To help prevent fraud targeting seniors, the Chester County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) recently collaborated with the SeniorLAW Center of Chester County and local senior centers to present workshops titled "Senior Fraud: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones." The workshops were planned in connection with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15, which was a time to focus on protecting seniors from abuse, fraud, violence, negligence and other harm.

The hourlong program was presented on June 8 at the West Chester Senior Center, on June 14 at Brandywine Valley Active Aging (BVAA) Downingtown Senior Center and on June 21 at BVAA Coatesville Senior Center. Attendees heard about different types of scams, who is affected, signs to look for and whom to call if one suspects he or she is being targeted.

Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox warned community members to beware of callers who request money or gift cards, claiming that a relative of the victim has been or will be imprisoned. She added that law enforcement officers do not request money or sensitive information by phone. Community members should also be wary if a scammer tries to create a feeling of urgency, noted Victoria Long, legal advocate at the SeniorLAW Center Chester County.

For additional preventative action, community members may sign up for free Fraud Guard with the Chester County Recorder of Deeds to receive an early warning email notification when a land document is recorded under a name they register. To register, visit http://www.chesco.org/recorder and click Fraud Prevention Initiatives on the left menu. The Recorder of Deeds and Register of Wills also partner on a prevention program that helps to prevent illegal property transfer that could harm incapacitated persons, including senior citizens.

The CCSO and SeniorLAW Center's fraud prevention workshops are free and open to the public. The CCSO will host a free document-shredding event for individuals on Saturday, July 30, at the West Chester Area Senior Center, 530 E. Union St., West Chester. Community members may bring a limit of three boxes of documents per car.