| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
|
Some scams against seniors are growing at an alarming rate
In 2006, senior Americans reported an astounding 1.6 million cases of identity theft. The fastest growing generation in the United States is also one of the most vulnerable. “Seniors are a target for fraud for a number of reasons,” explains Beverly Gherity, a founder of the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Senior Outreach Program. “They come from a very trusting generation; their credit scores are high and they do not check their credit reports often; and they carry cash. We receive thousands of phone calls from the elderly and their families regarding the legitimacy of offers pouring in by mail, phone and e-mail. Because of these problems, the BBB has developed a Senior Outreach Program that educates seniors and their families on how to avoid becoming victims of fraud.”The Better Business Bureau’s presentation at the Seniors Expo will give seniors tools to fight back against fraud Gherity will be on hand at the upcoming Seniors Expo (www.101expos.com) to be held to be held September 17-18, 2007 at Grand Casino Mille Lacs, to give seniors tips on how to fight back against fraud, and how to use the BBB’s services. “The BBB handles complaints, provides mediation and arbitration, reviews advertising to make sure it is not misleading, and works with businesses to improve their customer service. We also provide printed information for seniors to take home with them.” Gherity says that the BBB receives hundreds of calls weekly regarding sweepstakes and lotteries, which are big problems for seniors. “They receive a $2,000 check and a letter notifying them that they have won a sweepstakes or lottery. The check is a “goodwill” payment toward the $100,000 they have won. They are instructed to deposit the $2000 into their bank account and then wire by Western Union $300 to cover the cost of getting the rest of the $100,000 into their bank account. The recipient feels they have nothing to lose and deposits the $2,000 check. They also wire the $300. Of course, no money arrives in their checking account and the $2,000 check bounces because it is a fake. The scammer, however, has $300 and possibly the victim’s bank account information.” She offers the following tips for seniors to avoid scammers and fraud:
Now in its 7th year, the Seniors Expo has helped thousands of Minnesota seniors find the products and services they need to lead healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives. The event is also a tremendous amount of fun with back-to-back entertainment, free seminars, and shopping at lots of exhibitor booths. The event will also feature the Ms. Senior Minnesota Pageant, the winner of which will compete in the national Ms. Senior America Pageant held in Las Vegas, NV, this November. The pageant showcases mature women age 60 and over – the ‘age of elegance’ – and will feature a variety of competitions, including a talent demonstration, an evening gown competition, interviews, and a presentation of philosophy of life. To enable seniors in the Twin Cities to continue attending the Seniors Expo, Mid-America Events & Expos has teamed with Tourco to develop attractive bus/hotel combination packages. The $45 package tours include bus transportation to Grand Casino Mille Lacs, a hotel room at the casino, admission to the Seniors Expo, and a $45 Grand Rewards card to spend at the casino. Day trip packages, for $20 per person, are also available. Contact Tourco about these packages at 763-780-2985 or 800-868-7261. To watch a video of last year’s show and for half price tickets (regularly $6) visit www.101expos.com. Or call the expo hotline at 612-798-7256. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The Seniors Expo is sponsored by KSTP-TV, KSTC-TV, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota, Stressfree Living, Best of Times, Medica, Humana and Icelandair. Media Note: For additional information or to schedule an interview, contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220. |
|
