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Financial schemes against seniors: 'A crime of the 21st century'

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By Sharisse Thompson - email
SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) -

Officials from the Georgia Governor's Office of Consumer Protection are doing their part to prevent senior citizens from becoming victims of fraud.

A luncheon was held at the Savannah Commons Retirement Community in Savannah Jan. 24 to educate seniors on how to identify a scheme and tips to protect themselves against those trying to take advantage of them.

According to John Sours with the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection, financial schemes against seniors is on the rise and considered a crime of the 21st century.

"Seniors are especially vulnerable because they tend to be more trusting, they have enough disposable income, and grew up in more innocent times," says Sours.

Officials discussed the top ten types of schemes including Internet and mail fraud, identity theft, and cemetery and funeral fraud.

Sours says the best way senior citizens can protect themselves is to never give their personal information out over the phone or in an email. He also says banks and credit card companies will never call customers asking for personal information because they already have it.

For additional information on how to protect yourself from fraud, visit www.consumer.ga.gov or www.consumered.com.

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