The Department of Justice today unveiled a new public service announcement (PSA) created in collaboration with AARP and the Oak Ridge Boys.
In announcing the launch of the video and accompanying social media campaign, Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division issued the following statement:
“Fraudsters are targeting and stealing billions of dollars from unsuspecting Americans every year. In order to fight this epidemic, Americans must report fraud schemes and spread the word among their families and friends. I want to thank AARP’s Fraud Watch Network and the Oak Ridge Boys for working with us to fight this critical issue. Through increased awareness and reporting, the Department of Justice can continue to take swift action to end the victimization of vulnerable elderly Americans across the country.”
“Americans are targeted by fraudsters from all over the world,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores of the Northern District of Oklahoma. “The scams run by con artists can wreck the financial security of retired Americans. A threat to one’s hard earned savings is a threat to one’s liberty. I am proud to stand with AARP and the Oak Ridge Boys to educate and empower elder Americans to defend themselves against fraudsters.”
“Helping people spot the signs of a scam is key to helping them avoid becoming victims,” said Kathy Stokes, director of fraud prevention programs, AARP. “And encouraging people to report scam attempts and victimization will help others know what to look for, and it will help the good guys in their efforts to go after the bad guys.”
“The Oak Ridge Boys are honored to bring awareness to elder fraud and abuse. For too long people have taken advantage of our senior citizens, and we are teaming up with the Department of Justice and the AARP Fraud Watch Network to help you and your loved ones stay safe from scammers,” said Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys.
"So happy to see the Department of Justice and AARP stepping up to address this problem of elder fraud abuse. We are honored to be stepping up with you. Everyone is susceptible via phone or online, but the elderly are often the targets and victims of identity thieves and scammers. The Oak Ridge Boys are honored to lend our name and image to this worthy cause,” said Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys.
If you or a family member, friend, or colleague have been a victim of a fraud scheme, please report to www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Don’t have to be old to be tricked.
ReplyDeleteIt is not just old people. Some guy walked into our office and said " I have a work order to replace your thermostats, I am from Delmarva Power"
ReplyDeleteHe was not from Delmarva Power and no he didnt have a work order. He couldn't produce a shred of evidence we ordered this. Couldn't tell me how much it would cost.
Delmarva power outsources these scammers, they do not do background checks on and they go door to door trying to get into your home or business. They get paid to replace things that you didnt ask for because no one wants these people in their homes/business.
I told him to leave and watched him as he walked up and down the street going to other businesses and doing the same thing.
You can put Delmarva Power on your scammers list. They need to end this bogus program before someone gets hurt. How many people have been robbed by one of these scammers?
If they come to your door tell them to leave, don't bother calling the cops, it'll be hours before they show up and the scammer will be long gone.