In an effort to combat the rising tide of scams targeting the elderly, District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz tirelessly works to educate the community on ways to safeguard the most vulnerable among us. At the Annual Senior Public Safety Luncheon held in Marshfield, representatives from numerous Councils on Aging across Plymouth County gathered to arm themselves with knowledge intended to protect seniors. The event saw over one hundred attendees from local senior centers, including Marshfield Council on Aging and Pembroke Council on Aging, among others.

According to a social media post by The Plymouth County Sheriff's Department, DA Cruz and other officials presented a range of programs designed to prevent elders from becoming scam victims. This initiative underscores a community-centric approach, where law enforcement, and service organizations join forces to educate and protect the aging population. "Thank you to all who attended," the post concluded, emphasizing gratitude and the collaborative nature of the event.

The concern for senior safety stems from a disturbing trend: fraudsters often target older adults, exploiting their trust, and sometimes limited understanding of technology. The gathering in Marshfield focused on disseminating practical advice and raising awareness about the types of scams that regularly befall seniors. The strategies discussed, include but are not limited to, recognizing suspicious phone calls, emails, and even predatory home visitations.

It is a communal responsibility, one that DA Cruz champions, to ensure that senior citizens are not left floundering in the face of such deceit. Information is power, and through these information-rich luncheons, older adults are empowered to stand up to scammers with confidence. The hope is to forge an informed elder community that can collectively repel the advances of those looking to take advantage of them. Given that seniors are often at risk of isolation, the event also provided a space for connection, camaraderie, and mutual support.