I wonder how hard thieves must work to come up with some of the depraved ways they target victims. In Northern Virginia, they have started to pick-pocket older adults at doctor’s offices and at the hospital.

I hope that by now, you have made copies of what is in your wallet. Should it get lost or stolen, you have a quick and easy way to cancel or freeze your credit cards and know what needs to get replaced. Most of us have a home printer and it takes 2 minutes to copy everything in your wallet. I recommend you use color and consider enlarging the images so they are easier to read.

Here are some tips from the police to avoid becoming victims to pickpocketers:

• Keep all your personal items in your front pockets
• Zip, fasten, and close your purse
• Report any suspicious people or events
• Make sure your elderly loved ones are accompanied by a trusted family member or friend