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Law Enforcement Warns: Watch Out For Scam Artists
By Jo Ann La Russo
Senior citizens are seen as easy prey for con artists because they have a tendency to be more trusting, polite, good listeners and can lack awareness about their rights as consumers, according to those in law enforcement.
Protecting New Jersey's elderly population was highlighted at the Third Annual Senior Fest information sharing conference at the Ritacco Center, Toms River, on Wednesday.
Law enforcement agencies from federal, state and local municipalities took part in the event, sponsored by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, the Toms River Police Department, Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Wachovia Bank.
Cynthia Boyd from the county Prosecutor's Office and Lt. Michael Nevil, computer crimes unit, Prosecutor's Office, urged people not to be a target of telephone slamming, travel promotions, credit card theft, Internet schemes, advanced fee loans, high risk investments or foreign lottery.
The Senior Scam Task Force, headed by Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford, works with the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs, Banks, Board of Social Services and Adult Protective Services.
"Our task force is watching out for our seniors," said Boyd, who reaffirmed the Senior Scam Task Force's objective. "Keep in mind, if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't," she told the 250 seniors that attended. "Typical scammers on the phone could ask
you to donate money. If you want to do
that, support your local police," she advised. "Don't get caught up in telemarketers' tactics.
The Prosecutor's Senior Scam Task Force is on the lookout for scam artists. We also ask that citizens keep an eye out and report senior scams as well."
"They not only steal your money; they steal your personal information," she warned.
The prosecutor's office also had advice about a new scam that has surfaced where a caller claims to be a jury coordinator or court official who says that a warrant was issued for your arrest for failure to show up for the supposed jury duty. The scammer asks for your Social Security number, birth date, etc. in order to cancel the warrant.
Give out this information, and your identity has just been stolen.
The "granny scam" is another way to bilk seniors out of funds. In that scam, a caller pretends to be a grandchild in an emergency situation. Cash is requested. Don't fall for it, seniors are advised.
Boyd said that the event was a positive way to inform seniors of all that is available to them in Ocean County.
The mobile County Connection bus was parked outside of the Poland Springs Arena.
Robert and Anne of Whiting said that they were glad to be a part of such an important group of informers.
"We think that it's great here in Ocean County and all the services that are provided," said the couple who are in their 70s.
"We were surprised at the sophistication of these scam artists," said Louis of Holiday City.
Most scams involve the withdrawal of money from your bank account. Be suspicious if someone approaches or contacts you requesting money up front for any home improvements, or if someone, even a neighbor or friend, offers to help you with your financial responsibilities by acting as your Power of Attorney.
Health screenings were available by the Ocean County Health Department. Seniors received blood pressure screening and glucose testing.
Boyd called the information fest a success. "Today was exceptional in that law enforcement agencies from federal, state, county and local municipalities came together with a message to better protect seniors and arm them as much as possible."
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