Milford Native Starts Business To Help Seniors

MILFORD, CT — Jack Thomas said he got the idea for his business helping seniors avoid fraud while working at the CVS on Bridgeport Avenue in Milford.

"I watched people come in every day, trying to buy gift cards for people that they didn't know or said they knew, but didn't," he said. "Older adults everywhere are getting scammed out of their life savings due to not being able to recognize or keep up with modern technology and scam tactics."

Thomas, who was born and raised in Milford, started working at the pharmacy when he was 16.

He said that one older woman believed she was sending gift cards to comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

"These people were so convinced," he said. "I wanted to be able to do something about it."

Now he's 20 and living in Los Angeles, where he's closer to his business partner. His company, Enterprise Innovations, started as a seller of gaming PCs.

However, while Thomas said that business was successful, he decided to change his focus and provide something to help people. Now the company offers guidance to seniors on avoiding fraud along with social media essentials.

Enterprise Innovations serves Southern Connecticut and Southern California, making presentations often at senior living homes.

Thomas said a disproportionate number of scams target the elderly.

"It's heartbreaking," he said.

The FBI reports that scams are increasing every year. Those 60 and older were bilked out of over $3.4 billion in 2023 alone.

Thomas said existing companies in the same space will talk about technology literacy with seniors but not focus on scams. There are also resources on fraud, like those from the AARP, but people have to find these resources on their own.

His company brings the information directly to seniors, usually in the form of recurring visits.

Thomas said his number one tip for those looking to avoid scams is to always "pause and verify."

If something doesn't look right, like a social media profile with only a handful of followers, be skeptical of the sender.

If an email claims to be from your bank, don't clink on the link in the email. Instead, go to your bank's website to verify.

The company has received positive feedback about the presentations, Thomas said. He added that he intends to have the company expand into other areas. For example, he wants to go into schools to teach students how to safely and responsibly use AI.

More information on Enterprise Innovations is available through their website.

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