Next Chapter Forums
Senior Scams: A Next Chapter Forum
Episode 4 | 56m 35sVideo has Closed Captions
Experts examine scams frequently targeted at the elderly and other forms of fraud.
Americans lost $47 billion to identity fraud and scams in 2024, an increase of $4 billion from the previous year, according to recent data released by the AARP. Renee Shaw and a panel of experts examine the scams frequently targeted at the elderly and other forms of fraud, plus offer ways to prevent falling victim to identity theft and fraudulent schemes.
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Next Chapter Forums is a local public television program presented by KET
Next Chapter Forums
Senior Scams: A Next Chapter Forum
Episode 4 | 56m 35sVideo has Closed Captions
Americans lost $47 billion to identity fraud and scams in 2024, an increase of $4 billion from the previous year, according to recent data released by the AARP. Renee Shaw and a panel of experts examine the scams frequently targeted at the elderly and other forms of fraud, plus offer ways to prevent falling victim to identity theft and fraudulent schemes.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship[♪♪] >> GOOD EVENING.
WELCOME TO SENIOR SCAMS: A NEXT CHAPTER FORUM WHERE WE DISCUSS THE FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION SCHEMES AND TYPES OF FRAUD THAT ARE STEALING BILLIONS OF DOLLARS FROM OLDER AMERICANS.
I’M RENEE SHAW, WE THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.
RECENTLY, THE FBI REPORTED A 43-PERCENT JUMP IN ANNUAL REPORTED FRAUD THEFTS, WITH AN AVERAGE LOSS OF $83,000.
ADULTS AGE 60 AND OVER FILED THE MOST COMPLAINTS OF ANY AGE GROUP.
SOME OF THE MOST COMMON SCAMS: IMPOSTER SCAMS WHERE CRIMINALS PRETEND TO BE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, POLICE OR BUSINESSES, SOMETIMES FALSELY CLAIMING A RELATIVE IS IN TROUBLE OR THAT THEY’RE A TECH SUPPORT SPECIALIST• ALL WITH THE INTENT TO WHITTLE MONEY OR PERSONAL DATA, OR BOTH, FROM THEIR TARGETS.
BUT, IT DOESN’T STOP WITH EMAILS, OR PHONE CALLS• SENIORS OFTEN FALL VICTIM TO SHADY HOME REPAIR SCHEMERS AND ARE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO OTHER FORMS OF FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION.
HERE TO HELP US UNDERSTAND THESE FRAUDULENT TRAPS AND LEARN WAYS TO PREVENT THEM IS A PANEL OF EXPERTS WHO FREQUENTLY DEAL WITH THESE ISSUES.
JOINING ME ARE •.
GARY ADKINS, VOLUNTEER STATE PRESIDENT OF AARP KENTUCKY.
SERGEANT BEN BAKER WITH THE FINANCIAL CRIMES UNIT OF THE LEXINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.
CLIFF BRYANT, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF PROTECTION AND PERMANENCY WITHIN THE KENTUCKY CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES.
ANDREA MATTINGLY WILLIAMS, ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY.
LINDSAY MEDLEY, A SOCIAL WORKER AT THE LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER.
TRACI CANEER, ASSISTANT COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY FOR FAYETTE COUNTY.
AND, JOINING US BY SKYPE IS PAUL GREENWOOD• A NATIONALLY-RENOWNED EXPERT ON ELDER ABUSE.
HE IS A RETIRED SAN DIEGO DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY WHERE HE HEADED UP THE ELDER ABUSE PROSECUTION UNIT FOR 22 YEARS.
HE’S PROSECUTED OVER 750 FELONY CASES OF PHYSICAL, SEXUAL, EMOTIONAL AND FINANCIAL ELDER ABUSE.
WE THANK ALL OF YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE.
THIS CONVERSATION ABOUT SENIOR SCAMS AND FRAUD IS PART OF KET’S ONGOING AGING INITIATIVE..
THE NEXT CHAPTER THAT EXPLORES THE REWARDS AND CHALLENGES OF GROWING OLDER.
OUR WEBSITE HAS A LIBRARY OF PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HELP US ALL THRIVE IN OUR GOLDEN YEARS.
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
THERE IS A LOT TO DISCUSS.
AND MANY OF YOU ASSEMBLED WHEN AARP HAD THE SCAM JAM AND I WAS GLAD TO PICK UP THE CONVERSATION FOR A STATE-WIDE AUDIENCE TO UNDERSTAND THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE.
TO YOU Mr. PAUL GREENWOOD AND ASK YOU WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE OVER 50 THAT MAKE THEM MORE VULNERABLE TO THE FRAUDULENT SCHEMES REGARDLESS OF WHAT FORM THEY MIGHT TAKE.
>> THANK YOU, RENEE.
AND MY RESPONSE IS BASED UPON MY EXPERIENCE AS YOU MENTIONED OVER THE 22 YEARS.
I DEALT WITH VICTIMS OVER THE AGE OF 65.
HAVING SAID THAT, FRAUD CAN OCCUR AT ANY AGE.
COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE BEING DEFRAUDED, PEOPLE IN THEIR 20s AND 30s.
WHAT I FOUND IN MY EXPERIENCE OVER THE TWO DECADES WAS THAT IT WAS OFTEN BECAUSE OF A NEED FOR A RELATIONSHIP, A FRIENDSHIP, A LOT OF MY VICTIMS WERE PEOPLE WHO LOST A LOVED ONE WHO WERE LONELY AND WHO WERE DABBLING IN SOCIAL MEDIA AND GETTING ON DIFFERENT WEBSITES.
AS A RESULT THEY ARE HAD BEING TARGETED.
ANOTHER IS PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE THEIR WEALTH.
THEY ARE ON FIXED INCOMES.
AND I THINK THE PREDATORS THEY HAVE LONG AGO FIGURED THIS ALL OUT.
THEY ARE TARGETING PARTICULARLY OLDER ADULTS OVER 60.
BECAUSE THEY ARE ANOTHER ONE THESE OLDER ADULTS HAVE TIME THEY ARE THERE READY TO PICK UP THE PHONE READY TO ANSWER AN E-MAIL OR TEXT THAT COMES IN.
AND I PUT MYSELF IN THIS GROUP, I'M 73.
WE ARE NOT AS TECH SAVVY AS OTHER AGE GROUPS.
SO WHEN WE ARE DEALT WITH AN INVITATION TO JOIN A WEBSITE OR A LINK OFTEN WE WILL FOG THAT INSTRUCTION BECAUSE THAT IS OUR CULTURE.
AND I THINK THAT TOO OFTEN, THE PREDATORS REALLY FOCUS ON AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
IT NEEDS TO BE HANDLED NOW.
IT NEEDS TO BE HANDLED IN SECRET.
AND I'M GOING TO HELP YOU THROUGH THIS.
AND SOMETHING TRIGGERS IN OUR BRAINS, THAT SAYS I NEED TO RESPOND TO THIS.
SO ULTIMATELY, THE QUESTION COMES TO MONEY AND WE FIND OURSELVES SUCKED INTO THIS SCHEME AT THE PREDATORS ARE SO CLEVER.
THERE IS NO REAL COMMON ANSWER FOR QUESTION.
BUT I THINK SOME OF THOSE ARE THE FACTORS THAT I'VE SEEN CERTAINLY WITH DEALING WITH VICTIMS OF FRAUD OVER THE TWO DECADES.
>> Renee: SERGEANT, DO YOU HAVE MORE TO ADD TO THAT OR DO YOU AGREE?
>> I WOULD SAY THAT PAUL IS 100% ON TRACK WITH THAT.
WORKING WITH THE FINANCIAL CRIMES UNIT WE SEE NEW SCAMS WEEKLY AND IT'S UNFORTUNATE THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT IS TAKEN FROM UNSUSPECTING VICTIMS AND A LARGE PORTION OF THOSE VICTIMS ARE OF THE ELDERLY DEMOGRAPHIC, SENIOR CITIZENS.
LOOKING AHEAD AND LOOKING FORWARD THE MISSION OF THE LEXINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT IS TO PUSH EDUCATION AND PREVENTION AND TRY TO PREVENT THESE THINGS FROM HAPPENING IN THE FUTURE.
>> Renee: DO YOU THINK THAT IS WORKING?
>> SOME DAYS IT FEELS LIKE WE ARE MAKING MORE OF A DENT THAN OTHERS IT IS A MISSION WE ARE NOT GOING TO GIVE UP AND PURSUING JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS AND WORKING WITH OUR PARTNERS.
MANY OF THOSE ARE WITH ME HERE TODAY.
>> AND ANDREA MATTINGLY WILLIAMS YOU ARE A PARTNER IN THIS AS A U.S. ATTORNEY TALK TO US ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE SEEING AND WHAT NEW VAF WAYS AND HOW IS A.I.
GETTING INTO THIS MORE?
>> THE SCAMS AS DETECTIVE BAKER SAID CHANGE REGULARLY.
AND THE CRIMINALS ARE USING TECHNOLOGY.
