More than 300 seniors learn valuable tools to combat fraudulent acts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
In an effort to help seniors avoid scams, Assemblywoman Laurie Davies hosted two public seminars in Oceanside and Vista. Speakers featured San Diego’s top law enforcement District Attorney Summer Stephan and San Diego Sheriff Kelly Martine along with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Oceanside Police Department and a host of city officials including Oceanside Deputy Mayor Ryan Keim and Councilmembers Peter Weiss and Rick Robinson and Vista Mayor John Franklin and Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez.
In 2023, seniors lost more than $97.3 million in San Diego County as a result of being scammed by numerous clever tactics. Over 300 seniors attended the events between the two locations of Oceanside and Vista.
A common senior computer scam was blasted over the loudspeaker and instructions on how to not be scammed were taught and delivered to participants by a former tech squad employee.
The Law enforcement officials gave presentations on common scams and who to contact when scams happen. Additionally, letting them know they are not alone if they do get scammed and how important it is to report all scams even after the scam has happened. If you do get a call or an email saying something is wrong with your bank account, utility bill or a credit card, hang up and call the bank, utility or credit card company to verify. Repeatedly, seniors were warned to never give any personal or financial information over the phone.
“Providing seniors with the knowledge and tools to avoid scams is vitally important,” said Assemblywoman Davies. “We tell everyone that if something doesn’t seem right, close out your computer or hang up the phone call and tell a friend. Help is an option.”
Assemblywoman Davies has supported legislation that gives law enforcement more tools to go after thieves, and gives seniors a longer period of time to report fraud. This allows them a greater chance for the return of lost money.
Some of the common elder fraud schemes include:
• Tech support scam: Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues. The scammers gain remote access to victims’ devices and sensitive information.
• Romance: Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites to capitalize on their elderly victims’ desire to find companions.
• Grandparent scam: A type of confidence scam where criminals pose as a relative—usually a child or grandchild—claiming to be in immediate financial need.
• Government impersonation scam: Criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to provide funds or other payments.
• Sweepstakes/charity/lottery scam: Criminals claim to work for legitimate charitable organizations to gain victims’ trust. Or they claim their targets have won a foreign lottery or sweepstake, which they can collect for a “fee.”
• Home repair scam: Criminals appear in person and charge homeowners in advance for home improvement services that are never provided.
Many individuals that are duped don’t report the incident which makes it harder to stop these scams. Seniors who sense a scam or have been tricked into giving money to a person or entity they realize is a fraud, should immediately contact their local police department and report it.
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