US Representative Gabe Amo visited the #MiddletownRI Senior Center late last week to hold a "Senior Fraud Roundtable." Amo and a panel of experts warned that no one is immune to scams and to slow things down when confronted with potential fraud.
AMO DELIVERS ADVICE ON DEALING WITH FRAUD & SCAMS
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (JANUARY 17, 2025) – These days, it seems like there’s a different fraud or online scam reported almost daily.
This week, news broke about a bogus text message that was circulating across the region warning recipients their E-ZPass account was past due.
US Representative Gabe Amo visited the Middletown Senior Center Friday morning to provide tips and advice to help older adults fight back and protect themselves as much as possible.
“We know that this is not a bunch of numbers, this is not a bunch of figures, this is not a bunch of statistics,” Amo said. “This is deeply personal to so many in our community, especially our seniors. Your voice and your presence today is how we move forward.”
According to the Federal Trade Commission, fraud and online schemes cost the United States $10 billion in 2023.
Experts say the bad actors are getting more savvy than ever before with their flimflams, taking advantage of technology and the more frenetic pace of life.
Prior to the last Town Council meeting, one local leader complained about being duped during a recent call before they realized what was happening and hanging up the phone.
Welcomed warmly by a crowd of about 100 people at the Green End Avenue center, Amo brought a panel of experts in the field to his “Senior Fraud Roundtable.” They included:
- Alex Carnevale, a Rhode Island Special Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer and Economic Justice Unit.
- Erine [CQ] Lewis, Head of Risk Management for the People’s Credit Union of Rhode Island.
- Rhode Island State Police Lt. Richard Ptaszek [CQ], who leads the Financial Crimes Unit.
- Catherine Taylor, the Rhode Island State Director of AARP.
From the beginning of the hour-plus discussion, Amo and the rest of the panel made it clear no one was immune to scammers.
Whether it’s the “Romance Scam,” the “Grandma Scam,” the “Investment Scam” or countless others, they said fraudsters were preying on people’s goodwill and vulnerabilities to make money.
They said no matter the situation, take a minute to step back and ask “Does this make sense?” and “Is what’s being said add up?”
Because they said grifters were all about creating a believable scenario and then exploiting it for their gain.
Just the other day, Ptaszek said he took a call on his cell phone from someone claiming to be from the Rhode Island Sheriff’s department, painting a picture that he was in trouble. Listening to what was being said on the other end of the line, Ptaszek said it became clear quickly the caller was trying to bilk him, the very thing he investigates regularly as part of his job.
“They all have one thing in common — to take your money — but they have different methods to get that money out of you,” Ptaszek said. “The urgency (scammers manufacture), that should be a red flag immediately.”
Carnevale agreed, saying scammers had definitely upped their game, based on the complaints coming through the door at the Attorney General's office.
“Increasingly, we’re seeing the initial contact point be email or text message,” Carnevale said. “The amount of detailed information that’s being passed on, it’s so convincing. I can absolutely understand how the victims who contact us found themselves in this situation.”
Thankfully, Amo said the number of fraud and scam complaints in Rhode Island has dropped since its peak in 2020. On the flip side, the average dollar amount lost per complaint was nearly four times higher, based on the numbers he’s seen.
“These folks are scamming for more and more of your hard earned retirement savings,” Amo said.
Lewis said she hears and sees scams everyday unfortunately, but there is help available. And protecting yourself up front with strong user passwords, multi factor authentication and not sharing sensitive information with others was critical.
“These scams are happening. They’re happening on the (Aquidneck) island. I see them everyday,” Lewis said. “I see the financial toll that it takes…When you’re in these situations, don’t feel bad. The more forthcoming you are, the more your financial institution can help you.”
Like People’s Credit Union, Taylor said the AARP provides important resources to assist people beforehand and should they be a victim. She referred attendees to https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/ on the AARP website for more.
“The first (step) is awareness,” Taylor said. “Talk to everybody in your family about what scammers do and the prevalence of them, that they’re everywhere. Knowledge is power and we like to say at AARP, ‘If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.’”
Town Council President Paul Rodrigues, Councilor Peter Connerton, Police Chief Jason Ryan and State Rep. Marvin Abney were among the dignitaries in attendance.
Rodrigues suggested those on the panel spearhead a training program similar to the one where he works. He said as part of that effort, employees undergo regular education and testing to see if they fall victim to fraud tactics.
“Maybe we can incorporate this (training) into libraries and senior centers,” Rodrigues said. “Simple, basic training because it’s prevention and awareness about what’s being discussed today.”
Senior Center Director Arleen Kaull thanked the panel for the eyeopening presentation and everyone in attendance for their interest in learning more. She said she had a feeling the roundtable would be the first of many moving forward because it was clear it made a positive difference for the community.
“This has been such good information for our seniors,” Kaull said. “This is important.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Amo
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