Editor, Gazette-Journal:The holiday season is one of the most joyous times of the year, and it is also one of the busiest times of the year. We at Bay Aging want to make sure that our communities’ older adults experience a happy, safe, and secure holiday season.
To help older adults stay safe, Bay Aging and its VICAP insurance counseling and Medicare fraud protection programs are participating in Home for the Holidays, a national campaign led by Eldercare Locator and USAging. This year’s campaign provides guidance to older adults, caregivers, and families on avoiding financial scams and fraud.
Scams targeting people aged 60 and older resulted in over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 alone, according to the FBI. Although financial scams occur throughout the year, they usually increase around the holiday season due to increased online shopping and requests for donations. Older adults, especially those who are isolated or lonely, are particularly vulnerable.
Be especially aware that there a...