November 29, 2005

People's Bank Presents Tips For A Safe Holiday Season

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. - In light of the holiday season, it is appropriate for all people, especially caregivers for seniors and seniors themselves, to review safety tips to prevent physical and financial exploitation during this time of year. People's Masters Program is a nationally recognized program designed by People's Bank to initiate crime prevention and awareness programs for senior citizens and those who care for them.

As the population ages, many caregivers search for ways to protect their elderly parents from scams targeted directly at senior citizens. During the holiday period, con artists are especially active, so it is essential that seniors exercise caution. Whether leaving home, shopping, using a car or preparing to leave for an extended trip, seniors should take special precautions during the holiday season. In the unfortunate event that a purse or wallet is taken, important steps should be taken to protect against identity theft and/or home invasion.

For the safety of all holiday shoppers, and especially seniors, People's Bank has put together the following tips to ensure that you and your loved ones have a safe holiday season.

When you leave home:

• Turn on lights and a radio so it appears that someone is home.
• Don't keep ladders - or anything someone can stand on and use to reach your upper windows - in your yard or an unlocked garage.
• Don't display gifts where they can easily be seen from windows.

When you shop:

• Deter pickpockets and purse snatchers by not overburdening yourself with packages. Make extra trips to the car to put packages in your trunk, then move your car to a new space.
• If shopping online, shop with reputable firms that are easy to contact for returns or adjustments.
• Stay alert and safeguard your packages when in public restrooms.

When using your car:

• Park in a well-lighted space. Close all windows and use a steering wheel locking device. Be sure to lock your doors.
• When you approach your car, look around the area and inside the car, including the back seat, before entering. Lock your door immediately after getting in.
• If someone attempts to forcibly steal your purse, wallet or car, give it to them! Throw it away from you and run away.

Before leaving on an extended trip:

• Purchase an automatic timer for your lights.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow and park in your driveway from time to time.
• Stop your mail and newspaper delivery service, or arrange for a trusted neighbor to pick it up daily.

If your purse or wallet is taken:

• Immediately call the police.
• If your keys were in your purse, call a neighbor or relative and alert them that someone has access to your house keys. Have your locks changed immediately.
• Check your credit rating to make sure you are not a victim of identity theft.

"We don't want to frighten people during the holidays," said Angela DeLeon, manager of the People's Bank Masters Program. "We just want to make sure people do everything they can to keep themselves and their loved ones safe during this joyous - but especially hectic - time of year. Following these useful tips will help to ensure that our holidays are as safe and enjoyable as possible."

For more information on holiday safety, please visit your local People's Bank branch.

Founded in 1842, People's Bank (peoples.com) is one of Connecticut's largest banks with assets of $11 billion, more than 240 ATMs and 154 branches, 70 of which offer convenient seven-day banking in Super Stop & Shop locations across the state. A diversified financial services company, People's Bank provides consumer, commercial, insurance, retail investment and trust services to personal and business banking customers. People's Bank is the official banking partner of the University of Connecticut Division of Athletics. For more information about People's, its products and services, please call 800-772-1090, visit peoples.com or any of People's branches.