HAMILTON, N.J., Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The latest video installment of LeadingThoughts from LeadingAge New Jersey focuses on the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs’ “Anti-Fraud Toolkit” designed to provide senior citizens with the information they need to recognize and avoid scams. LeadingAge New Jersey President & CEO Michele Kent interviewed director Steve Lee about this vital tool.
New Jersey's seniors fall victim to financial frauds and scams more than any other group. Targeted because many in the over 60 generation have accrued financial assets like property or a nest egg, fraudsters also zero in on this vulnerable population because older New Jerseyans are less likely to report the crime - they may not know who to report it to or are too ashamed at having been scammed.
Michele Kent commented, "With the financial loss by victims of elder financial crimes and exploitation exceeding $2.9 billion dollars annually, it is crucial for LeadingAge New Jersey to get the word out to our members, our partners and to the public about ways to prevent fraud for our New Jersey seniors. Not only does fraud take a financial toll, but it can be emotionally devastating.”
NJDCA Director Steve Lee reiterated, “Financial fraud doesn’t just cheat senior citizens out of their money, it robs them of their dignity and sense of security.”
A critical component of the Anti-Fraud Toolkit is its "Real-Time Fraud Alerts" which are emailed to a network of senior center employees, caretakers, and others who work with and have access to seniors and can post or distribute these alerts. This is an immediate way to communicate active frauds and scams directly to seniors, whether it be an IRS tax scam or fraudulent contractors going door to door.
About LeadingAge NJ
LeadingAge New Jersey is the statewide association of not-for-profit senior care organizations and is dedicated to advancing quality aging services in New Jersey through advocacy, education and fellowship. Together with our partner, LeadingAge, we advance policies, promote practices and conduct research that supports, enables and empowers people to live fully as they age.