The Department of Human Services, Senior and Disabled Services Division, received a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to help fund a year long effort to combat financial exploitation of seniors. One element of the program is a joint venture with the Oregon Bankers Association to educate bank employees about how to recognize and report possible elder financial exploitation. The second element is a project to educate seniors and others about how to avoid telemarketing and other scams.
Volunteers are essential to the success of the program.
Financial Faud Reduction Project Goals Quarterly meetings with an Advisory Commit r tee of law enforcement, Adult Protective Service workers, senior advocates, and others. Divide senior population by the degree of their risk of fraud victimization. Obtain lists of names of victims from District Attorneys, Department of Justice, FBI, Postal Inspection Service, Federal Trade Commission, and other law enforcement agencies. Form Elder Fraud Information Centers at local businesses throughout the state to disseminate literature to seniors. One year with possible extension to two or three years.