How to Resist the 6 Most Common Scams

(Litchfield, Conn.) The number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to more than double from 46 million today to over 98 million by 2060, and the 65-and-older age group’s share of the total population will rise to nearly 24 percent from 15 percent as reported by the Population Reference Bureau.

U.S. Senator Blumenthal has been working diligently on developing federal legislation that will introduce tougher penalties for scammers who target older consumers. The bill will also promote interagency coordination around elder abuse cases—including the improvement of investigation and prosecution—and enhancement of survivor assistance and data collection. Older Americans lose as much as $37 billion each year to financial fraud and seniors need to be aware of the exploitation that is happening in their community. Financial abuse frequently results in reduced emotional and physical health for seniors. The True Link Report estimates that 954,000 seniors are currently skipping meals as a result of financial abuse.

“It's dangerous being a senior citizen in these times when scam artists lurk around every corner -- on the phone, in the mail, and even at your door," Blumenthal said. “Connecticut consumers are cheated out of about $400 million every year in telemark.”

Blumenthal and Brandywine Living of Litchfield will host the "Back to School" for Seniors Citizens Consumer University and discuss the most common scams seniors encounter, sweepstakes, telemarketing, funeral goods and services, home improvement, travel, and safety and crime prevention.

Come and join us at the "Back to School" for Seniors Citizens Consumer University hosted by Brandywine Living of Litchfield on August 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 am at 19 Constitution Way in Litchfield, CT. Please RSVP to Felicia Saraceno, Director of Community Relations at 860.567.9500.

Seniors who believe they may have been the victim of a scam should contact the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Unit at (860) 808-5420.

About Brandywine Living of Litchfield

Brandywine Living of Litchfield is a premier assisted living provider of quality care and services to seniors. Dedicated to promoting independence, dignity and individuality, the Brandywine team has a long history of providing a network of health care services in the Litchfield region including assisted living, Alzheimer’s & dementia care and licensed nurses that are ON-SITE (not on-call) 24/7. Residents enjoy luxurious living and dining with fun-filled days. For more information, visit http://www.brandycare.com. Follow us on Twitter: @BrandywineSL. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/brandywineseniorliving

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