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Money Management and Community Service Volunteers recently attended an in-service training session at Elder Services. Two issues were addressed that volunteers encounter on a regular basis: elders with large credit card debt, and concerns of financial exploitation, abuse and/or neglect.
Matt Chaput, Assistant Vice President, Greylock Federal Credit Union, spoke to a very attentive audience regarding collection procedures and related legal issues. Amy Goodrich, Elder Services’ Protective Case Worker, spoke about the Protective Services Program and the importance of communicating with Elder Services’ staff to report any concerns they may observe.
In addition to the above speakers, Stephanie Talanian, Elder Services’ Fiscal Director, presented an actual scam that was brought to her attention by a staff member. The issue pertained to an endorsed check sent to the agency by a client. By all appearances the endorsed check appeared authentic. However, on a much closer look, cashing or depositing the check would have generated monthly bills for an unnecessary and unwanted service to the person to whom it was payable.
Volunteers were given printed materials providing information about warning signs of scams and tools for dealing with debt problems and budgeting.
The senior population can be especially vulnerable to phone and mail scams. If you or someone you know receives unwanted phone calls - asking for money or other solicitations - call 1-866-231-2255 to be added to the Massachusetts “Do Not Call Registry.” If you have any questions about Elder Services Volunteer programs, contact Angela Fields at 413-499-0524, or toll free, 1-800-544-5242.