MORRIS COUNTY, NJ – The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) recently conducted a webinar focusing on financial scams targeting seniors, as part of its CAREs (Crimes Against Retired & Elderly) program. This event, aligned with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Advocacy Institute lunch-time training series, addressed the growing concern of frauds affecting the elderly, which annually costs over $10 billion.
Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lopez and Detective Ryan Thomas led the webinar, providing insight into investigative tactics for tracing financial crimes. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between municipal police and local agencies in tackling these offenses. The discussion covered common fraud tactics, the profiles of typical fraudsters (including family members, those with power of attorney, and strangers), and the use of social media in scams.
Det. Thomas highlighted the urgency of reporting suspected fraud to enhance recovery chances and enable swift investigation. AP Lopez discussed the stigma faced by victims, often hesitant to report due to embarrassment or fear of losing financial independence.
Highlighted scams included fake bank alerts, deceptive job offers, fraudulent package tracking links, telemarketing frauds, fake healthcare or funeral bills, romance, and property scams. The session also provided strategies to avoid victimization.
The MCPO, through Lopez and Thomas, frequently conducts public seminars in Morris County and beyond, educating residents on safeguarding their finances and understanding scammer tactics. Recent seminars were held in Chatham Township, Denville, Madison, and Morris Township/Morristown, aiming to bolster community awareness and protection against these crimes.