Seniors Get Consumer Warning In Gloucester County
By David Madden
WEST DEPTFORD, NJ (CBS) -- Protect yourself.
That was the message presented at a public meeting hosted by Gloucester County's Office of Consumer Affairs.
Ripoffs take a lot of different forms. And for older folks, much of it happens through the mail or over the phone. But truth be told, state officials insist anyone can be a victim, often without realizing it.
"Everyone can have a moment of weakness," said Steve Lee, acting director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, "and very intelligent, business savvy smart people are getting victimized. We just want to make sure everyone has the tools to avoid that happening."
Lee was the guest speaker at a forum attending by about a hundred people, mostly senior citizens, at the Riverwinds Community Center.
Gloucester County Freeholder Lyman Barnes believes everyone has to be vigilant these days. "There are a lot of scams out there right now," Barnes told KYW Newsradio, "and particularly for the seniors, they're victimized at a higher percentage rate than the rest of the population."
Much of the advice involves common sense. Never hand over cash or credit card information to someone just because they ask for or demand it. Get proof they're legitimate. Ask questions. Contact county or state consumer officials for answers. And in the end, if you have any doubt, just hang up the phone or tear up the note.