Helping Seniors Avoid Scams
CANCELLED as of 9/4/2023
Due to extreme temperatures, the Senior Citizen Safety Seminar planned for Tuesday, September 5th at Mt. Greenwood Park has been cancelled. Staff from the offices of myself, Congressman Sean Casten, Senator Bill Cunningham and Rep. Mary Gill will still be present in case a constituent needs immediate attention with an issue. Otherwise, the safety seminar will be rescheduled in the near future. Thank you for your patience.
19th Ward senior citizens are being offered an opportunity to enhance their awareness and defense against scams, as Congressman Sean Casten and Alderman Matt O’Shea gear up to host an educational workshop on Tuesday, September 5th.
The event, titled “Guardians of the Golden Years: Empowering Seniors Against Scams,” aims to equip senior citizens with the knowledge and tools required to recognize and avoid scams that threaten their financial security. The seminar is co-hosted by Senator Bill Cunningham and State Representative Mary Gill.
Scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm, the workshop will convene at Mount Greenwood Park, located at 3721 W. 111th St. The organizers have arranged a panel discussion with representatives from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), United States Postal Service (USPS), and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. These experts will share insights into the latest scam tactics and offer practical advice on how seniors can safeguard themselves.
Scams targeting seniors have become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. Fraudulent investment schemes, identity theft, deceptive mail offers, and phony IRS calls are just a few of the tactics that will be addressed during the workshop. Attendees will learn to identify the telltale signs of scams and how to respond effectively. Alderman Matt O’Shea stated, “The workshop seeks to provide seniors with valuable information to stay ahead of scammers,” underlining the importance of keeping seniors informed and resilient. Scams continue to evolve, making it crucial for seniors to stay informed and prepared.
The “Guardians of the Golden Years” workshop aims to arm seniors with the practical knowledge needed to avoid falling prey to scams. Families, seniors, and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend the event, which promises to be an informative session offering insights into scams and strategies to thwart them. By uniting against scams, the 19th Ward community can create a safer environment for its seniors. To join this initiative, mark your calendar for September 5th at Mount Greenwood Park (3721 W. 111th St). Together, we can ensure that our senior citizens are better equipped to guard against financial exploitation. Registration is required and spots are limited. Please RSVP by calling the district office at 773-445-8128.
