South Orange Seniors Learn How to Protect Themselves From Scams

South Orange workshop taught seniors how to spot fraud, question suspicious requests, and protect money and personal information.

By Dani Sepe, Patch Staff

Aug 19, 2026 5:37 PM EDT

Congresswoman Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) informs a room full of seniors at the Village Apartments, a JCHC building, about the many resources her office provides. (Communities First Initiative)

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — About 23 South Orange seniors learned how to recognize scams, fraud and identity theft during a presentation Thursday at the Village Apartments, where speakers urged residents to pause and verify unexpected requests before sharing money or personal information.

Communities First Initiative and TD Bank organized the event amid growing concern about criminals targeting older adults through phone calls, emails and online messages. Scammers may impersonate the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, banks or even relatives claiming to have an emergency.

"Financial education events for seniors are increasingly important due to a recent increase in scams, as well as the technology and tactics used," CFI Executive Director Phyllis Salowe-Kaye said.

Salowe-Kaye thanked TD Bank for providing residents with practical information. South Orange Councilwoman Hannah Zollman and U.S. Rep. Analilia Mejia also discussed resources available to the public, according to organizers.

The presentation was part of Project Thrive, a CFI program serving low- and moderate-income seniors and families through education and direct services. The program promotes financial stability, healthy lifestyles and community connections.

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center figures cited in the press release illustrate the scope of the problem. Reported losses reached $1.6 billion from January through May 2024, nearly $300 million more than during the same period in 2023. Elder fraud losses totaled $3.4 billion in 2023, while the number of complaints increased 14% from the previous year.

Older adults can be attractive targets because scammers may perceive them as trusting or less comfortable with technology. The message for residents was straightforward: Be cautious when someone creates a sense of urgency, independently confirm the person's identity and never provide sensitive information simply because a caller sounds convincing.

CFI is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on financial literacy, food insecurity and the needs of affordable-housing communities.

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South Orange Councilwoman Hannah Zollman discusses the importance of financial education to seniors at the Village Apartments. (Communities First Initiative)

From left to right, Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, Executive Director of Communities First Initiative, Zorey McFoy, Associate Banker at TD Bank, Janessa Alexander, Store Manager at TD Bank, and Christiana Oguje, Store Manager at TD Bank. (Communities First Initiative)