Protecting Our Seniors from Fraud

When I was recently asked about our plan to protect seniors from fraud, the answer is simple: we start by building relationships, strengthening education, and ensuring deputies have the tools they need to intervene early.

1. Senior Call Program – Building Trust First

It begins with establishing a real rapport. Seniors or their family members can voluntarily enroll in our Senior Call Program. Each week, a deputy or trained staff member checks in by phone or in person to ensure their well-being.

These consistent contacts build trust, familiarity, and early detection of concerns; often before a scammer gets a foothold.

2. Community Outreach & Education

We will hold outreach sessions in senior centers, retirement communities, churches, and neighborhoods. These educational meetings will focus on:

• Red flags of trending scams

• Phone, online, and mail fraud

• Financial exploitation tactics

• How Power of Attorney works and how it can be misused to take property, money, or assets

This is about empowering seniors and their families with information that protects them.

3. Training for Deputies – Recognizing the Warning Signs

Deputies are often the first point of contact when something is wrong. We will implement dedicated training so that every deputy:

• Understands the common indicators of senior exploitation, neglect, and fraud

• Knows how to recognize red flags such as sudden financial changes, unusual visitors, isolation, or signs of coercion

• Follows the proper reporting protocol to ensure cases are documented correctly and referred to the right agencies

• Knows how to approach senior victims with patience, clarity, and respect

This ensures the first person on scene is equipped to identify problems early and take action.

4. Partnerships With APS & the Clerk of Court

We will work hand-in-hand with Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Clerk of Court to create stronger safeguards. This includes programs aimed at identifying potential victims early, especially when sudden changes in guardianship, finances, or living situations appear.

These partnerships help stop exploitation before it turns into a crisis.

5. A Proactive, Compassionate Approach

Protecting our seniors is not just about enforcement; it’s about prevention, awareness, communication, and compassion.

By building relationships, training deputies, educating families, and partnering with APS and the court system, we can significantly reduce senior fraud and exploitation in Johnston County.