Saint Helena Workshop Aims to Educate Seniors on Avoiding Financial Fraud
In a bid to curb financial fraud in Saint Helena, a free local workshop will be held to educate older adults on how to protect themselves from common scams and other forms of financial abuse.
The Problem: Rising Trend of Financial Fraud
According to a recent civil grand jury report, older adults in Saint Helena are particularly vulnerable to financial scams due to their affluent status and increasing population. By 2030, one-third of residents will be over 60 years old, making it essential to raise awareness on how to avoid these scams.
The Workshop: A Timely Initiative
The SAFE (Seniors Against Financial Exploitation) workshop, scheduled for this Friday at the St. Helena Performing Arts Center, is organized by the Napa County District Attorney’s Office, Molly’s Angels of Napa Valley, and the Napa County Health and Human Services Agency. The workshop aims to provide seniors with practical tips on avoiding:
- Fraudulent calls
- Text messages
- Online romances
- Fake sweepstakes
- Robocall scams
These schemes often involve impersonators claiming to be grandchildren, law enforcement, or government officials in an attempt to coerce money from victims.
Empowering Seniors: Practical Tips and Guidance
The workshop will offer guidance on how to report these types of scams, empowering older adults to take control of their finances and make informed decisions. As Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley said:
“The vast majority of seniors are able to protect themselves and plan for their own financial future. However, we need to raise awareness among seniors and their families that scams are becoming more common.”
Conclusion: Staying Safe from Financial Fraud
With the increasing number of seniors in Saint Helena, it is crucial to provide them with the necessary resources to stay safe from financial fraud. The workshop aims to do just that, empowering older adults to take control of their finances and make informed decisions. By attending this workshop, seniors can learn how to protect themselves from common scams and other forms of financial abuse.