Law enforcement agencies from across Atlantic County joined forces in Margate to help seniors recognize scams, prevent financial exploitation, and identify signs of elder abuse.
Senior citizens gathered at the Jewish Community Center in Margate for an elder abuse and scam awareness program hosted through a partnership between the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Margate City Police Department, Atlantic County Office on Aging, New Jersey State Police, and the FBI.
The event focused on educating older adults about common fraud schemes, warning signs of abuse, and resources available to help protect vulnerable residents throughout Atlantic County.
Experts Share Fraud Prevention Tips
Attendees received guidance on how to identify scams targeting older adults, avoid financial exploitation, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
The presentation also highlighted support services and assistance programs available to seniors and their families across the county.
“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.
Detective Discusses Elder Abuse Investigations
Detective Kim McColligan served as a guest speaker during the program, sharing insights from her experience investigating cases involving elder abuse and fraud.
McColligan emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs and reporting suspicious activity before financial losses or harm occur.
“Detective Kim McColligan joined the program as a guest speaker, sharing her knowledge and experience regarding elder abuse investigations and the importance of recognizing and reporting scams targeting older adults,” prosecutors said.
K-9 Demonstration Highlights Law Enforcement Tools
The event also included a demonstration from Atlantic County Sheriff’s Officer April Kelso and K-9 Zara.
Officials showcased how specially trained detection dogs assist investigators by locating currency that may be connected to criminal activity.
“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.
Organizers said the event was designed to provide seniors with practical tools to protect themselves while strengthening awareness of resources available throughout the community.
Key Points
• Multiple law enforcement agencies hosted an elder abuse and scam awareness program for seniors in Margate.
• Attendees learned how to identify fraud schemes, prevent financial exploitation, and report suspicious activity.
• The event featured presentations from investigators and a K-9 demonstration highlighting law enforcement techniques.