Fraud, Scam, Elder Protection Program at the Colrain Central School - 8/14/2023 at 6:30pm

Presented by DA Representative Rachel Seneca. Everyone is welcome to come!

The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to serving the people of Hampshire and Franklin counties and the town of Athol through rigorous, fair prosecutions and progressive prevention and intervention efforts. Although the primary responsibility of the Office is prosecuting crime, we also have a strong focus on progressive education and prevention efforts in the areas of domestic violence, child abuse, juvenile justice, elders, and people with disabilities.

The Consumer Protection Unit is one of the local consumer programs throughout the Commonwealth working in cooperation with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. Our Consumer Protection staff are trained to mediate complaints through an informal process involving letters and telephone calls from the consumer and the business, in an effort to reach a mutually agreeable settlement. The Consumer Protection Unit also travels throughout Hampshire and Franklin Counties to spread the word on consumer issues such as phone and internet scams, and shares tips on how to protect yourself when purchasing goods or services from businesses.

Scam Alert!

Scams can involve dramatic or convincing stories to convince you to pay through money wiring service, gift cards or even by sending cash. Consumers have lost billions of dollars to these crafty con artists.

In this presentation we will cover:

• Popular scams that target older adults
• Phone, mail, and internet scams
• How to avoid identity theft
• Tips to keep your money safe
• Examples of scams received by members of your own communities
• Where to report scams

Knowledge is Power: Elder Safety Empowerment Presentation

Approximately 10,000 people turn age 65 everyday across the globe. It has been estimated that 1 in 10 elders will fall victim to some form of abuse. Financial Exploitation is the number one crime against elders that is investigated and prosecuted by the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. Sadly, many elder victims of abuse may not recognize it as such.

In this presentation you will learn:

• Signs of abuse to help an elder friend of family member who is being victimized by a friend or family member
• Tips and strategies to help protect yourselves and others
• Offender characteristics
• What to do when you suspect abuse
• The Adult Protective Service process

Posted: to Council on Aging on Thu, Aug 3, 2023
Updated: Thu, Aug 3, 2023