Scams targeting Southwest Florida's senior residents are common, but few seniors believe they could ever be taken. That’s why the Punta Gorda police department has initiated a community-wide project encouraging young and old to be alert for signs that elderly persons are possibly being exploited.
Punta Gorda Police Lt. Katie Heck joins Gulf Coast Live to discuss how they’re training tellers, clerks, and the public to spot a scam.
Elder Abuse Prevention specialist Sherry Young with the Area Agency on Aging is also on the program to discuss the threats senior citizens face when it comes to fraud and scammers.
Also joining the program is Sherry Graham, a Guardian with the Florida Courts, who acts as a surrogate decision-maker for seniors to avoid exploitation.
