HAMLET — Seniors filled Cole Auditorium on Thursday morning and afternoon as Senior Safety Takes Flight Senior Symposium brought awareness, resources and reassurance to those who may be vulnerable to scams.
Hosted by Richmond County Aging Services, the event focused on helping older adults recognize and report fraud. A representative from the Department of Justice explained common scams targeting seniors, while the Richmond County Department of Social Services Adult Services team performed a skit based on a true story involving a romance scam. The victim was present and shared her testimony with attendees.
“I really hope attendees take away from the event that they’re not alone. If they’re being scammed, we’re here to help them,” said Karen Steen, DSS Adult Services supervisor. “Scams can happen to everybody, and it’s not one particular race, sex or income level—it can happen to anyone.”
Organizers emphasized that scams do not discriminate and that resources are available locally for those who need help.
In addition to the presentations, several community members were recognized for their dedication to local senior centers. The Soaring Above the Rest Awards were presented to Myra Singletary, Billy Harris, Alma Baldwin, Jake Ratliff — who was not present and whose award was accepted by Sheila Brosier — and Beecher Watkins.
“These awards were given to individuals that went beyond and above at their senior centers,” said Steen. “They are people who just go without complaining, hop in when necessary, and always smile and are cordial.”
Lunch was served by Seaboard Station, and vendor booths provided additional information about services available to seniors, including Meals on Wheels and Tax Aide at the Hamlet Senior Center.
To help seniors stay protected, DOJ officials shared several scam and fraud prevention tips and resources:
• Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry at 1-888-382-1222 or visit donotcall.gov.
• Report robocalls to 1-844-8-NO-ROBO (1-844-866-7626) or ncdoj.gov/norobo.
• Use long, complex passwords that include capital and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters, and consider multifactor authentication.
• Request free weekly credit reports or place a free credit freeze through Equifax (888-766-0008), Experian (888-397-3742) or TransUnion (800-680-7289).
• Visit www.IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan if you are a victim of identity theft.
• File a consumer complaint at ncdoj.gov/complaint, sign up for alerts at ncdoj.gov/alertsignup or call the Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (566-7226).
• Spanish assistance is available at 919-716-0058.