WATCH: PCA hosts workshop on fraud prevention
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) hosted a free event at their North Broad Street headquarters focused on educating older adults about scams, fraud, and exploitation. The event featured various experts and speakers who provided valuable insights and tips.
Tamikia Morris, Director of Older Adult Protective Services for PCA, moderated the event. She emphasized the importance of awareness and protection against scams, urging attendees to report elder abuse to PCA’s 24/7 Helpline.
Kate Kleinert shared her personal experience of falling victim to a romance scam, where she lost $39,000 to a man she met online. She now volunteers with AARP to educate others on avoiding similar frauds.
Alexander Blumenthal, Assistant District Attorney for Philadelphia, highlighted that most financial elder abuse cases involve known perpetrators like caregivers. David Shallcross, Director of Senior Protection for the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, noted that unknown scammers are also a significant threat.
Linda Johnson, Manager of the Fraud and Security Department at Ardent Credit Union, advised attendees to be cautious of gift card and cryptocurrency scams. She stressed the importance of recognizing red flags in online and phone communications.
Jennifer Norman, Assistant Director of Older Adult Protective Services for PCA, mentioned that PCA investigates abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment, working to reduce harm to older adults.
Esperanza Lopez, Social Services Coordinator at Norris Square Senior Community Center, attended to disseminate this crucial information to the older adults she works with.
Morris also offered practical safety tips, such as being wary of sudden contact from strangers or distant relatives, and suspicious phone calls requesting personal information.
The experts agreed that staying connected and informed is essential in preventing scams, with isolation being a significant risk factor. They encouraged anyone who has been victimized to reach out to PCA or local law enforcement for assistance, reassuring that it is not their fault.
Reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation can be made 24/7 to the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040. Anyone can make a report of abuse against an older Philadelphian. All reports are confidential.
WATCH: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging holds informational event to protect seniors from scams and fraud
