“Operation Stop Scams” Workshops in Helena and Polson

In its ongoing efforts to fight fraud, AARP Montana is joining with one of the leading fraud fighting authorities in the nation to sponsor a “how-to” workshop entitled Operation Stop Scams. The events, which are set for October 23 in Helena and October 25 in Polson, are free and open to the public. Headlining both events is Paul Greenwood, former San Diego Deputy District Attorney and nationally recognized fraud fighting authority.

“Paul Greenwood is widely recognized as one of the nation’s foremost authorities on protecting older Americans from scams and fraud,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director.  “We are excited to have him in Montana to present at our two workshops.”

Greenwood has been investigating crimes against the elderly for over two decades.  As former head of San Diego’s Elder Abuse Unit, he’s been a front-row witness to the tragedies such crimes have left in their wake.

“I have seen for myself many instances where victims in their seventies, eighties, nineties, never recover,” Greenwood said. “They don’t recover financially; they don’t recover psychologically. And emotionally, it can be devastating for them.”

Over the course of his career, Greenwood has emerged as one of the country’s leading advocates for elderly crime victims. He has not only pushed lawmakers at the state level to pass aggressive elder abuse reforms, but he’s also testified numerous times before Congress, calling for a nationwide change in our approach to elder abuse.

"Folks are becoming more aware of the threat posed by clever scams or investment schemes. Anyone, regardless of income, education, profession or age, can become a victim when unscrupulous individuals target unsuspecting consumers in an effort to line their own pockets,” said Summers. “Information is a consumer’s best defense against becoming a victim.  These fraud workshops are a great opportunity for folks to learn about their rights as consumers, have their questions answered, and learn strategies that will help them overcome these challenges.”

Anyone wanting to know more about protecting themselves or anyone with aging parents, grandparents or in a caregiver role should attend.  Attendees will find out how to recognize the warning signs of fraud perpetrated against a loved one.

“AARP is here to serve as a resource on all sorts of scams and fraud,” said Summers. “A big part of what we do is education and training on how to outsmart the con artists.  We know the best kind of consumer protection is the kind where the crime doesn't find the victim in the first place -- which is why we began the AARP Fraud Watch Network.”

To find out more about prevention of scams and fraud or to sign up for “Watchdog Alerts” log onto the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork.

Both workshops are free and open to the public. Due to limited seating, an RSVP is kindly requested.  Please call toll free at 1-877-926-8300 or click below for registration link and details.

Helena Event:

  What: Operation Stop Scams: Free “How-To” Workshop with Paul Greenwood

Includes Free Appetizer Reception!

  When:             Tuesday, October 23, 2018  

                                    5:30 pm – Light Appetizer Reception

                                    6:30-8:00 pm – Program

  Where: Myrna Loy Center, 15 N. Ewing Street, Helena, MT