CULLMAN, Ala. – Render Aid Alabama hosted its third annual Elder Abuse Awareness Event on June 13, at the Traditions Bank Event Building. Guests met vendors, listened to speakers, won prizes and received free lunch.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Capt. Edward Potter, Adam Clark from the Cullman Police Department and Hannah Walter of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Birmingham spoke to the seniors about the dangers of financial and health scams.
According to Walter, those most affected by fraud are over 60, and scams perpetrated by people claiming to be grandchildren, government officials, romantic interests and technical support have become more believable through artificial intelligence.
“Elder fraud has probably impacted everyone in this room,” she said. “If I asked for a quick show of hands, all of them would probably be up.”
The speakers taught the audience how to report these crimes to the FBI, Health and Human Services and the National Elder Fraud Hotline, and explained which areas of fraud they focus on. Listeners were informed to be mindful of sharing information online and following links and ads.
Vendors from the Cullman Police Department, Beltone, Department of Human Resources Adult Protective Services, United Way of Cullman County, Cullman County Commission on Aging and Aveanna Hospice also provided guests with valuable information and resources.
If you are a victim of elder fraud, call the FBI at 1-800-225-5324, Health and Human Resources at 1-800-477-8477 or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.
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