American Association of Retired Persons, Savannah Police Department and Chatham County Police Department have joined forces to fight crime against senior citizens. The three entities recently formed a local Triad, an agreement among law enforcement agencies in a county and AARP, to help reduce the victimization of elderly.

WHAT TO DO If you think you've been the victim of a scam, contact the crime prevention officer in your Savannah Police Department precinct or at the Chatham County Police Department at 652-6500. Precinct 1: 651-6990; Precinct 2: 651-6931; Precinct 3: 651-6830; Precinct 4: 351-3400 TRIAD'S GOALS Educate: Sponsor crime prevention and victim/witness programs for older persons Assist: Recruit and train volunteers to assist police and sheriff's departments Emphasize: Staff reassurance programs for older persons to reduce fear and provide moral support Communicate: Provide a forum for law enforcement and the community to share needs and concerns and develop solutions Involve: Unite seniors, sheriffs and local police to identify problem areas for seniors in the local community; to develop and implement community-wide solutions

Triad was begun nationwide in 1988 when the AARP, International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs' Association pledged to work together to reduce criminal incidents against the elderly.

"This partnership addresses crime issues that affect the older citizens in the county and hopes to enhance law enforcement's services to mature persons," says Doris Thomas, local AARP president. Local incidents - from purse-snatchings to home improvement scams - were motivations to begin a local initiative.

"You only have to listen to the news on TV or read in the papers that there's a need for such," Thomas says. "Often crime or exploitation is targeted to the more vulnerable persons in the community.

"There was a need. You know, the AARP motto is to serve, not to be served. And we figured this is one way we could truly serve."

An advisory group - SALT - will implement Triad's goals.

The acronym stands for Seniors And Law Enforcement Together. Representatives of 16 organizations from law enforcement agencies and groups working with the elderly attended the first TRIAD meeting. The Triad will meet at 10 a.m. on the second Thursday monthly at Senior Citizens Inc. on Bull Street.

Scam artists target senior citizens because they often have cash assets, and they're more willing to be helpful and give, says Cpl. W. Williams of the Savannah Police Department.

"Senior citizens are just more willing to give than the younger population. It happens more than people realize," Williams says. "Only 10-15 percent of scams are reported because of (people) being ashamed."

Seniors should check the credentials of anyone wanting to perform home improvements or seeking donations for an organization, says Williams.

"Always ask for at least a city permit - even carpenters, they should have something from the city."

Con artists work to gain a senior citizen's trust.

Older citizens "grew up in a different era. Back then, you could trust people," said Cpl. Jim Manz of the Chatham County Police Department.

Some scams involve getting seniors to withdraw money from the bank. Con artists gain their trust. In a bank's parking lot, for example, they may say a teller is suspected of dishonesty and they need the senior's help. They ask the senior to withdraw his or her money, which they will hold for them. Later, seniors receive what they think is their money - but often is just paper.

"An honest person is not going to approach you in a parking lot. An honest person is not going to approach a citizen at all," Manz said.

Some con artists may call and ask for information over the phone, posing as bank security or a law enforcement agency. Never give any information, officials say, including credit card numbers.

"You can't believe what everybody tells you anymore. If it's a stranger, check what they tell you," Manz said.

Other precautions seniors can take:

* Ask a friend or police officer for help in checking out potential scam artists.

* "Never make a down payment. If you have to pay half up front, something is wrong," says Williams.

* Check out companies with the Better Business Bureau.

* "Always ask for references. Let one of them be from a store he purchases items from," Williams says. "Let him give you some references where you can call and verify."