THEY WILL SEND STUFF ON YOUR E-MAIL, ON YOUR FACEBOOK, ON YOUR TEXT MESSAGES.
ALL TYPES OF THINGS.
A.I.
WILL MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT, BECAUSE WITH A.I.
THEY CAN MIMIC VOICES THAT MAYBE FAMILIAR TO YOU.
OR THINGS OF THAT NATURE.
SO WE HAVE TO BE MUCH MORE CAUTIOUS AND TRY TO OUTSMART THE CRIMINALS BUT WE WILL CONTINUE TO TRY TO DO THAT.
>> Renee: YOU DEAL WITH A LOT OF ADULT EXPLOITATION FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION AND IT'S NOT ALWAYS IN THE FORMS WE THINK ABOUT THEM.
HELP US UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU SEE IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY WORK?
>> WELL, BEING A LOCAL PROSECUTOR AS OPPOSED TO I AFEDERAL PROSECUTOR A LOT OF THE THINGS WE DEAL WITH ARE LOCAL.
AND MANY TIMES IT'S PEOPLE CLOSE TO YOU IT IS NOT A STRANGER, IT'S NOT SOMEBODY OVERSEAS IT'S FAMILY MEMBER A CAKE TAKER, PEOPLE THAT YOU DO TRUST.
THAT IS REALLY HARD TO COMBAT, BECAUSE ESPECIALLY AS WE GET OLDER, THE PEOPLE WE HAVE SURROUNDED OURSELVES WITH, WE ASSUME WE CAN TRUST.
AND UNFORTUNATELY, THAT'S NOT ALWAYS THE CASE.
>> Renee: WHAT IS IT THAT YOU ARE SEEING HOW THEY ARE BEING EXPLOITED BY PEOPLE THEY THINK THEY CAN TRUST?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
>> IT TAKES A LOT OF AVENUES.
CAKE TAKERS IN PARTICULAR -- CARETAKERS IN PARTICULAR THAT IS TRICKIER BECAUSE PEOPLE USE DIFFERENT AGENCIES THEY ARE DIFFERENT CARETAKERS IN AND OUT OF THE HOME.
THEY GET ACCESS BY WANDERING AROUND THE HOME AND FINDING A CHECKBOOK, GOING THROUGH THE MAIL AND A RENEWAL DEBIT CARD HAS BEEN SENT IN THE MAIL AND THEY INTERCEPT IT.
AND THAT'S KIND OF THE MOST COMMON FORM OF A STRANGER.
BUT FAMILY MEMBERS THAT OFTENTIMES ARE ADDICTED TO DRUGS AND DO THINGS THAT YOU WOULDN'T THINK THEY WOULD DO.
BUT BECAUSE OF THAT, DRIVING MOTIVATION, THEY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOMEBODY THAT THEY SHOULD LOVE AND CARE FOR.
>> Renee: SOMEONE MAYBE HEARING YOU THINKING IT'S EASIER TO PROSECUTE SOMEONE WHO IS DOING THIS LOCALLY WHO YOU CAN IDENTIFY VERSUS THE STRAININGER IN A FOREIGN LAND IS THAT TRUE OR FALSE ASSUMPTION?
>> I THINK IT IS TRUE IN THE SENSE OF IDENTIFYING WHO THE SUSPECT IS.
THAT IS THE FIRST CHALLENGE.
FOR THE OVERSEAS SCRAMS THAT IS -- SCAMS THAT IS A BIG CHALLENGE.
WE CAN THROUGH THE HELP OF THE LEXINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES WE CAN IDENTIFY THE SUSPECT.
THEN THE CHALLENGE BECOMES PROVING IT AND ESPECIALLY HAVING VICTIM COOPERATION BECAUSE VICTIMS DON'T WANT TO PROSECUTE THEIR LOVED ONES.
AND THEY ARE DEPENDENT ON THEM WHICH IS ALSO A CATCH 22.
BECAUSE IF I TURN THEM IN AND PROSECUTE THEM, WHO IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF ME?
>> Renee: YOU WERE NODDING YOUR HEAD THAT IS TRUE.
>> ABSOLUTELY SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT TRY TO HELP VICTIMS ALONG THE WAY, THE VICTIMS ARE SCARED TO TURN THE PEOPLE IN, THEY ARE FAMILY MEMBERS BECAUSE THEY RELY ON THE FAMILY MEMBERS TO HELP THEM.
VICTIM COOPERATION OR GETTING THEM TO TELL SOMEONE THAT THEY THINK A LOVED ONE OR SOMEONE IS SCAMMING THEM IS VERY DIFFICULT.
ONE THERE'S PRIDE.
THEY DON'T WANT TO BE A VICTIM OF A SCAM.
TWO, THE REALITY THAT THE MONEY COULD BE GONE AND THREE HURTING THEIR LOVED ONES SUPPOSED TO BE HELPING THEM.
YOU HAVE TO JUGGLE THE EMOTION WITH THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION.
AND SOMETIMES EMOTIONS ARE HARD FOR PEOPLE TO DEAL WITH IN THESE SITUATIONS.
>> Renee: THESE STORIES ARE FAMILIAR TO YOU, AND YOU'VE BEEN IN AT THAT TIME PROSECUTORIAL ROLE SO YOU KNOW HOW THIS WORKS.
>> I WAS A FELONY PROSECUTOR FOR 20 YEARS.
AND I SAW THE FULL GAMUT AND WHAT THEY ARE SAYING IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE.
>> Renee: AS SOMEONE WHO WORKS IN ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU HEAR AND SEE MOST OFTEN AND HOW IT RESEMBLES WHAT WE'VE DISCUSSED?
>> WE DO SEE A LOT OF EXPLOITATION CASES IT IS NOT AS MANY AS NATIONWIDE THAT WE SEE.
WHEN IT COMES TO SCAMS WE FOCUS ON THE SELF NEGLECT SIDE OF THINGS.
SO WHAT WAS GOING ON IN THAT INDIVIDUAL'S MIND AT THE TIME THAT THE SCAM WAS OCCURRING.
IS THERE SOME KIND OF COGNITIVE DELAY OR DECISIONAL CAPACITY ISSUE THAT IS OCCURRING AND HOW IS THAT IMPACTING THEIR LIVES.
ARE THEY -- IS THERE FUNDS SO DEPLETED THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO GET THEIR MEDICATIONS THEY CAN'T PAY FOR RENT OR MORTGAGE.
WHAT CAN WE DO AS A SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY TO HELP LIFT THEM BACK OUT OF THE SITUATION AND GET THEM WHERE THEY NEED TO BE AND COMFORTABLE.
ULTIMATELY THE SCAM IS GOING TO LEAD TO DEPRESSION.
BECAUSE THEY ARE GOING TO BE EMBARRASSED THAT THEY ARE MORE LIKELY GOING TO BE EMBARRASSED BY IT.
THEY ARE GOING TO TURN MORE INWARD THAT IS WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO.
HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THEY DON'T NEED TO TURN INWARD, TURN TO US AND WE CAN HELP YOU OUT AND FEEL COMFORTABLE TO LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT TO LIVE.
>> Renee: WE'VE TALKED ABOUT ALL THINGS BUT THIS ISSUE YOU DEAL WITH A LOT WITH THE LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER.
>> ABSOLUTELY.
SO I HAVE A LOT OF SENIORS THAT BRING ME THEIR MAIL AND I GO THROUGH IT PIECE BY PIECE AND WHAT I OFTEN FIND IT'S NOT NECESSARILY A SCAM LIKE IT IS SOMETHING THEY COULD APPLY FOR BUT THERE IS A REASON WHY THEY SHOULDN'T.
WHETHER THAT BE AN ADVANTAGE PLAN THAT WILL NOT ACTUALLY COVER THEIR PRESCRIPTION COST.
OR A INSURANCE PLAN THAT REALLY TAKES AWAY FROM THEM GETTING LIKE FREE GROCERY FOOD CARD AND THIS IS THE REASON WHY YOU SHOULDN'T APPLY FOR THESE SPECIFIC PROGRAMS BECAUSE YOU ARE ALREADY ON THE BEST PROGRAM THERE IS FOR YOU.
I SEE A LOT OF SENIORS GETTING TRIP UP ON SOMETHING THAT IS NOT NECESSARILY A SCAM BUT IT'S NOT WHAT IS THE BEST.
>> Renee: NOT IN THEIR PEST INTEREST.
WE DO HAVE AN EXAMPLE OF SOMEONE WHO DID FALL FOR A SCAM AS WE HAD THIS CONVERSATION WE'RE LEARNING MORE HOW THE SITUATIONS UNFOLD.
MANY SENIORS ARE TARGETED BY TEXT MESSAGES, PHONE CALLS OR IN THE NEXT CASE, THEIR COMPUTER.
OUR LAURA ROGERS TAKES US TO BARREN COUNTY WHERE SHE MET A WOMAN WHO FELL VICTIM TO A TECH SUPPORT SCAM AND SHE SHARES HER STORY IN THE HOPE IT IS HELPS SOMEONE ELSE.
