It was another wet Wednesday in Milwaukee, but that didn't dampen the spirits of the seniors at the Milwaukee Christian Center, who got a visit from Deputy Sheriff K. Rodriguez. Armed with knowledge and a mission to educate, Rodriguez took the stage for #SeniorSafety Day, imparting wisdom on how to securely live in a world where scams are as common as raindrops on a Milwaukee morning.
Rodriguez, who serves with the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, gathered about 75 seniors to discuss home safety and the importance to vigilantly guard against scams. In an effort to bridge generational gaps, youth volunteers were also on hand, illustrating that safety and security are a shared concern across ages. The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office took to social media to share a snapshot of the day's event, highlighting the communal efforts to stand guard against fraudsters who prey on unsuspecting victims.
The crux of Rodriguez's message was clear: no law enforcement will ever call demanding money, whether it be in bills, bitcoin, or gift card form, for missed court dates or warrants. This scam tactic has become all too familiar, and the Deputy's insights come at a moment when an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure, which often arrives too late for those swindled out of their hard-earned money.
For those with a seed of doubt, the Sheriff's Office encourages preemptively reaching out. Questions about warrants can be directed to the #MKESheriff Warrant Desk at 414-278-4713, and inquiries regarding jury duty should go to the Milwaukee County Courts' Jury Management Office at 414-278-4469. Should a scammer claim you owe money to the Social Security Administration, that call you can directly make at 1-800-772-1213. “Don't be scammed. Put your wallet away, and verify everything,” the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office urged.
