Atlanta, Georgia – Throughout the month of May, in honor of Older Americans Month, Georgia’s Consumer Protection Division made it a top priority to reach older adults where they live, gather, and socialize. Staff from Attorney General Chris Carr’s office talked to more than 1,300 seniors at events all around the state, giving them important information on how to avoid being scammed and financially abused.
The team met with older Georgians at popular community fairs and senior facilities to give them useful, easy-to-understand advice.
“As we take the time to honor and celebrate the contributions of older adults, it’s important that we continue to work together to ensure they’re protected from fraud and exploitation,” Carr said.
He highlighted that the state will hold accountable anyone who targets older folks, making sure that Georgia’s elders stay safe and informed.
Giving out the “Georgia Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults” was a big part of these outreach efforts. This complete guide, which came out in 2018, covers everything from how to recognize scammers and protect the identity to how to deal with credit, debt, house repairs, and planning for the end of the life. The guide is available in English, Spanish, and Korean, and can be downloaded for free from the Consumer Protection Division’s website.
During these trips to the community, the team talked about symptoms of financial abuse, such as unexplained withdrawals, missing valuables, credit card transactions that seem strange, and legal documents that may have been signed under duress or without complete comprehension. Seniors and their families were told to stay alert and ask for help if they see anything strange. If you think someone is taking advantage of you financially, you can easily report it to the Georgia Division of Aging Services or online.
A big part of the talks was about how to spot and avoid typical scams that often target elderly people. These included scams where criminals appear to be from government institutions like the IRS or Social Security Administration. They often use fear tactics and demand payment in ways that can’t be traced. There was also a lot of talk about investment and cryptocurrency scams that are sometimes disguised as chances to make money with new online “friends.” The team told elders that no real investment guarantees profit and that asking for payment via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency is a sign of fraud.
The outreach went beyond teaching. The Consumer Protection Division told seniors who have lost money or think they are being targeted by scammers to act fast. The first step is to call their bank or financial provider, and then they should report the occurrence to the police or through official web portals.
Residents can go to the Consumer Protection Division’s website to find additional information and get the “Georgia Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults.” Georgia’s Consumer Protection Division is trying to help older people spot frauds, safeguard their money, and enjoy their golden years with less stress by putting education and direct interaction first.