>> HE HAD A GOLDEN TONGUE HE WAS CALM AND HELPFUL.
>> GAIL AND HER HUSBAND GEORGE WERE TARGETED BY A TECH SUPPORT SCAM.
>> MY HUSBAND WAS ON THE COMPUTER.
AND IT CRASHED.
AND A NUMBER CAME UP ON THE COMPUTER.
AND HE CALLED IT.
>> THE CONVERSATION CONTINUED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR.
THE MAN ON THE PHONE INSISTING HE COULD HELPTH GET THEIR COMPUTER BACK UP AND RUNNING AT A COST.
>> THE WAY TO GIVE THE PAYMENT WOULD BE TO GO AND GET THE GIFT CARD.
THAT SOUNDS SO LIKE WHY WOULDN'T I HAD IT SEEMS SO BIZARRE NOW.
HE WAS SO CALM AND JUST, I BELIEVED HIM.
>> AS DIRECTED GAIL BOUGHT THAT $500 GIFT CARD AT A LOCAL PHARMACY.
>> THEN HE WANTED THE NUMBERS OFF OF IT.
I GAVE HIM THE NUMBERS.
>> HE WASN'T DONE AND STARTED PRESSING GAIL FOR MORE.
>> HE WAS TELLING ME NOW YOU NEED TO BUY ANOTHER GIFT CARD.
THAT TO ME, FINALLY CLICKED IN MY BRAIN THAT OKAY, NOW, LET'S THINK ABOUT THIS.
>> SHE LOST HER $500 TO A SCAM AND THE PERPETRATOR DIDN'T GIVE UP EASILY.
>> WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I WENT DARK HE KEPT SAYING WHERE DID YOU GO?
COME ON WE NEED TO GET ANOTHER CARD.
HE GOT A LITTLE BIT AGGRESSIVE.
>> I CAN TELL YOU 25 PEOPLE OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD IN THIS COUNTY THAT DEALT WITH THIS.
>> JODI WALDEN HAS SEEN THIS BEFORE.
>> YOU CLICK ON SOMETHING ON YOUR COMPUTER AND YOUR SCREEN FREEZES AND YOU HAVE TO CALL MICROSOFT OR WHOEVER THEY SAY IT IS TO HAVE IT UNLOCKED.
>> OPERATIONS MANAGER, SHE HAPPENED TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH GAIL THE DAY SHE PURCHASED THAT GIFT CARD.
>> SHE SAID DON'T DO ANYTHING COME HERE WE'LL GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS.
>> THEY BUILD ON WHAT THEY KNOW WORKS AND WITH TECHNOLOGY IT'S EASIER TO GET AHOLD OF PEOPLE.
>> WHILE ANYONE CAN BE SCAMMED IT'S OFTEN SENIORS THAT ARE THE MOST VULNERABLE.
>> WHEN YOU LOSE LOVED ONES YOU LOSE THAT SUPPORT TEAM, AND THE FRACK THAT MOST SENIORS TEND TO HAVE MORE ASSETS BECAUSE THEY HAVE HAD THEIR LIFE TO BUILD THOSE.
>> DAN KLEIN SAYS HIS COMPANY KEEPS A RED FLAG LOG AS REQUIRED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGES COMMISSION TO DOCUMENT THE CASES.
>> THE SCAMMERS KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING.
THEY HAVE A TARGET.
WE SEE A LOT OF RECENTLY WIDOWED PEOPLE.
SCAMMERS WHO TROLL OBITUARIES, AND BETWEEN AN OBITUARY AND SOCIAL MEDIA, YOU CAN FIND OUT A LOT ABOUT SOMEBODY.
>> AND ASIDE FROM THE INSTANT GRATIFICATION OF GETTING MONEY THEY ARE OFTEN TRYING TO STEAL PERSONAL INFORMATION THAT CAN LEAD TO FINANCIAL FRAUD.
>> WHEN IN DOUBT DON'T CLICK.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION WHATSOEVER AS TO WHETHER A TEXT OR E-MAIL OR LINK IS LEGITIMATE WALK AWAY.
>> NOW I DON'T CLICK ON ANYTHING.
I COULD BE GETTING SOMETHING GOOD BUT I'M NOT GOING TO GET IT BECAUSE I'M AAFRAID.
>> Renee: THAT IS PROBABLY GOOD ADVICE AND A PRACTICE NOT TO CLICK ON ANYTHING BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW IF THERE IS MALICIOUS INTENT BEHIND IT.
TO YOU Mr. GREENWOOD WHEN YOU HEAR STORIES LIKE THAT GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS AND THE FACT THAT THESE GIFT CARDS THEY ARE ASKING YOU TO GET A GIFT CARD THAT SHOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE RED FLAG, CORRECT?
>> YES.
AND WE SEE THAT IN VARIOUS TYPES OF FRAUDS AND SCAMS JURY DUTY, THEY CALL YOU AND SAY THERE IS AN ARREST WARRANT YOU NEED TO PAY BY GIFT CARD AND OTHER FORMS SCAMS USE GIFT CARDS TOO.
AND THIS IS WHY AND THE SERGEANT MENTIONED IT, ABOUT BEING PART OF A MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM.
WE NEED TO GET THE STORES INVOLVED WHO SELL THE GIFT CARDS TRAIN THEIR STAFF TO IDENTIFY RED FLAGS.
FOR AN OLDER PERSON COMING IN AND PURCHASING $500 WORTH OF GIFT CARDS IT SHOULD PROMPT A VERY NONCONFRONTATIONAL INQUIRY BY THE EMPLOYEE.
DO YOU KNOW THIS PERSON?
HAS SOMEBODY CALLED YOU TO SAY THAT SOMEBODY IS IN TROUBLE OR DO YOU KNOW THIS PERSON?
AND REALLY HAVE THIS CONVERSATION.
TOO MANY STORES ALLOW THESE GIFT CARD PURCHASES WITHOUT ANY FORM OF QUESTIONING.
BECAUSE, OF COURSE, FOR THEM IT IS A PROFIT, TOO.
AND THIS IS WHY WE NEED MORE AND MORE STORE MERCHANT PARTNERS TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION.
>> Renee: YEAH, ANYBODY CARE TO COMMENT ON THAT?
>> I'M PART OF AN ORGANIZATION CALLED DEMENTIA FRIENDLY LEXINGTON I SERVE ON THEIR BOARD AND WHAT WE ARE ABLE TO DO IS GO IN AND TRAIN STAFF HOW TO RECOGNIZE WHEN SOMEBODY IS STRUGGLING WITHIN THEIR SURROUNDINGS.
SOMEBODY NOT BUYING GROCERIES AND COMING UP WITH A GIFT CARD THAT IS NOT NECESSARILY TO A RESTAURANT AND IT'S FOR THAT $500 THAT THEY CAN MAYBE RECOGNIZE AND SAY ARE YOU GIVING THAT FOR A BIRTHDAY PRESENT TO SOMEBODY?
OR JUST TO HAVE A FRIENDLY CHAT NOT TO QUESTION THEIR INTENTIONS.
BUT WE GO IN AND WE DO TRAIN THOSE FOLKS.
>> Renee: AND WE HEARD IN THAT STORY THE TECH GUY SAID WELL, GO TO ANOTHER STORE.
DON'T GO BACK TO THE SAME STORE THAT IS GOING TO RAISE A RED FLAG THERE.
YEAH, DOES THERE NEED TO BE MORE TRAINING ARE THE RETAILORS TO HELP THEM RECOGNIZE IT AND THEN WHAT DO THEY DO?
>> WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY IN EDUCATING RETAILORS.
THERE ARE MANY MAJOR STORES THAT DO HAVE FLYERS WITHIN THEIR STORES AND ARE TRAINING THEIR STAFFS.
JUST AS BANKS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE REGULARLY TRAINING THEIR STAFF TO LOOK FOR THESE TYPES OF SCAMS TO TALK TO THEIR CUSTOMERS.
THAT'S WHY THAT PERSONAL INTERACTION AND YOU CAN'T AS WAS STATED, ACCUSE THE PERSON WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THIS MONEY?
GO INTO IT WITH A CONVERSATION BUT THERE IS EDUCATION GOING ON ALL THE TIME WITH MAJOR RETAILORS AND BANKS ACROSS THE NATION TO LOOK FOR THESE WITH OUR SENIORS AND THE PATTERNS THAT THEY HAVE.
>> Renee: ANY OTHER COMMENT ON THAT?
>> BANKS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN OUR BIGGEST ASSET, BECAUSE, THE WAY A VICTIM DOESN'T WANT TO REPORT THE FAMILY MEMBER OR SOMEBODY THAT THEY JUST DON'T WANT TO TURN IN, BANKS BRING IT TO OUR ATTENTION THAT TAKES THE VICTIM OFF THE HOTSEAT.
AND A GOOD BANK TELLER IS INVALUABLE BECAUSE THEY ARE PAYING ATTENTION THEY KNOW THIS PERSON THEY HAVE BUILT THAT RELATIONSHIP.
