Atlantic County Sheriff's Office

ATLANTIC COUNTY TRIAD

Community Affairs Division
Criminal Courthouse
4997 Unami Blvd.
Mays Landing, NJ

An important aspect of of crime prevention is the ongoing education of residents. Many programs have been developed by law enforcement officials at all levels of government.

One particular program being promoted by the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office is known as TRIAD in which the Sheriff, local police Chiefs, AARP and the Office on Aging combine their efforts to reduce the criminal victimization of the elderly citizens in the County. The TRIAD program has been developed to enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to senior citizens by implementing effective crime prevention education programs. The activities of the program focus on prevention, victim and witness assistance, and educating seniors to improve their quality of life.

Following are some of the recommendations made by TRIAD that can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

Use the "buddy system when you go to the bank. There is truth to the saying that "there is safety in numbers." You are more likely to be victimized when you are by yourself.
When you are at a bank or doing your shopping , do not hold your money out where everyone can see it.
Consider having your income checks automatically deposited via "Direct Deposit" which eliminates the need for you to go to the bank to cash your check.
Be aware of anyone who tells you they have just found some money and want to share it with you.
Always be suspicious of someone who is going to give you a "reward" or something for nothing. Nobody gets something for nothing!
Be suspicious of anyone urging you to make a withdrawal from your savings accounts. Neither the bank, nor any law enforcement officer would ever ask you to take money from your bank. They do not operate this way.
Never, ever discuss your finances with strangers!
Never give personal or financial information to someone on the telephone unless you have verified who they are and if they have a valid reason for asking for such information.
Do not be embarrassed to report that you have been victimized. There is no shame in reporting that you have been approached by suspects trying to "con" you.
Never let anyone into your home without first verifying their identification and their purpose for being there.

Another important aspect of crime prevention suggested by TRIAD is to become familiar with early warning signs of common "con" games.

Bank Examiner Scheme: You received a phone call from a so-called bank examiner who claims to be checking on a dishonest employee and wants your help to "catch the thief."
Impersonator Scheme: A stranger appears at your home as a "phony" gas company inspector, etc., flashes quickly some identification and wants to come into your home. Be especially cautious if they ask where you hide your valuables and money.
Mail Fraud: You receive a letter or postcard in the mail saying that you have won something. A fake contract is described in the "small print."
Work at Home Scam: An advertisement in the newspaper claims that you can earn money while working at home.
Bait and Switch Scheme: You go to a store and cannot find a "bargain" that has been advertised. The store salesman directs you to a higher priced item instead.

Two very popular programs for seniors are Refrigerator Cards (personal medical information) and STAT, a program to check on seniors who live alone. If you would like information on this or any TRIAD program, contact Officer Clint Warren at the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office (609) 625-2276.

Potential Scams Handout

Other handouts available in ELECTRONIC HANDOUTS

New: Identify Theft Program is now in Electronic Handouts!!!

Visit the NJ State Triad Site!!! http://www.nj-triad.org/

Contact:
communityaffairs@atlanticcountysheriff.org

Lt. Robert Mattle
609-909-7240
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Ofc. Philip Tucker & Ofc. Eric Milne
609-909-7241

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