In a world where scams, unfortunately, remain common and new technologies open doors for scammers, protecting the most vulnerable is a top priority. That’s why the Senior Citizens Department and the Civil Guard have joined forces to bring the 'Plan Mayor Seguridad' to Mijas for the first time, a national initiative by the Civil Guard aimed at alerting our elderly on key security issues.
The talks began on Monday 5th at the Virgen de la Peña Active Participation Centre in Mijas Pueblo and will continue on Wednesday 7th at the Senior Citizens Centre in La Cala and on Friday 9th at the Las Lagunas Active Participation Centre. All sessions will take place at 10:30 hours, and although phone numbers were provided for pre-registration, the councillor for senior citizens, Silvia Marín (PP), clarified during the first session that the doors are open to anyone who wishes to attend. The aim, as the councillor stated, is clear: "For our senior citizens to know all the tools they have at their disposal to ensure their own safety and to be able to quickly spot a crime".
- El Plan Mayor Seguridad de la Benemérita se estrena con citas esta semana en los tres núcleos mijeños
- | F.M.R.
Advice to prevent scams and scares
Ultimately, the goal is for them to “feel safe in the face of risks such as bag snatching, robberies after leaving the bank, doorstep scams or the increasingly common online and phone frauds”. For this reason, “we are grateful to the Civil Guard for this initiative”, the councillor emphasised.
From the Civil Guard, officer Juan Antonio Jiménez, one of those delivering the talks, stressed the importance of prevention. “We want to work on preventing scams”, he said, acknowledging that they are “very widespread”.
The fear of “strangers ringing the doorbell, suspicious WhatsApp calls, or the typical gas or electricity scam are the main concerns we see among our elderly”, he said. His key advice is simple to remember and to put into practice: “Be suspicious. These days, curiosity kills the cat", and if in doubt, “ask for help, especially from family or local authorities.”
But safety, as the officer reminded the audience, “can cover a wide spectrum, from preventing crimes to avoiding domestic accidents like fires". That’s why the talks include practical tips: staying calm and looking for details about the offender if you are a victim, calling emergency numbers 062, 091 or 112, quickly notifying the bank if cards are stolen, not resisting bag snatching, changing locks if keys are taken, walking on the inside of the pavement, protect bags in crowded places, not opening the door to strangers, being suspicious of unrequested technical visits, and always identifying anyone who comes to the house to make a repair or collect a payment. It’s a lot to remember, we know, but we must stay alert".
The voice of experience
It seems the initiative was well received by those present. Neighbour Cristóbal González, present at the talk in Mijas Pueblo, gave it a very positive review, saying that “it’s great for elderly people to find out what’s going on". His biggest fear, he confessed, was theft and telephone scams, and for that reason, he encouraged other older residents to attend.
So, now you know, if you want to learn how to stand up to the scammers, there’s still time to attend the sessions in La Cala and Las Lagunas. Because, better safe than sorry…
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