SHAHEEN HELPS EDUCATE SENIORS ABOUT FRAUD, SCAMS

(Keene, NH) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) this afternoon hosted New Hampshire seniors at a consumer protection forum to boost awareness about financial frauds and scams. Shaheen was joined by representatives from the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Secret Service at the Keene Senior Center. The group discussed best practices for ways to protect seniors from identity theft, credit card and loan fraud, and scam work-at-home and business opportunities.

Earlier this year, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Seniors from Health Care Fraud Act with Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) to help seniors avoid health care fraud which disproportionately targets seniors.

“I’m glad so many people were able to attend this afternoon’s session because the first step in preventing fraud and exploitation of seniors is making sure they have the knowledge to avoid those types of situations,” Shaheen said. “Seniors are too often victimized by fraud and educational forums like this and the legislation I’ve introduced will help seniors identify and avoid some of the most common schemes.”

Today’s consumer protection event was the third hosted by Shaheen this year. Fraud and abuse of seniors has risen in recent years with nearly 83,000 complaints in 2012, marking a 12 percent increases from the year before.