Margate, NJ – The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, in partnership with the Margate City Police Department, the Atlantic County Office on Aging, the New Jersey State Police, and the FBI, hosted an elder abuse and scam awareness program for senior citizens at the JCC in Margate.
The community presentation focused on helping older adults identify common fraud schemes, avoid financial exploitation, recognize warning signs of elder abuse, and learn how to report suspicious activity. Officials also shared information about resources available to seniors and their families throughout Atlantic County.
Agencies emphasize prevention and reporting
“Attendees learned how to recognize common fraud schemes, protect themselves from financial exploitation, identify warning signs of elder abuse, and report suspicious activity,” the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office said.
“The presentation also provided valuable resources available to seniors and their families throughout Atlantic County,” the office added, highlighting the importance of connecting residents with local support services before they become victims of fraud.
Detective shares investigative experience
Detective Kim McColligan participated as a guest speaker during the program. According to the prosecutor’s office, she shared her experience investigating elder abuse cases and discussed the importance of recognizing and reporting scams targeting older adults.
Officials encouraged seniors and their families to remain cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages, and financial requests, noting that awareness remains one of the strongest defenses against fraud.
K-9 demonstration highlights law enforcement tools
The event also featured a demonstration by Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office Officer April Kelso and K-9 Zara.
“The program also featured a K-9 demonstration by Atlantic County Sheriff’s Officer April Kelso and K-9 Zara, highlighting how specially trained detection dogs assist law enforcement in identifying currency that may be connected to criminal activity,” the prosecutor’s office said.
The outreach event brought together local, county, state, and federal agencies to educate residents about protecting themselves from scams while strengthening awareness of elder abuse prevention across the community.
Key Points
- Atlantic County agencies hosted an elder abuse and scam awareness program for senior citizens at the JCC in Margate.
- Detective Kim McColligan discussed elder abuse investigations and the importance of recognizing and reporting scams targeting older adults.
- Officer April Kelso and K-9 Zara demonstrated how detection dogs assist investigators in locating currency linked to criminal activity.
