District Attorney Ryan Hosts Senior Protection Seminar in Lexington
LEXINGTON – Local seniors received important information on how to stay safe in their homes and in the community as part of a Senior Protection Seminar hosted by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.
Prior to her appointment as District Attorney, Ryan served for 18 years as the chief of Middlesex District Attorney’s Office’s Elder and Disabled Unit, which prosecutes those who commit crimes against seniors and disabled persons. District Attorney Ryan launched the Senior Protection Seminars as an important prevention effort to teach seniors how to stay safe and avoid being the victim of a crime. The program includes information on safe banking practices, how to avoid scams or theft, and how to access local services.
The seminar was held in Lexington on November 14 at the Lexington Senior Center in partnership with the Lexington Police Department, Minuteman Senior Services, and Eagle Bank.
“Criminals will find opportunities to prey upon susceptible victims. We want to provide the tools for our elders to be prepared for those who attempt to take advantage of them,” said District Attorney Ryan. “With partnerships like the one we have formed here in Lexington, we can educate our seniors and help prevent some of these crimes from occurring. And while we can’t prevent every crime, the message we want to share with our seniors is simple – there is no shame in asking for help or reporting to authorities if you are the victim of a crime.”
Joining District Attorney Ryan at the event were Lexington Police Chief Mark Corr, Lexington Police Detective Brian Savage, Christine Falzarano, vice president of Eagle Bank, and Tobe Conroy, protective services worker for Minuteman Senior Services.
Among the tips provided to seniors included how to handle unsolicited calls for donations, information or services; information on health care proxies and power of attorney documents; smart financial planning to avoid theft; and how to protect personal information from identity theft.
Other scams to be aware of include: any solicitation requiring cash be wired internationally, advanced payment of a tax or fee in order to receive a larger amount in return; or donations requested over the phone to vague or unknown charities.
For more information contact the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office’s Elder and Disabled Unit at 781-897-8400 or visit http://middlesexda.com/