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Date: 9/27/2022
EASTHAMPTON – On Sept. 22, Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Easthampton hosted an elder abuse workshop sponsored by the Polish National Credit Union to teach the elderly population about how to avoid dangerous scams.
According to Martha Rickson, the assistant vice president and retail sales administrator for Polish National Credit Union, between 3 and 5 million seniors fall victim each year to financial abuse, and about one to two people come into their banks a day saying their credit card information was stolen.
“Our main focus is to make sure we keep the community safe,” Rickson told Reminder Publishing, adding that Polish National Credit Union operates eight different branches across Western Massachusetts.
According to Rickson, the bank offers “several” workshops a year to bring awareness to financial scams and fraud being perpetuated against the elderly, including text scams, bail scams, and other online scams.
In attendance to speak on these issues during the Sept. 22 workshop were Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, Easthampton Police Lt. Eric Alexander, Hampshire County Sheriff Patrick Cahillane, and Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan. A little over 20 seniors were present to hear what each speaker had to say.
“[Financial scams] have been consistent for us in Easthampton for the last couple of years,” said Alexander. “Mainly text scams, the grandchildren scams, and the biggest thing in my opinion, is that they use the internet to learn so much about you and your family, that they’re going to sound so believable.”
The “grandchild scam” is one where a victim is contacted by a scammer pretending to be their grandchild. The scammer then tries to convince the victim to send money for some fictious financial problem and may request gift cards and cash.
“My biggest suggestion is to take a deep breath, think about it, and maybe reach out to that family member to confirm before making a financial decision,” said Alexander, who added that IRS scams, and lottery winning scams in the mail are some other dangers to be aware of.
“Cybersecurity is huge,” said LaChapelle. “When I go next door to 32 Payson Ave., and I see the number of internet-related fraud cases and schemes, it’s really overwhelming.”
Cahillane, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of events such as the workshop because scams are something that affect everyone. What makes seniors an easy target, according to Cahillane, is the fact that they try to be polite to everyone they encounter.
“That’s an advantage for someone who wants to take advantage of you and I,” said Cahillane. “The longer they can keep you on the phone, or the longer they can keep you online, the better chance they’re going to get your money…when in doubt, hang up the phone.”