Protecting Seniors From Scams

Now that this year’s legislative session has wrapped up, I’m excited to spend the fall back in our neighborhoods, focusing on the issues that matter most to our community. While I was proud to send eight bills to the governor’s desk this year, what I look forward to most is being out in our neighborhoods, listening, connecting and working with you on the challenges and priorities we share.

One of those issues, unfortunately, is scams and fraud targeting seniors. This is something I hear about far too often, and it’s something I’ve seen impact people I care about in my own life. These scams aren’t just frustrating – they can be financially devastating and deeply upsetting. That’s why I’m making it a priority to bring resources directly to our neighborhoods.

This fall, I’ll be hosting two Senior Scam Stopper events in partnership with the California Department of Consumer Affairs. These free public workshops are designed to give seniors, older adults and their families the tools they need to recognize scams and protect themselves.

At each event, I’ll be joined by experts from state agencies, including the Department of Insurance, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and the Contractors State License Board – as well as local law enforcement. Together, they will share practical tips and answer questions. We’ll cover some of the most common scams, from fraudulent contractors and identity theft to Medicare fraud, foreign lottery schemes, auto repair tricks, mail fraud and more. There will also be time to meet with organizations providing helpful resources.

Most importantly, these events are about empowering our community with knowledge. Scammers count on people feeling isolated or unsure. But when we’re informed, we’re stronger and harder to take advantage of.

I hope you’ll join us – and bring a friend or neighbor too! You can RSVP at a19.asmdc.org/events.

Here are the details:

• Thursday, Oct. 30 at 5 p.m.

San Francisco County Fair Building

1199 Ninth Ave.

• Wednesday, Nov. 5 (time TBD*)

Colma Community Center

1520 Hillside Blvd., Colma

(*Time will be posted on our website a19.asmdc.org/events soon.)

These events are free and open to the public, and I’d love to see you there. Together, we can make sure that every senior and older adult in our community has the tools and confidence to stay safe from scams and fraud.

Assemblymember Catherine Stefani represents California’s 19th Assembly District, which includes the west side of San Francisco and northern San Mateo County. She can be reached at 415-557-2312 or Assemblymember.Stefani@assembly.ca.gov.