With increasing frequency, senior citizens are being targeted and taken advantage of in scams.
Older adults are estimated to lose $2.9 billion each year to fraud, according to a U.S. Senate report. In a survey of Johnson County seniors, 32 percent responded to have had at least some problem with fraud or scams, according to CICOA.
People have tools available to avoid becoming victims. But often, they don’t know what those resources are.
“People are scared of being a victim. They don’t know what’s available to them,” said Barb Miller, a community advocate and one of the organizers of the event.
To make sure that older adults in Johnson County and surrounding areas know how to avoid being scammed, Compass Park will host a Savvy Seniors event from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 20.
People will hear from officials from AARP, the Indiana secretary of state’s office, the Better Business Bureau and other organizations whose aim is to protect seniors.
The event is an opportunity to ensure that all local residents are informed about ways to protect themselves, and the resources available to them to ensure they don’t get scammed.
The fair was envisioned by Compass Park officials, who see senior fraud as a massive problem for the people they serve.
“A lot of our residents are in that age group where they get those phone calls. We try to educate our seniors throughout the year: don’t answer it if you don’t know who is calling. If you do answer it, contact us or our security if it doesn’t seem right,” said Jenna Butler, executive administrative assistant at Compass Park.
They reached out to Miller, who is active in senior advocacy and issues throughout the community, including educating about Medicare fraud. Miller had worked extensively with other organizations who deal with topics of interest to seniors, and wondered if it would be beneficial to get everyone together for one event.
“Seniors are a vulnerable bunch. When I was growing up, we trusted everybody, because we could. We want to be helpful, that’s another one of our downfalls. And we’re lonesome. It’s hard,” Miller said.
Presentations during the fair will vary from investment fraud to charitable giving fraud to Medicare scams. Though the time for each group to speak will be limited, organizers see this as an entry point for people.
“It’s a starting point,” Butler said. “Each of these organizations will then have a booth there, so if you’re curious or want more information, there’s that separate vendor booth there to talk with someone.”
In addition, the fair will include general information aimed at seniors, with representatives from different funeral homes as well as Compass Park available to answer questions about their services. Refreshments will be served, and door prizes will be available to the first 100 people who sign in.
Though the event is hosted by Compass Park, it is open to all seniors throughout Johnson County and even beyond, Butler said.
“We’re hitting the city of Franklin and Johnson County, but anyone can come. It’s completely free,” she said.
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Savvy Seniors Fair
What: A free informational event aimed at seniors, which will provide resources assisting people with avoiding fraud and scams.
When: 2-4 p.m. Feb. 20. Doors open at 1 p.m.
Where: Compass Park community and event center, 690 State St., Franklin
Cost: Free and open to the public. Refreshments and door prizes will be featured.
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