AND SO WHEN THEY SEE SOMETHING THAT IS OUT OF THE ORDINARY, THEY REPORT IT.
AND THEY ARE JUST INVALUABLE TO US.
THEY HAVE BROUGHT SO MANY CASES TO US.
WE HAVE A LOT OF FORMER DETECTIVES FROM THE FINANCIAL CRIMES UNITS THAT GO TO WORK FOR BANKS IN THEIR SECURITY DEPARTMENTS.
THEY ARE ALSO KEEN ON SPECIFICALLY GETTING IN TOUCH WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND GETTING IN TOUCH WITH US.
>> Renee: SERGEANT DO YOU CARE TO ADD?
>> ABSOLUTELY WE HAVE A LOT OF PARTNERS HERE IN THE LEXINGTON COMMUNITY AND THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
WE HAVE DONE A LOT OF TRAININGS WITH THE LOCAL ASSET PROTECTION FOLKS LARGE RETAILORS.
THEY ARE GETTING BETTER AT KNOWING WHAT TO LOOK FOR.
WE GET CALLS ON A FREQUENT BASIS YOU MIGHT WANT TO LOOK INTO THIS OR HELP THIS PERSON THEY MIGHT BE MAKING A MISTAKE.
WE PARTNER WITH OUR LOCAL BANKS.
IT IS A HUGE, HUGE HELP TO US BECAUSE THEY SEE THINGS THAT WE DON'T.
AND SOMETIMES WE CAN ASSIST BEFORE SOMETHING BECOMES A LARGER PROBLEM THAT'S NOT RECONCILABLE.
>> Renee: ANY OTHER COMMENT ON THAT?
>> GIFT CARDS AS CONTINUING AND WE'VE SEEN IT FOR YEARS.
BUT SOMETHING THAT SKYROCKETING IS THE CYBERKIOSKS, THESE BITCOIN.
CRYPTO.
>> AND I'VE READ SOME OF THE THINGS FROM AARP WHERE A WOMAN SPENT TWO HOURS AT ONE OF THE KIOSKS PUTTING IN MONEY OF $80,000 IN A KIOSK.
AND BEING IN A STORE.
TO THE POINT THAT THE STORE WOULD BRING A CHAIR UP SO THEY COULD SIT DOWN IN IT.
>> GOODNESS.
>> IT IS BAD.
I'VE TALKED WITH THE F.B.I.
ABOUT THIS.
AND I'VE TALKED WITH OUR KENTUCKY ATTORNEY GENERAL RUSSELL COLEMAN ABOUT A CYBERKIOSK LEGISLATION IN KENTUCKY AND AARP IS TRYING TO GET THINGS TOGETHER TO PROPOSE LEGISLATION WITH OUR LEGISLATORS.
BUT IT IS A REAL PROBLEM OF FOLKS, ESPECIALLY FOLKS THAT MAYBE 50 PLUS, 60 PLUS GOING TO ONE OF THESE BITCOIN ATM'S AND PUTTING MONEY IN.
THERE'S NO WARNING LABELS TYPICALLY.
THERE'S NOTHING.
AND A LOT OF TIMES THESE FOLKS ARE TOLD THEY ARE ON THE LINE WITH THEM ON A PHONE, WHILE THEY ARE DOING THIS.
AND THEY ARE TELLING FOLKS THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO SAY.
SO IT'S TROUBLING.
>> I HAD A CLIENT THAT SPENT $11500 INTO ONE OF THOSE.
SHE WAS TRYING TO GET HER HP PRINTER BACK TO WORK AND GOOGLED AND GOT A NUMBER AND GOT ON THE PHONE WITH THIS MAN.
AND HE WAS VERY PERSISTENT CONVINCED HER TO DRIVE TO BIG DADDY LIQUOR AND PUT IN ALL OF THIS MONEY INTO A BITCOIN MACHINE.
SHE THOUGHT IT WAS A REGULAR ATM MACHINE.
>> Renee: SOME PEOPLE DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS IS.
>> I WAS GOING TO ADD, I BELIEVE PAUL CAN GIVE US A NUMBER ON THIS DURING THE AARP SCAM JAM HE MENTIONED THE NUMBER OF BITCOIN AND CRYPTO KIOSKS IN FAYETTE COUNTY IT'S WELL OVER A HUNDRED.
GAS STATIONS, LOCAL BUSINESSES IT IS MORE PREVALENT THAT ONE WOULD KNOW.
>> Renee: PAUL CAN YOU GIVE US THE NUMBERS?
THIS IS NEW TO ME?
I'M NOT ALWAYS THE HIPPEST PERSON BUT GIVE US MORE CONTEXT?
>> I CAN TELL YOU THIS... THAT IT IS GROWING VERY MUCH SO EVERY WEEK.
AND IT USED TO BE JUST IN LOW LEVEL LIQUOR STORES AND GAS STATIONS.
BUT NOW IT'S IN MAINSTREAM SUPERMARKETS.
IT IS WELL OVER 100 IN YOUR COUNTY THERE IN LEXINGTON AREA.
AND SO THIS IS, AGAIN, WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO TRY AND STAFF.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I THINK THEY CAN QUESTION THE VICTIM ABOUT IS IS THERE SOMEBODY RIGHT NOW ON YOUR PHONE?
AND THAT'S WHAT THE PREDATORS DO.
THEY ACCOMPANY THE VICTIM TO THE STORE.
IT'S ALMOST LIKE THEY ARE GIVING THEM MORAL SUPPORT SO THE PHONE IS IN THE PURSE IT'S ON AND THE SUSPECT IS EAVESDROPPING ON THE CONVERSATION.
AND THAT IS ONE WAY TO TRIGGER IN THE MIND OF THE VICTIM THIS MIGHT NOT BE LEGITIMATE.
AND I JUST MET WITH AN ATTORNEY TWO WEEKS AGO IN MARYLAND.
AND HE WENT TO A CRYPTO CURRENCY KIOSK BECAUSE HE THOUGHT THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WAS GOING TO ARREST HIM FOR FAILING TO GO TO JURY DUTY.
AND HE LOST OVER $3,000 TO CRYPTO CURRENCY.
AND IN ONE SENSE HE WAS EMBARRASSED BECAUSE HE IS A LAWYER BUT HE WANTED PEOPLE TO KNOW LAWYERS LIKE ME CAN FALL VICTIM TO THIS.
GARY MENTIONED THE LEGISLATIVE PUSH.
A LOT OF STATES ARE NOW REQUIRING THROUGH LAWS THAT YOU CANNOT PUT IN MORE THAN $1,000 A DAY INTO A KIOSK.
THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THAT AS YOU MENTIONED THE PREDATORS WILL TELL ENCOURAGE THE VICTIM GO TO ANOTHER SUPERMARKET DOWN THE STREET WHERE THEY HAVE CRYPTO KIOSKS.
>> AND HERE IN LEXINGTON AREA, AT THE SCAM JAM WE HAD LAST MONTH, PAUL HAD ON THE SCREEN IT WAS OVER 300 BITCOIN TYPE KIOSKS HERE IN THE FAYETTE COUNTY AREA.
>> Renee: THAT IS AMAZING.
>> IT IS.
>> Renee: I WANT TO GO TO YOU AND ASK YOU WHEN YOU HEAR THIS ARE THERE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES THAT IS AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW, TOOLS AVAILABLE THAT THE STATE HAS?
>> THERE ARE NO SPECIFIC TOOLS.
WHAT WE STRONGLY SUGGEST IS THAT PEOPLE GET MORE INVOLVED IN THEIR COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE LOCAL COORDINATING COUNCILS ON ELDER ABUSE AND THERE'S ONE HERE IN LEXINGTON.
THERE'S 14 THAT ARE ACTIVE ACROSS THE STATE AND THEY ARE GRASSROOTS EFFORTS SO THEY ARE THE ONES WHO ARE SPREADING AWARENESS.
IT'S MADE UP OF SOME COUNCILS HAVE MAYORS ON THERE, LAW ENFORCEMENT, APS WORKERS AND COMMUNITY PROVIDERS.
BUT THEY ARE DESIGNED TO TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS BEST TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY.
EVERY COMMUNITY IS DIFFERENT.
AND THOSE LOCAL FOLKS ARE GOING TO KNOW WHAT'S BEST.
WE CAN PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS TO THEM.
AND THEN THEY CAN TRY TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO DISSEMINATE THAT TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY GETS IT.
>> Renee: SOMEBODY MAYBE THINKING IF I GET A RIDER ON OUR INSURANCE POLICY IS THERE SOMETHING THAT I CAN PURCHASE IN THE EVENT I'M PART OF ONE OF THESE SCAMS AND FRAUD ATTEMPTS THAT I CAN RECOVER?
>> THERE ARE, LIKE, PLANS THAT YOU CAN TAKE OUT.
WILL THEY HELP YOU RECOVER FORT EVERYTHING?
MAYBE NOT.
