September 8th 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Seniors are a vulnerable audience, often preyed upon by unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors. Learn about the types of scams that are targeting seniors and how to avoid falling prey to them. This free seminar will be the first in a series held at Crowell Public Library’s Barth Community Room, and will feature experts from government agencies on topics such as home improvement projects, identity theft, auto repair, healthcare fraud and investments. Senior Scam Stopper seminars have been offered by the California State Contractors License Board throughout the state since 1999 in cooperation with legislators, state and local agencies, law enforcement, district attorneys, and community-based organizations.
According to the National Council on Aging,* financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they’re now considered “the crime of the 21st century.” They often go unreported or can be difficult to prosecute, so they’re considered a “low-risk” crime. However, they're devastating to many older adults and can leave them in a very vulnerable position with little time to recoup their losses. In addition, the Council tells us over 90% of all reported elder abuse is committed by an older person’s own family members, most often their adult children, followed by grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Other types of scams targeting seniors include counterfeit prescription drugs, funeral and cemetery scams, telemarketing, internet fraud, homeowners/reverse mortgage scams and fraudulent sweepstakes or lotteries.
In addition to providing information about construction-related scams and how seniors can protect themselves when hiring a contractor, this seminar will feature expert speakers from local, state and federal agencies, who present broader topics, including identity theft, auto repair, and investments.
Don’t miss this important seminar on Monday September 8th at 10:00 a.m. at Crowell Library.
