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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (March 27, 2019)
8A • COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL • MARCH 27, 2019 Scams of older Americans AARP Opens Community Challenge Grants rising, warns FBI, IRS Elder abuse fraud continues to rise as a major consumer protec- tion issue, with fi nancial losses nationwide totaling $2.9 billion annually. Financial exploitation of the elderly oft en goes unreported because in many cases, it is some- one closest to the victim who is the abuser. Th e prevalence of this issue in Oregon is spurring multiple con- sumer protection groups to join forces and raise awareness. At Better Business Bureau Northwest + Pacifi c, reports on elder abuse fraud range from typical romance and IRS tax-scams, to more in- tricate schemes by caretakers or adult children duping victims into paying for construction that never occurs is or is unnecessary. Carmel Snyder with AARP says reported fi nancial abuse of elders is likely “just the tip of the iceberg in terms of total number of old- er adults who are defrauded or scammed out of their life savings.” Snyder adds, “this is especially in- sidious because older adults have very few opportunities to re-earn money.” At Oregon Department of Hu- man Services, the Adult Protective Services unit receives an increase in elder fi nancial-abuse reports every year, according to Billie Mc- Neely with DHS. Statistics show the nation’s se- nior population will continue ris- ing until 2030. “At this time, it is estimated there will be more peo- ple, 65 and older, than there will be children under 18,” McNeely said. “With 75 percent of the nation’s wealth being held by seniors, this places a large target on one of our most vulnerable populations.” For children and family mem- bers of the elderly, it is import- ant to watch for signs of fi nancial abuse. If there is a caretaker in the home, BBB recommends that family members check in regularly and, when and where they can, be vigilant about their parents’ spend- ing. Th e same is true for caretakers who suspect any odd behavior by family members. Warning signs include someone trying to isolate the victim from outside friends and neighbors, or someone having dubious access to a victim’s fi nanc- es. “For seniors and their families, it is critical that they watch for signs of fi nancial fraud, neglect and abuse, and report any concerns to authorities,” said Steve Goldman, Assistant Special Agent, FBI Ore- gon. Steele confi rmed that victims 60 and older represent one of the larg- est demographics reporting fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Com- plaint Center, and that Oregon ex- periences a signifi cant amount of Alan D. Walker AARP has opened applications for the 2019 AARP Community Challenge grant program to fund “quick-action” projects that spark change across the country. Now in its third year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide work on Livable Communities. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term ac- tivities to several thousand dollars for larger projects. “We’ve seen these mini grants spark change and new solutions in communities across Oregon from Port Orford to Hood River,” said AARP Oregon State Direc- tor Ruby Haughton-Pitts. “We’re excited to see the creative propos- als from community groups this year,” she said. Th e Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofi ts and govern- ment entities. Other types of or- ganizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. AARP will prioritize projects with permanent or temporary solutions that aim to achieve one or more of the following out- comes: Demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities.” New in 2019, this category will encourage ap- plicants to develop and imple- ment innovative programs that engage residents in accessing, un- derstanding and using data to in- crease quality of life for all, as well as engage in decision-making these complaints. To prevent further abuse, out- reach, education and prevention eff orts are the, “most powerful tools,” according to McNeely. Th is includes educating both young and old about various scams targeting the elderly. One of the most common ways these victims lose money is to tax scams. “Se- niors have lost thousands of dollars and their personal information to tax scams,” said Brian Wozniak, IRS Stakeholder Liaison. “Th e IRS does not initiate contact with tax- payers by email, text message or social media channels to request personal of fi nancial information.” Whether or not the scam is perpetrated by an outsider, or by someone close, it is critical these crimes be reported to any or all consumer protection groups. For more information, visit: •https://www.bbb.org/scam- tracker/us/ •http://www.ncsl.org/research/ fi nancial-services-and-commerce/ financial-crimes-against-the-el- derly-2018-legislation.aspx •https://www.irs.gov/news- room/how-to-know-its-really-the- irs-calling-or-knocking-on-your- door) • IC3.gov To report suspected abuse to DHS, call 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) about housing, transportation, economic development, place- making, infrastructure or other community aspects. Deliver a range of transpor- tation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfi nding, access to transportation options and road- way improvements. Create vibrant public plac- es that improve open spaces, parks and access to other ameni- ties. Support the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and aff ordable housing options. Other community improve- ments. In addition to the four ar- eas of focus, AARP wants to hear about local needs and new, inno- vative ideas for addressing them. Since 2017, AARP has awarded 217 grants through the AARP Community Chal- lenge to nonprofi t organizations and government entities repre- senting 50 states and U.S. terri- tories. Oregon winners in 2018 included: City of Hood River — Grant funds will enable Streets Alive! Hood River to pilot an open streets program, in which streets are closed off to cars and opened to pedestrians, enabling a host of public space exercise activities such as yoga and dance classes. Portland — Th e grant supports Verde’s Mobile Home Repair Ex- travaganza by funding up to eight home repairs for older adults, families with children and resi- dents with disabilities. Th e home repairs completed with this grant will address critical health, safety and livability issues impacting low-income residents. Prineville — Th e grant will provide for the installation of four age-friendly benches along a bicycle and pedestrian pathway as part of Crook County on the Move. Th e 2019 application deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET, on April 17. All projects must be completed by Nov. 4, 2019. To submit an application or learn more, visit AARP.org/Com- munityChallenge. 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Pacific Hwy 99 541-942-8022 Huddle Automotive Repair 80408 Delight Valley School Rd, Cottage Grove, OR 97424 (541) 942-2521 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce 700 E. Gibbs 541-942-2411 RETAIL COUNSELING GUN SHOP Emerald Valley Armory 147 E. Oregon Avenue Creswell, Oregon 541-895-2666 ORTHODONTICS Thornton Orthodontics 195 Melton Rd. Creswell, OR 97426 (541) 686-1732 The Flower Basket & Gift Boutique 119 S. 6th St 541-942-0505 The UPS Store 1498 E Main St Ste 103 Cottage Grove, OR 97424 (541) 767-0888 TRANSPORTATION South Lane Wheels 1450 Birch Ave 541-942-0456 VISION CARE Pacific Clear Vision 257 N. 8th St 541.942.5000
