Now, more than ever, senior citizens are being targeted as victims of financial scams.
The Stockton Diocese Catholic Charities’ Stanislaus Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance will hold a pubic seminar in Turlock to discuss the growing problem of financial exploitation and abuse of senior citizens.
The seminar is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 23 at Larsa Banquet Hall, 2107 E. Monte Vista Ave.
According to SEAPA Program Coordinator Victoria Donoso, financial abuse is a “huge” problem and in most cases the financial abuse is from family members or caregivers of a senior.
The seminar will feature nationally renowned senior advocate Patrick Arbore, founder and director of the Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention. Local expert Pastor Tim Guerino of the Turlock Gospel Mission will deliver insight on the topic as well.
Donoso explains that in most cases the financial abuse comes from people close to a senior, who the senior trusts with financial information such as an ATM pin number or access to financial resources.
The seminar will give seniors and loving family members information on what to look for in these circumstances, and how to prevent exploitation.
In addition, seniors can often fall prey to con artist or internet and mail scams such as check washing, fake lottery winnings and criminals posing as contractors under the guise of well-intentioned home repairs.
For more information on the event, visit http://ccstockton.org/main/stanislaus-elder-abuse-prevention-alliance/.
