SWAMPSCOTT — The First Church in Swampscott and the police department will team up to host a scam prevention workshop on Saturday.
The goal is to provide senior citizens who live in the area with information on how to identify scams and protect themselves from fraud, according to a press release. The two-hour workshop, “Scam Alert Education,” will be held from 12-2 p.m. in the First Church Fellowship Hall, at 40 Monument Ave.
Members of the Elderly Liaison Divisions of both the Swampscott and Lynn police departments will lead the workshop. The event is free and open to seniors aged 60 years or older.
In a 2018 report to Congress published by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, “older adults have been targeted or disproportionately affected by fraud,” stated the release. Scams targeted at senior citizens are often carefully designed to evoke strong emotional responses on topics of special concern to the elderly: insurance-related scams; purported special programs for senior citizens; bogus demands for debt collection; and fraudulent prize promotions.
The press release stated that FTC reports the median individual monetary loss by age is $500 for those between 60 and 69, $619 for those between 70 and 79, and $1,100 for those aged 80 and older.
“Helping older consumers recognize and avoid potential scams is an important part of First Church’s commitment to social justice,” the church’s treasurer, David Silva, said in the release. “By offering this educational opportunity to seniors in our community, we hope to prevent the stress and distress that comes with falling victim to fraudsters.”
Those wishing to participate are asked to register in advance by calling 781-592-6081 or sending an email to [email protected].
