The U.S. Attorney’s Office has launched an outreach campaign aimed at educating older residents of West Virginia about the risks of financial fraud. The first of these events was led by United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld at The Villages at Heritage Point in Morgantown. Ihlenfeld provided insight into various types of fraud and offered tips for protection. Attendees also participated in a bingo game focused on educating them about fraud prevention.

“Unfortunately, cases of seniors being victimized by loved ones or caretakers are common in West Virginia, as are scams committed by strangers,” Ihlenfeld said. “Our seniors are trusting, they’re good listeners, they answer the phone when it rings, and many have accumulated savings. The attributes that make older West Virginians so wonderful also make them the targets of criminals.”

This effort is part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, which aims to combat elder abuse, neglect, and financial scams that target older adults. Additional events are planned across the Northern District of West Virginia at assisted living facilities and senior independent living communities.

For more information about the Northern District of West Virginia’s elder justice work, visit this website.

To report elder financial fraud, call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 304-234-0100.