Senior facility offers fraud protection class

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — United Way of Central Georgia offered a free, 1-day senior fraud protection course at the Monroe County Senior Center in Forsyth.

The United Way of Central Georgia partnered with AARP to protect those that are most vulnerable to hackers in Bibb and Monroe counties.

The speakers focused on information that will lessen the chances of older adults being targeted by scammers. The organization will accomplish this by protecting their accounts, protecting their identity, and recognizing fraud from people they may know.

Jewel Wilson with AmeriCorps VISTA says it’s all about arming senior citizens with the tools to avoid being a victim of a scam.

“I’ve even gotten a few myself,” shared Wilson. “Phone call saying they’re from the Social Security Administration — if you don’t call us back and take care of this, legal proceedings will start because there seems to be some fraud activity associated with your social security number. Or unfortunately, family members, even if it’s just telling a lie, saying I’m in jail can you send me some money.”