On May 1, the streets of Mecklenburg County will lead to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, not for Sunday service but for the Scam Jam, an initiative aimed to shield the wisdom of age from the lures of scams. Seniors in Mecklenburg County, along with their families, are invited to a free, informative event that could save them from the heartache and headache of fraud.
Financial predators have siphoned more than $3 billion annually from the pockets of seniors nationwide. To combat this, Mecklenburg County's Department of Child, Family and Adult Services, Services for Adults division is stepping up, recognizing the vulnerability, and the value of its over-60 population which stands at more than 150,000 strong.
The scam-busting seminar, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature a collaboration between local and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the N.C. Department of Justice, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. According to Mecklenburg County, the event will also include a robust lineup of speakers from the N.C. Department of Insurance, the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, and other organizations. Attendees can expect to gain insight into recognizing scam red flags and effectively reporting suspicious activity.
Eager to keep seniors engaged and aware of potential fraud, registration for the event is already open. Those interested can sign up online at engage.mecknc.gov/scamjam, send an email to [email protected], or simply dial 980-314-6800. As noted on the county's announcement, May is “Older Americans Month,” an opportune time to honor Mecklenburg’s elders by bolstering their scam-spotting armory. As the county's population ages, such educational efforts could prove invaluable for community protection and empowerment.
If you or someone you know encounters a scam, Mecklenburg County has established a 24-hour helpline. The number to call is 704-336-CARE (2273), which is available to assist victims of scams, fraud, and other forms of exploitation.