>> Renee: ARE THEY WORTH PAYING THE PREMIUMS?
>> I THINK THAT DEPENDS ON THE PERSON AND THE SECURITY THAT THEY THINK.
A LOT OF TIMES WHEN THE SCAMMERS HAVE YOUR INFORMATION THEY ALREADY HAVE IT.
NOW YOU ARE PLAYING DEFENSE WHERE ELSE IS IT GOING.
AND OFTENTIMES IT'S HARD TO RECOVER THE MONEY THAT HAS BEEN LOST.
>> Renee: HERE IS ANOTHER STORY.
THIS TIME YOU ARE ABOUT TO MEET MARY ELLEN STRANGE, SHE IS ACTIVELY SHARING HER STORY THROUGH AARP AND IS HOPING IT CAN HELP OTHERS.
SHE LIVES IN INDIANA SHE ENCOUNTERED A HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED SCAM AND SINCE HER MONEY WAS STOLEN SHE HAS SPOKEN ABOUT HER LOSS TO THE WOMEN'S GOLF CLUB AND NATIONAL NEWS MEDIA.
JUNE LEFFLER MET HER THIS SUMMER AT HER HOME.
>> MARY ELLEN STRANGE LIVES IN SOUTHERN INDIANA WITH HER DOG BELLA.
LAST YEAR SHE GOT A PESKY SPAM CALL CLAIMING TO BE AMAZON AND WASN'T FALLING FOR IT.
>> THIS IS CRAZY.
THIS IS NOT ME, NO I DIDN'T BUY A MAC BOOK PRO AND SHIP IT TO NEW YORK AND I HUNG UP THE PHONE.
>> HOURS LATER SHE WANTED TO MAKE SURE NO ONE WAS MAKING PURCHASES.
>> A GENTLEMAN ANSWERED THE PHONE AND HE SAID ALL THE SAME THINGS TO ME.
AND HE ADDED TO THAT THERE WERE CHARGES OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY PURCHASES MADE IN MY NAME AND THAT GOT MY ATTENTION, BECAUSE I DIDN'T CALL BACK THE ORIGINAL CALLER.
I GOOGLED AMAZON FRAUD UNIT AND CALLED THEM.
>> OVER SEVEN WEEKS SCAMMERS POSING AS FEDERAL AUTHORITIES TOOK NEARLY $400,000 FROM STRANGE.
THEY CAME TO HER DOOR AND SHE GAVE THEM WHATEVER THEY ASKED FOR.
>> MY HANDLER KNEW WHERE THE NEAREST CRYPTO MACHINE WAS TO MY HOUSE TWO BLOCKS AAWAY AND INSTRUCTED ME WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO.
IT SEEMS CRAZY WHEN I LOOK BACK ON IT NOW.
BUT AT THE TIME, HE GAVE ME THE IMPRESSION THAT HE WAS TRYING TO HELP ME.
THIS WAS HOW HE WAS DOCUMENTING MY MONEY TO PRESENT TO THE COURTS THAT I WAS NOT MONEY-LAUNDERING.
I HAD ACCESS TO THAT MONEY AND I COULD PROVE IT.
>> SHE THOUGHT IT WOULD END WITH DOCUMENTS PROVING HER INNOCENCE TO CRIMES SHE NEVER COMMITTED.
>> HE NEVER CONFIRMED THE MEETING.
I NEVER HEARD FROM HIM AGAIN.
NO ONE SHOWED UP ON MONDAY.
AND THAT IS WHEN I REACHED OUT TO MY FAMILY MEMBER AND SAID, I THINK I'M IN TROUBLE.
OF COURSE, I FELT EMBARRASSED I FELT STUPID, I FELT IGNORE RANTED ALL THOSE NEGATIVE THINGS AND WANTED TO KILL MYSELF WHEN I REALIZED WHAT HAPPENED.
>> WHAT MADE IT WORSE SHE HAS TO PAY $100,000 TO THE I.R.S.
FOR THE PRETAX MONEY SHE TOOK OUT OF HER RETIREMENT.
>> I DON'T THINK YOU SHOULD EVER BE TAXED FOR MONEY STOLEN FROM YOU.
IT'S NOT RIGHT.
>> SHE HOPES CONGRESSIONAL ACTION WILL SOLVE THEIR TAX SITUATION.
SHE HAS BEEN ABLE TO TURN A SHAMEFUL SITUATION INTO A LESSON FOR OTHERS.
>> I THINK IT DOES HELP ME TO SHARE MY STORY.
FOR ME IT'S HEALING.
AND ALSO, IT'S SOMETHING I FEEL LIKE I NEED TO DO TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE.
I DON'T WANT IT TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE.
>> STRANGE HAS PARTNERED WITH AARP TO SHARE HER CAUTIONARY YET EMPOWERING TALE FAR AND WIDE FOR KET I'M JUNE LEFFLER.
>> Renee: THANK YOU, JUNE.
AND THOUGH THE SCAMMERS SWORE HER TO SECRECY, SHE DID CONFIDE IN 4ER FAMILY ONCE THEE REALIZED WHAT HAPPENED INCLUDING A RELATIVE A FORMER F.B.I.
AGENT AND SHE IS NOW WORKING WITH THE F.B.I.
ON AN INVESTIGATION SHE DOES NOT EXPECT TO GET HER MONEY BACK.
SO MANY THINGS THERE.
THE CRYPTO CURRENCY COMES IN, WE HAVE THREAD LINES HERE AND THE FACT THAT THIS PERSON CAME TO HER HOME.
LIKE THAT'S BOLD.
>> IT IS.
>> COME TO YOUR DOOR AND DO THIS?
>> THAT IS SURPRISING TO ME, HONESTLY.
SECRECY IS WHAT IS THEIR BEST ASSET.
>> Renee: RIGHT.
>> JUST TO ADD TO AT THAT TIME WE'VE BEEN SEEING AN INCREASE IN LYFT AND UBER AND RIDESHARE SERVICES BECAUSE THEY DO OFFER THAT SERVICE TO PICK UP A PACKAGE.
THE SCAMMER IS USING A THIRD PARTY SERVICE TO COME TO YOUR HOME TO PICK UP THE PACKAGE AND IT'S SENT TO ANOTHER RIDESHARE DRIVER OR DELIVERY SERVICE.
THERE ARE SO MANY LAYERS IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY WENT BEFORE IT'S LIQUIDATED.
>> WE ARE SEEING MORE PERSONAL VISITS WITH DRIVERS, BECAUSE YOU CAN SCHEDULE THAT PACKAGE TO BE PICKED UP.
SO IT IS MORE COMMON, BECAUSE WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT IF YOU HAVE ENEVER MET THE PERSON DON'T SEND THE MONEY.
SO THE SCAMMERS ARE ONE STEP AHEAD WE'LL SEND SOMEONE TO YOUR HOUSE TO PICK IT UP SO IT MAKES IT SEEM LIKE IT IS A REAL PERSON AND NOT A SCAMMER.
>> Renee: PAUL, I WANT YOU TO CHIME IN HERE.
THE CREATIVITY LEVEL IS OFF THE CHARTS WITH THE SCAMMERS THEY ARE DOING THIS USING RIDESHARE SERVICES THIS IS NOT A SURPRISE TO YOU BUT FOR MANY IT IS FOR THEM?
>> YES, I'M GLAD YOU MENTIONED THIS.
WE ARE SEEING A HUGE EXPLOSION OF COURIER CASES AND MARY ELLEN'S CASE IS NO DIFFERENT.
IN THE STORY SHE SAYS SHE PACKED UP CASH IN ENVELOPES SHE WENT TO A PRECIOUS METAL STORE TO BUY GOLD BARS AND PUT THOSE IN THE BACKSEAT OF A CAR.
AND ONE OF THE THINGS THE SAN DIEGO ELDER JUSTICE TASK FORCE HAS BEEN DOING IS WORKING WITH THE F.B.I., THE F.B.I.
AGENT PROACTIVELY HAS SENT A LETTER TO EVERY SINGLE PRECIOUS METAL MERCHANT IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY WARNING THEM ABOUT THIS.
AND ASKING THEM WHENEVER AN OLDER PERSON COMES IN TO BUY GOLD BARS TO GIVE A COPY OF THAT LETTER IT TO THE VICTIM.
AND THAT HAPPENED.
AND ONE OF THE VICTIMS TOOK IT HOME AND BEFORE THE COURIER ARRIVED SHE READ THE LETTER AND CALLED THE SAN DIEGO F.B.I., THE FAMILY CAME OUT THERE.
THEY WERE LAYING IN WAIT AND THEY ARRESTED THE COURIER.
THE CHALLENGE FOR LOCAL PROSECUTORS LIKE TRACY IS HOW DO YOU PROVE THAT THE COURIER WHETHER IT IS A LYFT OR UBER DRIVER HAS KNOWLEDGE OF THE CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE THAT CAN BE CHALLENGING.
