Retirement News : Seniors : AG holds seminar to protect seniors

AG holds seminar to protect seniors

Date Added: 27-06-2005

Attorney General Troy King was pleased with the response to the first of a series of regional seminars for senior citizens held at First United Methodist Church in Troy on Monday.

More than 100 senior citizens, family members, caregivers and advocates attended the conference to learn more about "Keeping Seniors Safe from Scams and Frauds."

Other seminars, sponsored by the Attorney General's Family Protection Unit and the Alabama Department of Senior Services, will be held throughout Alabama this week.

"We stand steadfast in our commitment to defend seniors from abuse and exploitation and to arm them and their families with information to protect themselves," King said. "The response today has been excellent - from families concerned about those who would prey upon seniors and, from older citizens who are fighting back by educating themselves - but we must maintain our vigilance."

King said every day, criminals are utilizing technological advances to find new ways to exploit senior citizens, therefore, his Family Protection Unit will not waver in its determination to help seniors fight fraud and exploitation.

"Our seniors provided the foundation upon which we built our future," he said. "Now, we must be strong and steadfast in assisting them to defend themselves from those who would prey upon their trust and take advantage of them."

King called those who prey upon senior citizens leopards and said they must be driven "back into the jungle."

"Education is power," he said and encouraged seniors to take advantage of every opportunity to learn about possible scams and frauds against seniors. "If you are a victim, we will do all that we can to help you rebuild and put your lives back together, but it is best to be too smart for those who prey upon you."

King said Alabama's seniors are often easy prey became they are honest, trusting people who now live in a world where "we need shredders in our homes."

"Our seniors usually have some kind of nest egg and, once it's gone, they sometimes don't have a way to replace it. That's what makes fraud and scams against seniors so devastating."

King said his unwavering pledge to the people of Alabama is that the protection of all Alabama families from children to grandparents will be the cornerstone of his tenure as attorney general.

"I am committed to this mission and have been gratified and encouraged as the people of our state continue to join this work to keep safe those to whom we owe so much," he said.

Irene Collins, executive director of Alabama Department of Senior Services, said she is pleased that her department is continuing the partnership with Attorney General King.

"He is truly committed to Alabama's seniors and works diligently in protecting them from fraud," she said. "Now is a critical time for this effort since the implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit presents quite a challenge.

"When changes of this magnitude take place, they provide opportunities for criminals to take advantage during the confusion. We are working to help people recognize possible scams and asking them to help in stopping them."

Collins said implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit will become an option for seniors on Nov. 15 and encouraged seniors to read about the opportunities available to them so they will know which plan will be of most benefit to them.

For More Information:

http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2005/06/21/news/news02.txt