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District Attorney Ryan Hosts Senior Protection Seminar in Shirley

Posted on: February 5, 2018 - 12:40pm
District Attorney Ryan Hosts Senior Protection Seminar in Shirley
Left to Right: Jared Yanis,Officer, Shirley Police Department; William McGuinness, Officer, Shirley Police Department; Marian Ryan, District Attorney; Joseph Santiago, Detective, Shirley Police Department; James Dugan, Officer, Shirley Police Department;

SHIRLEY – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan hosted a senior protection seminar at the Shirley Council on Aging to discuss ways that seniors can avoid being victims of scams and elder abuse. District Attorney Ryan was joined by Shirley Chief of Police Samuel Santiago, Shirley Council on Aging Director Ann Towne and members of the Shirley Police Department.

District Attorney Ryan’s presentation to seniors included tips on how to handle unsolicited calls for donations, where seniors can go for helpful information or services and how to protect personal information from identity theft.

In Shirley, District Attorney Ryan reminded people that, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” In addition, she urged attendees to be skeptical if they receive a phone call or letter claiming they will get money for providing a social security number or personal information. District Attorney Ryan says the age-old safety precautions still apply in these modern times: lock your front door, never give personal information to strangers, and do not allow people into your home even if they say they have an emergency and need to use your phone. Finally, District Attorney Ryan says if you think you have been a victim of a scam, speak up, and tell someone and report the crime to a law enforcement authority.

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office’s Senior Protection Program partners with local police departments, elder services and community-based banks to educate seniors on how to stay safe, avoid scams and theft and report abuse.

Before becoming District Attorney, Ryan served as Chief of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office’s Elder and Disabled Unit, where she prosecuted a myriad of crimes involving financial abuse and physical abuse of the most vulnerable victims. In that role, she collaborated with business and community leaders to conduct risk assessments and develop prevention plans for elders and disabled citizens. Ryan continues to host seminars in community settings to provide advice to residents about how to protect themselves.

For more information on ways to protect seniors click here.