BUT THERE ARE WAYS TO PROVE KNOWLEDGE AND SOMETIMES WITH THEIR CONSENT YOU CAN GET INTO THEIR PHONES AND YOU CAN SHOW THEY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN MULTIPLE PICKUPS WHERE THEY'VE BEEN GIVEN PASSWORDS BY THE SUSPECTINGS OVERSEAS.
WE HAVE HAD SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS ON A LOCAL LEVEL, CONVICTED THE COURIERS AND WE ARE GOING TO SEE AN EXPLOSION OF THIS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
THE SUSPECTS OVERSEAS ARE FLYING COURIERS FROM NEW YORK, LOS ANGELES, AND OTHER PLACES INTO PLACES LIKE LEXINGTON AND LOUISVILLE AND OTHER PLACES.
SO BEN BAKER IS RIGHT.
YOU ARE GOING TO SEE MORE AND MORE OF THE COURIER CASES.
>> Renee: TRACY DO YOU CARE TO COMMENT?
>> AGAIN, JUST WITHIN OUR CIRCLE, I HAVE NOT HAD ANY CASES OF THAT NATURE.
BUT THAT IS BECAUSE WITHIN KENTUCKY A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE SCAM RELATED GO TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE OR THE U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
THEY HAVE NOT MADE THEIR WAY TO MY DESK BUT THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S ON ITS WAY.
>> Renee: THAT IS A CALL FOR YOU THAT IT COULD BE COMING.
DO YOU CARE TO COMMENT, GARY ADKINS?
>> IT'S COMING.
IT'S ON ITS WAY.
IT'S HERE IN KENTUCKY.
WE'VE HAD SO MANY CASES WE'VE HEARD ABOUT MOSTLY IT'S BEEN IN THE LOUISVILLE AREA WHERE FOLKS HAVE COME IN TO PICK UP THE PACKAGES.
THEY ARE MONEY MULES IS WHAT THEY ARE.
>> Renee: TO PROVE IT THEY KNOWINGLY ARE IN ON IT.
YOU THINK YOUR COMMON UBER OR LYFT DRIVER IS BEING USED AND MAYBE THEY DON'T KNOW, MAYBE THEY ARE DOING THEIR JOB BUT THAT BURDEN OF PROOF KNOWING THEY ARE IN ON IT.
IS THAT TOUGHER BURDEN OF PROOF?
>> YOU HAVE THAT IN ANY CASE.
SOMEONE'S INTENT YOU HAVE TO PROVE THAT IN ANY CASE IT'S NOT DIFFERENT THAN YOUR REGULAR RUN OF THE MILL SCAM.
THERE ARE WAYS THAT PROSECUTORS ARE CONSTANTLY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT SOMEONE'S INTENT IS AND YOU CAN GET RECORDS, PHONE RECORDS AND LYFT RECORDS AND LOOK AT THE PATTERN.
THERE ARE WAYS TO FIND INTENT BUT NOTHING DIFFERENT THAN A NORMAL CASE.
>> Renee: WE'VE GIVEN YOU EXAMPLES WHAT IS HAPPENING OR ON THE HORIZON.
A BIG QUESTION IS AREN'T THERE LAWS OR RULES FOR SOMETHING TO PREVENT THIS AND PROSECUTE IT MORE READILY THAN WE SEEM TO UNDERSTAND?
IS THAT THE CASE?
ARE THERE LAWS AND RULES AND REGULATIONS TO HELP WITH CONSUMER FRAUD?
>> LIKE MOST THINGS THE LAW TAKES A LITTLE BIT OF TIME TO CATCH UP TO WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD.
THERE ARE LAWS ON THE BOOKS AND THEY MAY NOT BE JUST LIKE ELDER ABUSE.
IT MAYBE A THEFT LAW OR WIRE FRAUD.
>> Renee: NOT PARTICULAR TO ELDER ABUSE IN THIS WAY?
>> THERE ARE EXPLOITATION LAWS.
BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO LOOK OUTSIDE OF THOSE TO PROVE OTHER CASES SOMETIMES.
SO IT NEIGHBOR THEFT.
IT MAYBE MAY NOT BE CALLED ELDER EXPLOITATION BUT THERE ARE LAWS ON THE BOOKS AND A LOT OF TIMES THE LAWS HAVE TO STAY SOMEWHAT GENERAL BECAUSE THERE IS NO WAY WE CAN HAVE A LAW FOR EVERY SINGLE SCAM OUT THERE.
YOU HAVE TO LOOK WITHIN THE LAWS YOU HAVE AND FIGURE OUT UNDER WHICH LAW YOU CAN PROSECUTE THE PORN.
>> Renee: SHOU -- IS THAT CORRECT YOU HAVE A SUSPICION THAT IS NOT ON THE UP AND UP.
>> CALL ME RIGHT NOW.
>> Renee: SOME PEOPLE THINK I DON'T WANT TO GET ANYBODY IN TROUBLE MAYBE I DON'T UNDERSTAND SO THEY LET IT GO ON AND ON BEFORE THEY REALIZE THE DEPTH OF THE PROBLEM THEY ARE IN.
>> ABSOLUTELY.
AND WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND IF SOMETHING DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT CALL A FRIEND, CALL A RELATIVE, CALL YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT, CALL YOUR BANK, CALL SOMEBODY.
IF THERE'S SOMETHING THAT IS RAISING YOUR SPINEY SENSES IT MIGHT NOT BE RIGHT.
>> Renee: AND THE ABILITY TO RECOVER YOUR LOSSES.
>> ABSOLUTELY.
>> Renee: WHERE DOES THAT RANK?
$500,000 MARY ELLEN STRANGE LOST AND A $100,000 TAX BILL ON TOP OF THAT?
>> IT'S HEARTBREAKING THE THINGS WE'VE SEEN.
I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT CALLING YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE BANK, THE RESOURCES SOONER RATHER THAN LATER IS CRUCIAL.
IT'S NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO GET MONEY BACK AND RECOUP THE FUNDS BUT THE ODDS ARE HIGHER IF YOU MAKE THAT PHONE CALL SOONER.
>> AND THEY HAVE A QUESTION THAT SHOULDN'T THINK WELL, I SHOULDN'T ASK THAT AND FIND OUT IT WAS NOTHING THAN TO NOT ASK.
AND THE OTHER ASPECT OF GETTING YOUR MONEY BACK WHEN WE IDENTIFY PEOPLE AND ARE ABLE TO PROSECUTE PEOPLE, UNFORTUNATELY OUR RESTITUTION LAWS ARE VERY, VERY INEPT.
IN MOST FINANCIAL CASES AT LEAST IN THE CIRCUIT COURT LEVEL HERE IN FAYETTE COUNTY PEOPLE WILL BE ORDERED TO PAYBACK RESTITUTION AT A NOMINAL AMOUNT LIKE $100 A MONTH.
YOU ARE NEVER GOING TO RECOUP THE MONEY EVEN WITH A SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION.
>> Renee: NEVER MADE WHOLE.
>> WITH NOTIFYING SOMEBODY, IF YOU HAVE A FRIEND OR A LOVED ONE THAT IS DOING SOMETHING THAT SEEMS ODD, WITH THEIR FINANCES AND HOW THEY ARE DOING, THAT PERSON SHOULD CONTACT LAW ENFORCEMENT, ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES SOMEBODY TO SAY, HEY I'M CONCERNED ABOUT MY FRIEND, MY FAMILY MEMBER.
SO SOMEBODY CAN TAKE A LOOK AT IT.
AND WITH THE RESTITUTION, I WAS TALKING WITH A GROUP EARLIER, I HAD A CASE WHERE A COUPLE HAD TAKEN OUT OF STATE INVESTORS FOR 7.5 MILLION DOLLARS AND THE COURT ORDERED THE DEFENDANTS TO PAY $100 A MONTH UNTIL IT WAS PAID IN FULL AND THEN WHEN THE DEFENSE ATTORNEY RAISED ISSUES ABOUT $100 A MONTH BECAUSE THE MAN WAS ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND THE WOMAN WAS WORKING IN A NURSING HOME GOOD PLACE FOR A FRAUDSTER, THE JUDGE REDUCED IT TO $50 A MONTH UNTIL IT WAS PAID IN FULL.
>> Renee: YOU ARE GOING TO WORK TO CHANGE SOME OF THIS, RIGHT?
>> WE KEEP TRYING.
>> LINDSEY DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING WHEN PEOPLE BRING THEIR MAIL TO YOU AND IT MAY NOT BE A SCAM BUT IT'S NOT ON THE UP AND UP?
>> JUST TO BE VIGILANT AND RECOGNIZE THAT GUT FEELING, TOO.
AND IT DOESN'T HURT TO ASK THAT FAMILY MEMBER WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS?
OR 0 TO ASK YOUR LOCAL SENIOR CENTER OR SOMEBODY THAT YOU TRUST WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS?
I THINK IT GOES BACK TO THAT ASPECT OF UNDERSTANDING THAT YOU DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING.
AND SO IT'S OKAY TO ASK.
I THINK THERE IS A LOT OF PRIDE INVOLVED WHEN A LOT OF THESE FOLKS FALL FOR THE SCAMS.
