Don’t get scammed seniors! According to the National Council on Aging, financial scams targeting Seniors have become so prevalent that they’re considered “the crime of the 21st century.” In honor of declaring May as “Older Americans Month” in Santa Clara County, on Friday, May 23 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. the Office of District Attorney Jeffrey F. Rosen and I will be co-hosting a free “Scam Prevention for Seniors” event for South County seniors at the Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna St. Gilroy. Seniors, their families, and caregivers are invited to come learn about the most recent scams happening in our area and how to protect themselves. The Director of Mediation Services, Consumer Protection Unit of the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office will discuss some of the ways that criminals will try to fool you and take your money or your identity.
We need to work together to stop Senior scams now. The population of Seniors will continue to grow over the next decade and beyond; by 2030 more than one in four Santa Clara County residents will be over age 60 (27.6%). This is a higher percentage than expected for either the State of California (23.3%) or the United States (24.7%).
A recent study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) explained that the characteristics of older adults make them easy targets for financial abuse. In general, Seniors expect honesty in the marketplace, are less likely to take action when defrauded, and are less knowledgeable about their rights in an increasingly complex marketplace. And if retired, they spend more time at home, putting themselves within easy reach of devious telemarketers and home solicitors. Scam artists often pose as trustworthy helpers. They can be strangers, or have a relationship with the targeted victim, such as friends, family members, doctors, lawyers, accountants and paid or volunteer caregivers.
Last year, my eyes were opened to just how easy internet fraud can occur when I was contacted by a woman who had been swindled by a man claiming to be a British businessman in Africa. He had found public photos of me on the internet and was using them as his own image. Her unfortunate situation led her to lose a considerable amount of money, which she had sent to the scammer believing that she was helping him build his business. It is my sincere hope that with a little more awareness we can all work together to help Seniors avoid being scammed.
A good rule of thumb to remember is that if something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. But this event is one “free” offer you can trust! Participants will leave with an understanding of how criminals target Seniors, some of the latest scams, and most importantly: how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Join us!
Scam Prevention for Seniors
• Gilroy Senior Center 7371 Hanna St, Gilroy
• Friday, May 23r 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• More information: (408) 299-5010, an**************@bo*.org
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