Senior Citizens Get Advice From Philly Police On How To Avoid Scams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Area seniors citizens get a safety course from Philadelphia Police officers on what they can do to better protect themselves from scammers.
Officer Roslyn Talley organized Thursday's safety fair at the New Courtland Senior Center in South Philadelphia.
"We want to alert them on almost every scam because there is always a new one. Somebody is always coming up with something to prey them out of their money, their life earnings. You and I both know they do not get it back."
Talley says they're offering seniors all kinds of safety advice, like making sure their doors are locked, and not giving money to callers claiming to be with the IRS.
She adds they also want to break down some misconceptions the elderly have about the police.
"They're embarrassed by contacting us, they don't want to call us, they think they're bothering us, and we want them to understand that the are not bothering us. Call 911, when you feel uncomfortable, call."
Willa Mae Brown says she frequently goes to these kinds of events to make sure she does not fall victim to people who scam the elderly.
"They tried to tell me I owed them a bunch of money. I haven't filed income tax since 94 when I retired cause I never made enough money. So if anything, they owe me. I don't owe them nothing."
Attendees also got to hear from the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging and reps from the state's Attorney General's office.