Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Fight Elder Fraud By Attending Free Seminar

In an effort to help protect senior citizens from becoming the victims of fraud, Atlantic County's Division of Intergenerational Services and Division of Consumer Affairs will present a Senior Citizen Consumer Awareness Seminar on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 at 1:30 PM in Boscov's auditorium at the Shore Mall, Egg Harbor Township.

County Executive Dennis Levinson explained that although the seminar is geared to seniors, the information is valuable to citizens of all ages. Topics of discussion will include telemarketing fraud, Internet fraud, home repair fraud and auto repair fraud, presented by August Longo from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Elder Fraud Investigations Unit.

According to the 2000 Census, one of every seven Americans is a senior citizen, representing 15 percent of the national population. Yet 30 percent of all cases of fraud are committed against the elderly due to their accessibility and vulnerability.

"Our goal is to educate our residents so that they do not fall prey to scam artists," stated Levinson. "How many times have we read of victims who have lost their entire life savings to such perpetrators? It is unconscionable! I encourage seniors and their loved ones to attend this valuable seminar."

The seminar is being presented in cooperation with Boscov's as part of its winter "Campus of Courses." Residents may register by calling Boscov's at 383-1880, ext. 1204. There is no fee.

For more information, call the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services at 1-888-426-9243.

County News