JUST TAKE IT TO HEART IT'S OKAY TO ASK.
>> Renee: SOME PEOPLE MAY THINK CALLING ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES MAYBE A SEVERE THING TO DO HOW DO YOU ALLAY THOSE CONCERNS?
>> I THINK WE ARE A SOCIAL SECURITY AGENCY AT HEART ALTHOUGH WE ARE TASKED WITH CONDUCTING INVESTIGATIONS.
WHEN CALLING US, WE ARE THAT GOING IN THERE TO TRY TO BLAME ANYBODY FOR WHAT'S GOING ON.
WE'RE TRYING TO IDENTIFY WHAT ARE THE NEEDS OF THAT ADULT AND HOW CAN WE ASSIST THEM WITH NOT HAVING TO BE ABUSED, NEGLECTED OR EXPLOITED IN THE FUTURE.
WHAT CAN WE PARTNER WITH DIFFERENT AGENCIES TO HANDLE LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT PIECE.
COMMUNITY SERVICES LIKE THE SENIOR CENTER FOR ANY KIND OF SOCIAL ISOLATION ISSUES.
WE ARE NOT GOING IN THERE TO JUST REMOVE GRANNY FROM THE HOME.
THAT'S NOT OUR PRIMARY GOAL.
OUR PRIMARY GOAL IS TO KEEP PEOPLE AS INDEPENDENT AS LONG AS POSSIBLE AND WHATEVER SETTING THEY WANT TO BE IN.
>> Renee: AND LET'S TALK ABOUT THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TOLL THIS CAN TAKE ON YOU.
YOUR SENSE OF SECURITY IS DIMINISHED OR GONE AND FEELING LIKE ALL OF THESE THINGS, GUILT AND SHAME HOW CAN SOMEONE GET MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO HELP THEM RECOVER FROM WHAT THEY'VE EXPERIENCED?
>> AGAIN THAT IS SOMETHING WE WOULD REACH OUT TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS HAVE A LOT OF SERVICES THAT CAN BE ACCESSED ON A SLIDING SCALE.
OBVIOUSLY, IF THE FINANCES HAVE BEEN DEPLETED SO SIGNIFICANTLY THEY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACCESS THOSE SERVICES AND WE HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE IN THE COMMONWEALTH TO HAVE ACCESS TO GRANT FUNDS TO WHERE MAYBE WE COULD SUPPORT SHORT-TERM MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THAT.
SO I THINK THAT BY REACHING OUT AND JUST HAVING THE CONVERSATIONS IT'S ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO START THE CONVERSATION.
AND REALIZE WE ARE HERE TO HELP.
>> AND WITH THE MENTAL HEALTH, I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE WITH YOUR MEDICARE PROGRAMS OR YOUR INSURANCE, A LOT OF THAT COVERS SOMETIMES THAT WILL COVER SOME MENTAL HEALTH THINGS.
AND WE WILL OFTEN ENCOURAGE VICTIMS TO LOOK AT THEIR INSURANCE POLICIES TO SEE IF IT DOES FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION BECAUSE IT DOES TAKE A TOLL ON PEOPLE TO SEE IF THEY CAN RECEIVE SERVICES THROUGH THEIR INSURANCE.
>> Renee: Mr. GREENWOOD BACK TO YOU, AND JUST TO ASK YOU ABOUT WHAT ELSE DO YOU SEE ON THE HORIZON PERHAPS WE HAVE NOT TOUCHED ON IN THE LAST 40 MINUTES THAT WE NEED TO BE AWARE OF.
MAYBE IT'S ALREADY IN CALIFORNIA AND MAKING ITS WAY AND KENTUCKY COULD BE IN FOR IT NEXT?
>> WELL, I ACTUALLY THINK THAT THE SCAMS DO EVOLVE, BUT IT'S PRETTY MUCH BASED ON THE SAME PREMISE.
I DON'T WANT TO CONCENTRATE WHAT WE'RE SEEING NEXT, I REALLY EMPHASIZE WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO RESPOND TO IT.
AND ONE THING I WOULD LIKE TO PICK UP ON IS CLIFF MENTIONED IN KENTUCKY THERE ARE 14 LOCAL COORDINATING COUNCILS WHICH I THINK IS FANTASTIC.
WHAT I WOULD LOVE TO SEE NOT ONLY IN KENTUCKY, BUT ACROSS THE UNITED STATES IS WHEN ONE OF THESE COORDINATING COUNCILS MEETS AND THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT A COURIER CASE THAT HAS COME TO THEIR COUNTY, THEY NEED TO SHARE THAT INFORMATION WITH EVERY OTHER COORDINATING COUNCIL IN THE STATE.
WE ALL KNOW THAT THESE PREDATORS MOVE FROM COUNTY TO COUNTY.
COULD BE A HOME IMPROVEMENT OR FRAUD SCAM THEY MOVE AROUND.
THESE ARE TRANSIENT CRIMINAL ENTERPRISES THAT TARGET HOMEOWNERS ALL OVER THE STATE AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
AND I THINK WE NEED TO REALLY IMPROVE OUR RESPONSE.
SO THERE ARE SO MANY MORE RESOURCES OUT THERE, RENEE, FOR TRAINING PURPOSES.
WHEN I STARTED PROSECUTING THE CASES BACK IN 1996 THERE WAS HARDLY ANYTHING OUT THERE THAT I COULD HOLD GRAB HOLD OF THAT WOULD HELP ME IN THE COURTROOM.
NOW THERE IS A PROLIFERATION OF RESOURCES AND PARTICULARLY AMONGST LAW ENFORCEMENT THERE IS A WONDERFUL RESOURCE CALLED EAGLE, ELDER ABUSE GUIDE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.
I WANT TO ENCOURAGE EVERY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY IN THE COUNTRY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE RESOURCES, TO EVERY JURISDICTION TO HAVE AN ELDER JUSTICE TASK FORCE.
SO THAT WE CAN REALLY COMBINE IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST THESE FRAUDS.
BECAUSE WE KNOW IT'S NOT GOING AWAY IT'S GOING TO GET WORSE AND IF WE THINK BY THE YEAR 2035 THERE WILL BE MORE PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY OVER THE AGE OF 65 THAN CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18.
THAT SHOULD MAKE HAPPEN THE PEOPLE LIKE CLIFF SHOULD HAVE MORE EMPLOYEES WORKING FOR ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
BUT IT'S NOT HAPPENING AND WE'VE GOT TO GET THE ATTENTION OF THE LEGISLATURES BECAUSE IF WE DON'T, THE FRAUDS AND SCAMS ARE GOING TO OVERWHELM US.
>> Renee: THAT IS A GOODER IS MONEY RIGHT THERE.
TO YOU GARY, TO PICK UP ON THAT POINT IS THERE AN ELDER ABUSE JUSTICE TASK FORCE OR COMMITTEE OR COUNCIL IN KENTUCKY?
>> I MAY PUNT THIS TO TRACY.
I KNOW THAT THERE IS A FEDERAL ELDER JUSTICE TASK FORCE IN KENTUCKY THAT IS PHENOMENAL.
IT'S ON THE EASTERN AND WESTERN DISTRICT.
THAT FUNCTIONS AND IS INVOLVED.
MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT EVERY COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY'S JURISDICTION HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED TO HAVE AN ELDER EXPLOITATION OR ELDER JUSTICE TASK FORCE.
SOME DO, SOME DON'T.
IT IS RESOURCES, MONEY AND PERSONNEL.
>> Renee: ANYWAY TO MAKE IT MORE UBIQUITOUS?
>> WHAT HE IS REFERRING TO, HERE IN FAYETTE COUNTY IT'S THE ELDER ABUSE 2-6BG AND SOMETHING -- TASK FORCE AND SOMETHING THAT RAY LARSON STARTED BACK IN THE LATE 90s WHEN I WENT TO TRAINING THAT PAUL WAS AT.
AND THAT IS WHAT GOT THAT STARTED HERE AND IT HAS GROWN AND YES IT HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED THAT THAT'S THE MODEL.
BECAUSE IT BRINGS EVERYBODY TOGETHER WHICH IS WHAT PAUL'S TALKING ABOUT AND HE'S RIGHT.
WE DIDN'T HAVE CASES IN FAYETTE COUNTY AT ALL UNTIL WE STARTED THIS MULTITEAM BECAUSE IT BROUGHT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICES ALL OF THESE PEOPLE TOGETHER THAT WERE ALL WORKING INDEPENDENTLY AND NOT EFFECTIVELY.
IT BECAME SO MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE AFTER WE CAME TOGETHER.
THE DIFFERENCE OF THE FOCUS OF OUR GROUP AND WHAT THAT WOULD BE ACROSS THE STATE WOULD BE IT'S AFTER THE FACT.
WE ARE TRYING TO IDENTIFY THE CASES AND MAKE THEM WHERE WE CAN PROSECUTE THEM EFFECTIVELY.
