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This Halloween, Avoid the Scare — Prepare

50Plus Magazine

Janina Ragers

 

As a Community Engagement Specialist over 50, I’m here to share practical, compassionate insights into improving safety — at home, in the community, and online.

 

Older adults can be vulnerable to financial, emotional, and even physical abuse. Many of us live alone, some with memory or mobility issues, making us targets for criminals.

 

In 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center logged 147,127 complaints from Americans 60 and older. This is nearly 50% more than in 2023, amounting to 4.885 billion dollars in losses.

 

Reports of violent crimes against the aging population show similar increases. In New York City, for example, senior-targeted felony assaults have doubled over the last five years. According to a 2024 Newsweek report, Oregon ranks among the top five states for elder mistreatment.

 

In upcoming issues, we’ll delve into the world of scams and the fraudsters behind them — thieves and abusers — and explore practical steps you can take right now to protect your money and your peace of mind.

 

We’ll start here with Halloween. While often seen as a celebration of fun and fantasy, for many older adults, it’s a night of heightened vulnerability.

 

Masked strangers at the door, loud noises, and constant commotion can be disorienting. Property crimes are significantly higher on Halloween, and property damage and vandalism skyrocket. In some cases, what appears to be harmless trick-or-treating can turn into something more sinister. The anonymity provided by costumes makes this holiday a haven for criminals.

 

Phone and online scams also spike around holidays. Scammers pressure older adults into giving money or personal information. The chaos of the season, combined with isolation, makes older adults easier targets.

 

Avoid the scare — Prepare:

  • Keep all windows and doors locked, even when home.
  • If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t open the door, turn off your front lights, and leave a sign that says, “Out of candy.”
  • Use a security camera or peephole to see who is outside before answering the door.
  • Let a family member or friend know if you’ll be home alone.
  • Keep your phone nearby in case you need assistance.
  • Park your vehicle in the garage if able. Never leave anything in your vehicle.
  • Use smart security systems with motion detectors and cameras.
  • Check in on others. A quick call or visit to an older adult can offer comfort and a sense of security.

While none of us can be completely “bullet-proof,” there is much we can do to reduce our risk of crime. Stay tuned to learn how to protect yourself, reduce vulnerabilities, and outsmart

the Bad Guys.

 

 

Janina Rager, Eugene Police Community Engagement Officer with the Eugene Police, is committed to educating people for their safety and well-being.