AARP, The Oak Ridge Boys and the U.S. Justice Department Launch Public Service Announcement to Raise Awareness about Elder Fraud

AARP Oklahoma was proud to be the local host of a national AARP Fraud Watch Network announcement made here in Oklahoma and in conjunction with The Oak Ridge Boys and the Department of Justice. The announcement, made October 4, unveiled a new public service announcement by The Oak Ridge Boys. The PSA focuses on the dangers of elder fraud and the importance of education.

In announcing the launch of the video and accompanying social media campaign, Oklahoma Attorney General, Mike Hunter and Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the northern Oklahoma district, announced their full support for the campaign during the announcement event. Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division issued the following statement:

“Fraudsters are targeting and stealing billions of dollars from unsuspecting Americans every year. In order to fight this epidemic, Americans must report fraud schemes and spread the word among their families and friends. I want to thank AARP’s Fraud Watch Network and The Oak Ridge Boys for working with us to fight this critical issue. Through increased awareness and reporting, the Department of Justice can continue to take swift action to end the victimization of vulnerable elderly Americans across the country.”

According to the Federal Trade Commission, 16.7 million people from across the nation lost nearly $17 billion to identity fraud alone in the past year.

“This important partnership between AARP, The Oak Ridge Boys and the United States Department of Justice demonstrates the true spirit of collaboration, both locally and across the U.S.,” said AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl. “The more we organize and work together to fight frauds and scams and arm communities with information, the stronger they will be.”

The Department of Justice reached out to the legendary country musical group, The Oak Ridge Boys and AARP to combine resources and publicity to maximize their collaboration.

“The Oak Ridge Boys are honored to bring awareness to elder fraud and abuse,” said Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys. “For too long people have taken advantage of our senior citizens, and we happy to team up with the Department of Justice and the AARP Fraud Watch Network to help people stay safe from scammers.”

If you or a family member, friend, or colleague has been a victim of a fraud scheme, please report to www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice.

The Oak Ridge Boys' Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban take questions during PSA announcement press conference

The Oak Ridge Boys' Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban take questions during PSA announcement press conference

Photo courtesy of Tom Gilbert

AARP Oklahoma Volunteer Fraud Fighter Wayne Blackmon shares comments on the importance of fraud prevention and education

AARP Oklahoma Volunteer Fraud Fighter Wayne Blackmon shared comments on the importance of fraud prevention and education

Photo courtesy of Tom Gilbert

AARP Oklahoma volunteers join in celebrating The Oak Ridge Boys PSA fraud prevention announcement

AARP Oklahoma volunteers join in celebrating The Oak Ridge Boys PSA fraud prevention announcement

Photo courtesy of Tom Gilbert

The Oak Ridge Boys join elected officials, AARP and Manager Jim Halsey in celebration of PSA announcement

The Oak Ridge Boys join elected officials, AARP and Manager Jim Halsey in celebration of PSA announcement

Photo courtesy of Tom Gilbert

Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the northern Oklahoma district, announces the Department of Justice's support and partnership in The Oak Ridge Boys' PSA campaign

Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the northern Oklahoma district, announces the Department of Justice's support and partnership in The Oak Ridge Boys' PSA campaign

Photo courtesy of Tom Gilbert

AARP State Director Sean Voskuhl leads press conference announcing The Oak Ridge Boys' fraud prevention PSA

AARP State Director Sean Voskuhl leads press conference announcing The Oak Ridge Boys' fraud prevention PSA

Photo courtesy Tom Gilbert

AARP Oklahoma Volunteers & The Oak Ridge Boys pose together for a photo after PSA launch

AARP Oklahoma volunteers & The Oak Ridge Boys pose together for a photo after PSA launch

Photo courtesy of Tom Gilbert