Victims seminar teaches about common scams, tips on protection
By Heidi Roman
C & G Staff Writer
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Senior citizens can arm themselves with a good defense against the many scam artists out there trying to rob them of their money. Macomb County is planning a free Crime Victims Rights Week seminar April 30 in Clinton Township to teach seniors how to protect themselves from current scams and caregiver abuse.
Cathy Wilson, a program developer with the Macomb County Department of Senior Citizen Services, said domestic crimes, especially against seniors, are on the rise.
“The types of senior crimes we deal with are elder abuse, financial abuse, and those types of things,” Wilson said. “With the economy being as bad as it is, kids are moving in with their parents, and sometimes that causes problems.”
She said cases of physical abuse are also reported.
There has also been a rise in what are known as gypsy scams, or those in which a stranger targets a senior at their home, either by phone or in person, and somehow convinces them to give them money. They often convince the senior to let them inside and steal once they gain entry, posing as utility workers or handymen to try to gain their trust. Oftentimes, the suspect is not from this area.
“We see an increase in that in the spring,” because of the warmer weather, Wilson said. “We hear about those types of crimes, and we try to get that information out to the seniors.”
The focus of the Crime Victims Rights Week seminar is for people who have been victimized.
The event is free, but those who wish to attend must register to reserve a seat. Reservations can be made by calling (586) 469-5267.
The seminar will be 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30 at the Macomb Intermediate School District building at 44001 Garfield Road, north of 19 Mile Road in Clinton Township. Morning refreshments and lunch will be served.
Any senior who feels they may have been the victim of fraud or abuse can call the county’s Senior Victim Liaison toll-free number at (866) 498-8503. A list of current scams circulating in the area is available at the Prosecutor’s Office Web site,www.macombcountymi.gov/prosecutorsoffice.
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