There are many ways to reduce your chances of being a victim of crime. The three most important areas to reduce the odds are to educate yourself, pay more attention, and harden the lens. As we age, we are meant to become wiser and more intelligent about the world around us. We sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that someone seems nice, acts nice towards us, and is trying to help us. We have seen these kinds of actions, or more importantly, these kinds of people, take advantage of retirees too often. You've worked your part and now it's time to relax and enjoy life. To educate yourself, you need to do a little research on something someone tells you. For example, if you need your house painted or maintained, ask a friend if they have hired someone. Check references and ask for certifications, documentations or state certifications. If someone drives up and asks you for a service without you initiating it, ask yourself what their motivations are. Being informed goes a long way in protecting the interests you have worked so hard to protect over the years. The second part of reducing the risk of becoming a victim is paying attention to details. Things that seem unusual, like a stranger in the neighborhood at odd hours of the day. People who don't belong in certain situations, like a man walking into a bank in the middle of summer and wearing a long-sleeved jacket. This kind of situation may seem funny, but...