District Attorney Ryan Hosts Senior Protection Seminar in Medford

District Attorney Ryan Hosts Senior Protection Seminar in Medford
Left to Right: Leo Sacco, Chief, Medford Police Department; Marian Ryan, District Attorney; Pamela Kelly, Director of Elder Affairs, Medford Council on Aging; Stephanie Burke, Mayor of Medford

MEDFORD – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan  hosted a senior protection seminar in Medford yesterday to discuss ways that seniors can avoid being victims of scams and elder abuse. District Attorney Ryan was joined by Medford Mayor Stephanie Burke, Medford Chief of Police Leo Sacco and Medford Council on Aging Director of Elder Affairs Pamela Kelly.

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 Medford, 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.