Shelton Wesley Village Residents Get Lessons On Scam Protection

Information via Wesley Village

SHELTON, CT — Residents at Wesley Heights Senior Living Community in Shelton met with local police officers Friday to learn how to protect themselves from scams.

The presentation, organized bt Fore Senior Benefits owner Chris Pisani, provided senior healthcare guidance and cautioned residents about ongoing scams that are specifically targeting seniors, according to a news release provided by Wesley Village.

Many of the residents were familiar with what was dubbed the "grandparent scam" by police, in which a person will pose as a family member in need of emergency funds due to an accident or loss of credit cards while traveling overseas in hopes that the grandparent will offer to send money or give out credit card information.

"Seniors are particularly susceptible to scams asking for money from a family member or to help a church organization," Brice said in a news relase. "It is a characteristic of their generation to help family and be a good neighbor."

Shelton police officers Brian Yerzak and John Staples were particularly concerned with the seniors falling prey to "purse snatchers" in local stores, according to the release.

Yerzak cautioned residents against keeping their purses and wallets in baskets on their walkers or shopping carts.

"Keep valuables, wallets and important identification close to you," Yerzak said in a news release. "Anything in plain sight is easily stolen, especially when you are shopping or otherwise distracted."

Fore Senior Benefits has been sponsoring talks at local senior living communities to help raise awareness about risky situations, including social media scams and illegal solicitations of funds, which disproportionately affect older seniors, according to the release.

"Partnering with the local police departments helps to foster a genuine sense of collaboration and community," Pisani said in a news release.

According to the release, Pisani shares Wesley Village's commitment to promoting senior well-being.

"Educating residents about the importance of these safety issues is critical," Wesley Village Director of Community Outreach Lisa Bisson said in a news release. "We appreciate the support of the Shelton Police Department and community partners like Fore Senior Benefits."