Fraud Squad hopes to protect seniors

Trained volunteers will give presentations on avoiding scams

PUBLIC INTEREST in identity theft and financial fraud exploded in 2006, as more than a thousand people attended AARP-sponsored fraud awareness workshops throughout the state. Now, the fight against consumer fraud in Hawaii is entering a new phase.

Beginning Oct. 24 and continuing through Nov. 15, AARP Hawaii and the Executive Office on Aging SageWatch program will sponsor Fraud Squad training sessions on all islands. The Fraud Squad is part of the Senior Anti-Fraud Education (SAFE) Project. The purpose of these sessions is to mobilize volunteers to fight fraud in our communities by training them as speakers.

Volunteers will be briefed on presentations about the psychology behind fraud, investment fraud and Medicare fraud. They also will receive tips on public speaking and a chance to practice in front of their peers. Fraud Squad volunteers will share the message of vigilance with friends and neighbors and seek out speaking opportunities with existing organizations and service clubs.

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CONSUMER FRAUD is a multibillion-dollar-a-year industry in America, and its proponents are adept at identifying and exploiting the weaknesses of potential victims -- many of them seniors. Earlier this year, AARP Hawaii collaborated with the SageWatch Program on Weapons of Fraud education workshops on all major islands. The sessions used undercover audiotapes to identify persuasive tactics used by telemarketing swindlers to defraud people. The audiotapes -- compiled in 12 states from 1995 to 2003 -- are a gold mine for studying the common techniques used to exploit elderly victims.

"Hawaii residents are vulnerable to financial crimes made possible through the use of coercion, intimidation or outright deceit," said Barbara Kim Stanton, AARP Hawaii state director. "We've taken a leading role in this area to help midlife and older consumers protect themselves against fraudulent activities that can erode their retirement savings." The development of the Fraud Squad will help residents learn how to avoid being defrauded by scam artists. AARP hopes that consumers will invest their resources wisely so that the experience of aging is a positive one.

DON'T BE SCAMMED Tips to avoid being defrauded by mail, telephone and the Internet: » Never disclose your Social Security number, checking account number or credit card numbers over the telephone. » Be skeptical of unsolicited offers for investments, particularly from people or companies that you don't know. » Ask for written information on the investment product and business. If the salesperson or broker refuses, don't do business with them. » Verify any information that you get -- and beware of testimonials. » Avoid investments that require you to make a quick decision. » Always verify the credentials of any insurance or investment agent with your state department of insurance or securities. » If someone uses words like "guarantee," "high return," or "limited offer," it might not be an offer you want to take. » Read any written solicitation you receive carefully. » Legitimate sweepstakes don't require you to pay or buy something to enter or improve your chances of winning, or to pay "taxes" to get your prize. » Agreeing to attend a sales meeting just to win an "expensive" prize will likely subject you to a high-pressure sales pitch. Source: AARP Hawaii

TO VOLUNTEER Anyone interested in joining the Fraud Squad, learning more about the SAFE project, or requesting a speaker for their group should contact Derrick Ariyoshi at 1-800-296-9422. Here is the schedule for volunteer Fraud Squad training events. Registration is required. All sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Honolulu: Oct. 24, 250 S. Hotel St. Kauai: Oct. 26, Municipal Building Conference Room Maui: Nov. 6, Kaunoa Senior Center, Room 103 Kona: Nov. 14, Mayor's Conference Room Hilo: Nov. 15, Municipal Building