SAN DIEGO, CA – Today Congressman Scott Peters and Congresswoman Susan Davis hosted a free seminar for seniors on how to protect themselves from scammers.  The event, held at the Gary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center in Downtown San Diego, featured a number of state and local organizations, which provided information on where seniors are being targeted as well as tips for fraud prevention.

“As technology becomes more and more prevalent in our daily lives, it’s important that our seniors, and those who care for them, have the tools and information they need defend against scam artists and theft,” Peters said.

He continued, “This is a great forum to bring together some local and state organizations where seniors can get specific tips on what to watch out for.”

"We've all heard the heart-wrenching stories about people being scammed out of their savings or paid out for a product or service that never materialized," said Rep. Davis.  "Hopefully, we have prepared seniors with information and tips to avoid being taken.  I want to thank Congressman Peters and the Contractors State License Board for their leadership in helping to put this seminar together."

Organizations represented at the seminar included the Contractors State License Board, the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Department of Insurance, the Bureau of Automotive Repair, and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. They discussed some of the scams that are impacting seniors most right now.  The event specifically addressed how to prevent scams related to home repairs, auto repairs, insurance, telecommunications, and identity theft.  Resources were also available to those who felt they had been defrauded and were in need of assistance or advice.

Congressman Peters and Congresswoman Davis each stressed that all levels of government, along with local non-profits, must continue to work in tandem to engage seniors and their families on how to best serve their needs.

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