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State agencies, AARP and AG pitch a senior‑targeted crackdown and outreach on scams
Summary
Department of Commerce, the attorney general's Medicaid fraud unit, Division of Securities and AARP outlined an outreach and enforcement push targeting romance, affinity, investment and "pig butchering" schemes that prey on older adults; speakers urged residents to verify licenses, use trusted contacts and report quickly.
Department of Commerce and partner agencies used the symposium session to preview a senior‑targeted outreach campaign against scams and fraud. Melanie Hall (communications director) said the campaign will include senior expos, television segments and a QR‑linked living resource document. Coy Acox (Attorney General special agent) described exploitation by trusted family members and facility‑related abuse, noting prosecution is aggressive but faces challenges when victims are unwilling or lack evidence.
Katie Haas (Division of Consumer Protection) and Francois Grayson (Division of Securities) offered practical steps: watch for red flags, pause and verify details, set boundaries and add a "trusted contact" on financial accounts so firms can be alerted to suspicious transactions. Jay Haapala (AARP) described the Fraud Watch Network phone line and said awareness greatly reduces loss. The panel emphasized quick reporting — some tools allow holds on transactions if agencies are notified within 24 hours — and asked that community partners encourage seniors to report suspicious approaches without shame.
