like?

Hurtful jokes or teasing
Spreading rumors or gossip
Excluding someone from social activities
Intimidating behavior, such as name-calling or threats

How to respond

Speak up: If you’re comfortable, calmly tell the person that their behavior is hurtful.
Seek support: Share what’s happening with a trusted friend, family member, or staff member if you’re in a retirement residence or community center.
Report it: If bullying escalates or you feel unsafe, consider talking to management at your residence, contacting community services, or reaching out to local authorities.

Staying Safe and Supported

Stay connected: Keep in touch with friends, family, and community groups. Isolation can make you more vulnerable to both bullying and fraud.
Know your rights: You have the right to live free from harassment, intimidation, or exploitation.
Stay informed: Attend local workshops, talks, or events that discuss seniors’ safety. Knowledge is power!
Reach out for help: If you ever feel unsafe or uncertain, don’t hesitate to contact local authorities, trusted friends, or community organizations like Safe City Mississauga.

Reporting and Resources

Emergency: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 right away.
Non-Emergency Police: For less urgent situations, contact the Peel Regional Police non-emergency line at 905-453-3311. They also share free tips here.
Local Resources:
- Seniors’ help lines: Many organizations offer free, confidential advice or a listening ear.
- Safe City Mississauga: Visit our website or call us to learn more about our programs, workshops, and community initiatives.

Remember, you’re not alone. Safe City Mississauga is dedicated to supporting seniors and helping everyone in our community feel protected and empowered. Together, we can create a safer, kinder environment for all.