Senior Fraud Awareness Day was May 15, and more than 200 Aurora senior citizens eagerly showed up for a special workshop presented by the FBI and the City of Aurora.
Last year, the frequency of elder fraud crimes targeting Americans over 60 reached an alarming high, surpassing any previous year. These crimes resulted in an estimated $3.4 billion in total reported losses, as revealed in a newly released FBI report, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and prevention.
The City of Aurora, in a strong display of commitment to its senior citizens’ safety, partnered with the FBI to host the Empowering Seniors Against Scams workshop. This collaborative effort underscores the city’s dedication to empowering its senior population against scams.
“The scammers are hoping you feel vulnerable and lonely so they can take advantage of you,” said Katrina Boatright, the City’s Senior Services Director, to the more than 140 senior citizens gathered at the headquarters of Senior Services Associates in Aurora. “But our goal is to make sure you’re aware of their scams, and you have the tools to protect yourselves.”
The free workshop aimed to equip them with the knowledge and tools to identify and avoid scams that pose a threat to their financial security.
“Being vigilant and knowing that fraud is out there is the first step in preventing it,” said FBI agent Nicholas Phend. “Be skeptical!”
The workshop was so popular that a satellite location was set up at Bardwell Residences in Aurora to livestream the presentation. Nearly 75 senior citizens attended at the satellite location.
—City of Aurora government