SmartBanking Blog

               S.A.L.T (Seniors and Law-Enforcement Together) Council regularly hosts the Safe Bank Project aimed at educating senior citizens about scams often targeted at them as well as about financial exploitation. There was a lot of great information from the speakers, so let’s do a run-down in case you missed it!

               First, S.A.L.T. Council is a Pickaway County-based organization that empowers senior citizens to take control of their safety. S.A.L.T Council meets every third Wednesday of the month at the Pickaway County Senior Center at 1:00 pm. Local banks, law enforcement, and more often attend to speak and answer questions from attendees. New members are always welcome; just come out to 2105 Chickasaw Drive in Circleville!

               Second, Safe Bank Project was developed as an outgrowth of the cooperation between seniors, law enforcement, and financial institutions. It was developed in response to the extreme under-reporting of the financial exploitation of the elderly. Safe Bank Project brings together law enforcement, industry professionals, and local entities to help seniors understand and empower themselves against financial exploitation.

               The main event was the many professionals who came to share their expertise about how seniors can combat exploitation. First, was Detective Daniel Rubio of the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Department. He spoke about current scams targeted at the elderly. In particular, he spoke of intimidation scams. As we have mentioned on this blog before, one of the most common intimidation scams is law enforcement impersonators. Scammers will often look up the names of actual local police officers, sheriff’s office officials, and even homeland security employees to fool unsuspecting victims. They instill fear in their victims by claiming they have arrest warrants and must send payment immediately, or they ask victims to confirm sensitive identifying information like their social security number. This is always a scam. If you receive a call or letter in the mail and are concerned, please contact the agency at a trusted number, or visit their office.

               Next, Prosecutor Jayme Hartley Fountain and Juvenile Judge Shelly Harsha spoke about some of the things they see most targeting senior citizens. Both discussed the importance of estate planning for the elderly. While our loved ones can be our most trusted allies, they can also be those who try to take the most advantage. Both speakers emphasized that senior citizens should protect themselves before protecting the feelings of their loved ones. If you are looking to estate plan, reach out to a reputable estate attorney for counsel.

               The last two speakers were The Pickaway County Auditor and Recorder’s Office and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. The Pickaway County Auditor and Recorder’s Office spoke about the prevalence of deed scams and what to look out for. If you would like more information on deed scams, visit our blog post here: https://www.thesavingsbankohio.bank/about/smartbanking-blog/post.html?cId=94934&title=deed-scams!

               Lastly, the official from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office gave a rundown of what to do if you suspect or know you are the victim of a scam. First, contact your financial institution to lock down your bank accounts. Next, contact your local law enforcement to file a report. Keep all the chat, paper, and phone records you can in order to file the report. Finally, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/, the FBI at https://www.ic3.gov/crimeinfo/elderfraud, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Individuals-and-Families/Consumers/File-A-Complaint.

               We hope to see some of you at the next S.A.L.T Council meeting!