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MONTGOMERY, Alabama (WSFA) – Every year, millions of Americans fall victim to scams, many of them seniors.
In Alabama alone, 200 cases of fraud have been reported so far this year in which senior citizens have had their money, belongings and property stolen.
A free workshop for local seniors was held at the Fresh Anointed House of Worship on Monticello Drive in Montgomery.
Leaders like Isaiah Sankey, vice chairman of the Montgomery County Commission, say seniors are more likely to fall for scammers because they lack adequate tech savvy, are lonely and tend to put too much trust in things that could harm themselves and their assets.
On Saturday, guest speakers including Probate Judge JC Love and ABIDEWELL President Deborah Neal talked about what scams to watch out for. They also talked about fraud reporting programs, like the React program developed by Judge Love.
“When you sign up for the React program, you will be alerted to any type of fraudulent activity that may occur in connection with your property,” Sankey said.
If you want to protect yourself or your loved ones from fraud, here are some helpful resources:
Alabama Department of Senior Services – AlabamaAgeline.gov – 1-800-AGE-LINE
Fraud Tracking Map – Find and report fraud in your area (aarp.org)
Consumer Finance Agency (consumerfinance.gov)
Probate Resources | Montgomery County Probate Court (montgomeryprobatecourtal.gov)
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