'Scam Jam' Event To Protect Vulnerable Residents Will Be Held In Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Marin County departments are partnering to host a free educational event April 28, dubbed the "Scam Jam," aimed at preventing fraud and protecting residents — particularly older adults — from increasingly sophisticated scams.

The free event is scheduled for April 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at 240 Tiburon Blvd. in Tiburon. Complimentary bagels and coffee will be provided to attendees. Online registration is encouraged.

Marin County has one of the oldest populations in the state, with 31 percent of residents aged 60 and older — a percentage projected to climb to 35 percent by 2030, officials said.

Concerns about financial abuse, scams and other crimes ranked among the top five issues in the latest needs assessment for older adults, with heightened worry reported by older adults who are Black, Asian, Latino and low-income, Marin County officials said.

“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting individuals of all ages — especially older adults,” said District Attorney Lori Frugoli. “Education is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent financial exploitation. This event empowers our community with the knowledge needed to recognize and report fraud before it happens.”

Mark Vanderscoff, FAST Chair and Public Guardian for Marin HHS, noted that roughly 40 percent of reports made to local Adult Protective Services involve suspected financial abuse. AARP statistics further show that 20 percent of older adults nationwide have already fallen victim to financial abuse.

DA Investigator Mark Reischel highlighted that many scams succeed by manufacturing a sense of urgency or fear in the target.

“That highlights a growing community concern — especially in an increasingly digital world," Reischel said. “Taking a moment to pause, verify, and talk to someone you trust can make all the difference in preventing financial loss.”

Scam Jam attendees will gain insights from experts on key topics, including:

• The most common scams currently impacting Marin residents
• Warning signs and red flags of fraudulent activity
• Strategies for safeguarding personal and financial information
• Essential steps to take if an individual or someone they know becomes a victim

As part of this dedication, the District Attorney’s Office recently launched a new partnership with two local banks focused on detecting and preventing fraud against older residents.

For more resources, residents can check the DA’s webpage on its Elder Abuse Prevention Program, Marin HHS's information on its FAST program online, and the helpful AARP webpage on fraud prevention\[External\].

The session is a collaborative effort between the Marin County District Attorney’s Office, Marin Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Aging and Adult Services, HHS’ Office of the Public Guardian, HHS’ Financial Abuse Specialist Team and AARP California.