The Better Business Bureau Unveils the Senior Scene
Southfield, MI (PRWEB) October 01, 2013 -- The Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan (BBB) today announced the BBB Senior Scene – a program designed to keep seniors informed of scams and deceptive business practices in the marketplace and to empower them to act as community advocates against fraud.
Every year, scam artists bilk seniors out of billions of dollars because the senior demographic is generally considered more trusting and is perceived to be easier to persuade. Also, seniors may not be aware that they have fallen for a scam until it’s too late and may avoid telling anyone for fear of losing independence by appearing so vulnerable.
“Our goal is to inform seniors about the issues that impact them and to give them tools to deal with fraud and scams,” said Melanie Duquesnel, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan. “Through our programs, seniors can learn about and connect to the resources of the Better Business Bureau and other agencies to become more informed in today’s marketplace.”
Attorney Ken Gross and his fellow shareholders at the Thav Gross Law Firm, have committed the company and The Financial Crisis Talk Radio & Television Show’s support as a premier sponsors of the BBB’s Senior Scene. Said Gross, “We are excited to join with and support the BBB in its efforts to thwart deceptive practices and unlawful actions that are directed at our most cherished citizens – our elders.”
Joining Thav Gross as premiere sponsors of the Senior Scene are Elder Living Construction,Levy Tax Professionals, and Right At Home In-Home Care & Assistance. Also sponsoring the program is EverDry Waterproofing of Southeastern Michigan and Medical Care Alert.
The Senior Scene Program includes:
Senior Scam Prevention Seminars
The BBB will host scam prevention seminars across Eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula for groups, organizations, senior centers and senior living facilities at no cost.
Attendees will learn:
• The red flags of investment fraud and other scams
• The most recent and most prevalent scams in the market
• How to avoid becoming a victim of a scam
• The dos and don’ts of dealing with aggressive sales persons and scammers
• How to report scams and what to do if you are scammed
• Important resources for seniors
The BBB will also provide training for caregivers so that they can recognize the warning signs when their loved one is potentially becoming a victim of a scam and tips on what they can do to help.
Any group, organization or business interested in a training session can contact the BBB at events(at)emibbb(dot)org or 248-799-0326.
The Senior Brigade
Many savvy seniors are already advocates for themselves, their friends and their neighbors. The BBB is currently recruiting these seniors for the Senior Brigade to become the eyes and ears of their communities and to help the BBB fight scams and fraud targeting the elderly and other consumers.
Participants will act as a consulting team for the BBB, providing information and insights into the scams and bad business practices that their peers are facing. They can also work with the BBB’s Manager of Advertising Review to call attention to questionable or misleading advertisements in print and online.
Seniors interested in participating in the Senior Brigade should contact the BBB at seniorscene(at)emibbb(dot)org or 248-799-0326.
The Senior Siren
New scams are cropping up daily and it’s hard for even the most connected consumer to stay informed. The Senior Siren will keep readers on top of the latest scams and bad business practices and give them tips on how to avoid them through a monthly newsletter and timely alerts. The Senior Siren will also keep the community up to date on the activities of and findings from The Senior Brigade.
Anyone interested in receiving The Senior Siren, including both seniors and caregivers, can contact Lisa Dilg at lisa(at)emibbb(dot)org or 248-799-0326 or subscribe at http://www.bit.ly/BBBseniornews.
Senior Scene Sponsoring Organizations
The BBB is currently recruiting sponsors for the Senior Scene. Sponsors will receive recognition and publicity in print and online promotions, social media, media, newsletters, in-person seminars and more. Businesses that serve this demographic will enjoy the targeted marketing opportunities that this will afford them. Any business or organization interested in sponsoring the Senior Scene should contact Lisa Dilg at lisa(at)emibbb(dot)org or 248-799-0326.
Lisa Dilg, CBBB, http://detroit.bbb.org/, 248-799-0326, [email protected]
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