I THINK WHAT PAUL'S GETTING AT IS LET'S BE PROACTIVE AND SAME WITH CLIFF LET'S PREVENT, BY THE TIME IT GETS TO US THE DAMAGE IS DONE.
AND ALL WE CAN DO IS HOPE TO HAVE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO PROSECUTE IT EFFECTIVELY.
YES, WHILE IT IS THE MODEL TO HAVE THOSE ACROSS THE STATE, THE REALITY IS WITH 120 COUNTIES AND MOST OF KENTUCKY BEING RURAL THERE ARE NOT RESOURCES.
THERE ARE PROSECUTORS OFFICES THAT COVER THREE COUNTIES WITH ONE PROSECUTOR.
IT IS NOT REALISTIC.
CAN ALL COUNTIES COME TOGETHER SM.
>> Renee: THE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS.
>> WE ARE LUCKY THAT WE HAVE A BIG ENOUGH GROUP TO DO THAT.
BUT, AGAIN, THE SAD PART OF IT IS IF WE'RE EFFECTIVE WE ARE EFFECTIVE ON THE BACK END NOT ON THE FRONT END.
>> PREVENTION IS KEY.
AND THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT AARP FRAUD WATCH NETWORK IS INVOLVED WITH.
AND ACROSS THE NATION AARP IS IN EVERY STATE HERE IN THE UNITED STATES AND WE DO TRAININGS AND EDUCATION TO DIFFERENT GROUPS, FRAUD PRESENTATIONS, SPEAKERS BUREAU TRYING TO GET INFORMATION OUT, TRYING TO GET INFORMATION OUT TO EVERYBODY WE CAN ABOUT FRAUDS.
IF YOU CAN SPOT A SCAM YOU CAN STOP IT.
AND WE ENCOURAGE FOLKS TO TALK TO THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS TO PASS THE INFORMATION ON TO THEIR FRIENDS ALSO.
BUT IT'S AN ENDEAVOR AND WE KEEP DOING IT, BUT WE CAN'T REACH EVERYBODY.
AND WE HAVE THE FRAUD WATCH NETWORK AND IT IS A GREAT PROGRAM.
THERE IS A TOLL-FREE NUMBER THAT WE HAVE.
AND I KNOW WE'VE HAD ON THE SHOW BEFORE, PUTTING INFORMATION OUT ABOUT THAT.
WE HAVE TRAINED FRAUD SPECIALISTS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE AS TO WHAT THE PERSON SHOULD DO AND HOW THEY CAN AVOID SCAMS IN THE FUTURE.
WHO THEY CAN BE REFERRED TO IC3.GOV, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, LAW ENFORCEMENT, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO REPORT FRAUDS AND SCAMS TO GET A CASE REPORT FROM THEM.
UNFORTUNATELY BE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH REPORTS AND HOPEFULLY, IF WE HAVE EVERYBODY REPORTING THESE FRAUDS AND SCAMS HAPPENING, IN THIS COUNTY, THAT INFORMATION IS BEING SHARED TO OTHER COUNTIES, TO OTHER JURISDICTIONS.
BECAUSE IF IT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR LOCATION IT'S EASY TO HAPPEN NEARBY.
OR ACROSS THE STATE.
>> EXACTLY.
BECAUSE WE'VE ONLY TOUCHED ON THE SURFACE LEVEL OF SCAMS.
WE DIDN'T REALLY GET TO HOME IMPROVEMENT SCAMS OR MEDICARE FRAUD.
>> MEDICARE FRAUD WE'LL SAVE.
BUT I WANT TO GET TO THE HOME REPAIR AND HOME IMPROVEMENT SCAMS.
TALK TO US ABOUT WHAT THOSE LOOK LIKE.
>> ESPECIALLY AFTER A STORM AND WE'VE HAD MANY IN KENTUCKY YOU HAVE SOMEBODY THAT'S COMING TO YOU AS A HANDYMAN AND SAYING THAT THEY CAN REPAIR, I SEE A COUPLE SHINGLES LOOSE ON YOUR ROOF AND THEY CLIMB UP AND THEY ARE NOT REALLY DOING ANYTHING BUT THEY CHARGE YOU AN EXORBITANT AMOUNT OF YOUR ROOF WAS NEVER REPAIRED.
A LOT OF TIMES WHERE CONTRACTORS BEGIN A PROJECT AND THEN THEY QUOTE YOU ONE THING AND THEN IT ENDS UP BEING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS MORE.
AND THE FOLKS ARE LEFT WITHOUT A BATHROOM OR WITHOUT A USABLE KITCHEN.
SO THAT'S REALLY THE HOME IMPROVEMENT SCAMS THAT I HAVE SEEN THE MOST OF.
>> Renee: AND HOW DO YOU PREVENTED IT YOU HAVE A LEGITIMATE PROBLEM YOU HAVE IDENTIFIED, YOU HAVE A HOME REPAIR AND YOU'VE GOTTEN SOMEBODY YOU THINK IS ON THE UP AND UP AND THEY TURNOUT NOT TO BE WHICH CAN HAPPEN AT ANY AGE?
>> TWO THINGS ON THAT FRONT.
ONE IS TO CALL THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU TO INVESTIGATE THE PERSON THAT IS GIVING YOU THE QUOTE, AND ALWAYS GET A SECOND QUOTE.
IT SOUNDS GOOD I MIGHT GET BACK TO YOU.
>> IF THEY ARE ASKING YOU TO PAY UP FRONT THAT IS A RED FLAG.
>> Renee: OR A DEPOSIT OR HALF OR ANY AMOUNT?
>> MAYBE LIKE $100 DEPOSIT.
BUT IF THEY ARE ASKING YOU FOR HALF OR A THIRD UP FRONT, THAT IS A RED FLAG.
>> Renee: ANY OTHER COMMENT ON THAT.
ARE THERE OTHER TYPES OF IN-PERSON SCAMS IF YOU'VE GOT TWO MINUTES TO TALK ABOUT THAT YOU THINK WE SHOULD BE AWARE OF?
>> AS FAR AS WITH THE MEDICARE FRAUD, WHICH I KNOW WE CAN SPEND AN HOUR ON AS WELL, I HAD A CLIENT WHO WAS DOING HAND THERAPY.
AND WHEN SHE WENT THERE, SHE HAD SIGNED THE WRONG DATE ON THE FORM.
AND SO WHEN SHE COME IN.
THEY SAID JUST DO YOUR SIGNATURE AGAIN AND SIGN OFF WITH THE CORRECT DATE.
AND SO SHE ENDED UP GETTING A BILL SAYING FOR THE DATE THAT WAS INCORRECT.
AND WE TRIED TO GO BACK AND SEE WELL, YOU NEVER GO TWICE IN ONE WEEK FOR THIS APPOINTMENT.
WHY WOULD THEY THINK THAT YOU OWE FOR THIS BILL?
AND BUT THEY HAD HER SIGNATURE THEY HAD THE DATE AND REALLY SHE ONLY HAD A $20 COPAY THE INSURANCE WAS PAYING EXTRA FOR THIS WHICH IS MEDICARE FRAUD.
BUT WE REPORTED IT TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE BUT NOBODY WAS GOING TO FIGHT OVER $20 IT WAS UP TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY.
EVEN IN DOCTOR'S OFFICES, WHERE YOU THINK IT'S LIKE A LEGITIMATE PLACE, SOMETIMES THOSE THINGS HAPPEN.
>> I'D BE REMISS IF I DON'T MENTION THIS.
KENTUCKY, THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY HAS JUST STARTED A NEW WEBSITE CALLED STOP SCAMS KY. AND IT IS BEING PUT OUT THROUGH I THINK IT'S THE PUBLIC PROTECTION CABINET.
WE ARE INVOLVED WITH IT, AARP AND BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU BUT IT IS A GOOD RESOURCE FOR FOLKS TO IF THEY THINK THEY ARE BEING SCAMMED OR IF THEY WANT TO EDUCATE THEMSELVES BEFOREHAND.
>> Renee: GOOD INFORMATION A LOT OF GOOD INFORMATION AND A LOT TO DO FOR PART TWO OF THIS CONVERSATION.
WE DO THANK YOU AND THANK YOU, PAUL FOR BEING WITH US FROM SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA WE APPRECIATE YOU BEING REMOTELY JOINING US AS WELL AS OUR PANEL IN THE STUDIO.
AND WE WILL HAVE RESOURCES ON OUR WEBSITE MANY OF WHICH YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT AT KET.ORG/THE NEXT CHAPTER.
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THAT OUT.
WE'VE HAD OTHER PROGRAMS ABOUT GETTING YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER AND ABOUT ENTITLEMENT PROGRAMS AND WE WILL HAVE MORE AS WE GO ALONG.
WE THANK YOU FOR WATCHING THIS IMPORTANT PROGRAM ABOUT SENIOR SCAMS AND CHECK US OUT ON-LINE.
I'M RENEE SHAW, UNTIL I SEE YOU AGAIN, TAKE REALLY GOOD CARE.
SO LONG.
[♪♪]

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