Natick police warn seniors about increasingly sophisticated scams at Council on Aging meeting

Lt. Chad Howard and Detective Greg Lanoue of the Natick Police Department told the Town of Natick Council on Aging Board on March 9 that scammers are increasingly using sophisticated techniques, including AI, to target older residents.

The presentation, titled “Elder Justice: Get Involved, Get Safe,” outlined common tactics and practical protections. The officers warned about contractor price inflation and urged seniors to seek three estimates for repairs; they cautioned against televised or in‑person investment seminars aimed at older adults and described impersonation schemes in which callers claim to be the IRS or carriers such as Verizon. The officers also described so‑called “mule accounts,” in which a fraudster uses a victim’s account to collect funds from other victims, and noted that scammers sometimes sell stolen personal information to other criminal actors.

Police recommended a series of daily and technical safeguards: monitor bank and card accounts frequently, protect checkbooks (thieves target middle checks), use phone‑screening features to reduce robocalls and spam, verify unexpected deliveries directly with the carrier, and consider freezing credit and only scheduling short “thaw” periods when necessary. They also advised caution with QR codes and recommended contacting companies directly if a caller or delivery seems suspicious.

Board members and the COA Safety Workgroup agreed to arrange follow‑up presentations at senior housing sites, including Cedar Gardens and Coolidge Gardens, to bring these tips to residents where they live. The COA will coordinate scheduling with Natick Police.

The meeting also included routine business and votes unrelated to the presentation, and the board adjourned at 3:35 PM.