Thursday, November 30, 2017

MN Commerce Dept launches senior fraud prevention campaign



SAINT PAUL – The Minnesota Commerce Department is convening a series of free public forums to provide information for older Minnesotans and their family caregivers on how to protect themselves and their money from common scams and fraud.

Older adults are often targeted for financial exploitation. It is estimated that one out of every five persons over the age of 65 has been victimized by a financial swindle, with older Americans defrauded out of nearly $3 billion each year. The threat of senior financial fraud is expected to grow as the senior population itself grows.
To provide older Minnesotans and their loved ones with the knowledge and tools to stop fraud before it starts, the Commerce Department is working with law enforcement, social service agencies and groups such as AARP Minnesota, Minnesota Elder Justice Center and Senior LinkAge Line (Minnesota Board on Aging).

A free copy of the Commerce Department’s financial fraud prevention toolkit can be requested by email at consumer.protection@state.mn.us or by phone at 800-657-3602. It is also available on the Commerce Department website (mn.gov/commerce).

Senior Fraud Prevention Events
Monday, December 4, 11:00 a.m. Hennepin County Library-Edina 5280 Grandview Square, Edina

Tuesday, December 5, 9:30 a.m. Cora McCorvey Center: Heritage Park, 1015 N. 4th St., Minneapolis

Thursday, December 7, 12:30 p.m. Rochester Public Library, 101 2nd St. SE, Rochester

Friday, December 8, 11:00 a.m. Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Dr., St. Cloud

Tuesday, December 12, 11:00 a.m. Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior, Duluth

Thursday, December 14, 2:00 p.m. Realife Cooperative of Phalen Village, 1355 Phalen Blvd., St Paul