MERRILLVILLE | Hearing stories about scams and other crimes targeting the elderly could be frightening, but those who spoke at Merrillville's Senior Safety Day on Tuesday hoped the information shared will prevent those crimes from happening.

Officials from the Indiana State Police, Merrillville Police Department, Lake County Adult Protective Services and the FBI spoke at the event hosted by Merrillville Senior Services.

Indiana State Police Trooper Keith Kozubal, who discussed identity theft, said the number of identity theft cases is increasing, and many people have stolen identities through phone solicitations and on the Internet.

He urged seniors to be more careful with their personal information by securing personal documents in their homes and activating passwords for their credit card, bank and phone accounts.

Kozubal also told the seniors to refrain from divulging personal information over the phone.

"If we're conscious about (identity theft), I would like to think it will decrease the probability it's going to happen," Kozubal said.

Merrillville police Patrolman Sean Buck informed the seniors about current issues taking place in the town, including scams.

A scam that has been reported recently in the town involves scam artists posing as tree trimmers. Police have said the scam artists have stolen cash and other items from elderly victims.

Buck said scam artists often work in pairs or groups. He said one person will distract a victim while another person enters the home through another entrance.

Residents should lock all their windows and doors even if they are at home, Buck said, so a person won't be able to get into their homes during a possible scam.

He said residents should keep their screen doors closed and locked when a person they are not familiar with comes to their homes. The screen door will act as a barrier between the residents and a possible scam artist, which will make it easier for a victim to get away from the situation.

Residents also are urged to contact their local police departments if they think they were a targeted victim of a scam or if they notice suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.