Protect Week Press Conference June 16, 2025, at 11 AM

Maryland Officials & Non-Profits Unite to Combat Elder Financial Abuse

PROTECT Week 2025 Launches June 16 at 11:00 a.m. Press Conference at AARP Maryland State Office in Annapolis

WHO:              

• Comptroller Brooke Lierman
• Kelly Hayes, U.S Attorney for the District of Maryland
• Maryland Secretary Aging Carmel Roques, Maryland Department of Aging
• Commissioner of Financial Regulation Tony Salazar, Maryland Department of Labor
• Zak Shirley, Medicaid Fraud and Vulnerable Victims Unit Chief, Maryland Office of the Attorney General
• Greg Sesek, Director, Office of Adult Services, Maryland Department of Human Services, Social Services Administration
• Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, FBI Baltimore Field Office
• Paul Greenwood, retired San Diego Deputy District Attorney and AARP Fraud Ambassador
• Karen Morgan, AARP Maryland Executive Council
• Shawn Perry, host of The Senior Zone (WYCB-AM)
• Montgomery County resident Jane Dean (senior targeted by scammers)

WHAT: Press Conference Announcing PROTECT Week (Preventing Older Americans from Financial Exploitation) Statewide Public Education Campaign
WHEN: Monday, June 16 at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: AARP Maryland, One Park Place, Suite 475, Annapolis, MD 21401
CONTACT: Nancy Carr, 443-787-5382 or ncarr@aarp.org

AARP Maryland, the Maryland Attorney General, the Comptroller of Maryland, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Maryland Department of Aging, Maryland Department of Human Services and Maryland Department of Financial Regulation, along with an array of local officials, and consumer protection groups, are hosting a press conference launching a statewide awareness and public education campaign focused on Protecting Older Americans from Financial Exploitation. Event features:

· Montgomery County resident Jane Dean, targeted by government imposter scammers
· State and local agencies’ role in combating elder fraud and abuse
· Media Q & A

BACKGROUND
One in five seniors over age 65 have been the victims of fraud, losing a staggering $2.9 billion a year to identity thieves and con artists. But there are steps Marylanders can take to protect themselves and their loved ones.

The PROTECT Week press conference on June 16, is part of a series of in-person and virtual events throughout Maryland (June 16-20), including online workshops, free document shred events, and a statewide tele-town hall sponsored by AARP.

The press conference will also air live on AARP Maryland's Facebook page and YouTube channel.