Things have changed.

“We come from a generation that pretty much trusted everyone,” Brown, who through Hockaday Funeral Home and Dignity Memorial, presented a Smart & Safe Seniors class at the church. “The economy changed this. Predators are out to take what you've got. You need something to keep you protected.”

Some of the things, like avoiding scams, were common sense lessons, never giving personal financial information to telemarketers.

Some strangers, Brown explained, are legitimate and there are still a few door-to-door sales people. When answering the door keep it closed and locked. Ask them their business. Most legitimate people will state their business and offer identification. If you tell them you are busy they will go away. “If they don't that you gives you time to pick up the phone and call 911. It gives you time to call a neighbor to come be with you.”

One of the biggest taboos is to carry your purse when shopping, Brown explained. “There's nothing in your pocketbook that is more valuable than your life. It gives me a sign you've got something valuable inside.”

It is better, when shopping, to slip your ID, one credit card or cash to cover what you buy inside a pocket. If you put your pocketbook in the trunk, do so before you leave home. “Thieves are getting more and more brazen. They're sitting at home trying to figure out ways to take it.”

If you are a crime victim, instead of giving clothing descriptions, look for facial scars, deformities or tattoos, “Something you can't take off.”

When Brown asked the group whether they locked their doors even when working outside, most raised their hands to indicate they did. This is important when thieves working in pairs come along, he said. “Once he's got your attention, he's got an accompanist going behind your house to look for valuables. If they want a drink of water, direct them to the outside spigot.”

Stressed Brown, “If you feel uncomfortable call the police or sheriff's office.”

If telemarketers call, ask them for a return number. “Keep a record of how many times you get called. Tell them the most you'll spend is 44 cents for a postage stamp.”

The most common place to stop on trips is a rest area or welcome center, Brown said. Avoid them. “Rest areas are one of the worst places in the world you can go.”

A man using a rest area stall can simply have his head pushed into the wall, either knocking him out or incapacitating him long enough to be robbed. Purses can be stolen from the adjoining stalls. “The best thing to do is go to a service station or McDonald's.”

When leaving home for extended times, have neighbors park their cars in your yard, use timers on lights.

Passing out pamphlets and brochures, Brown said, “Read it. It makes you second guess a lot of things you've been doing.”

To schedule a Smart & Safe Seniors Class call Brown through Hockaday at 252-537-6144.