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Many benefit from financial fair at Elderly United

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By Elaine Morris Roberts, Staff Writer Updated 8:29 PM Thursday, March 11, 2010

SPRINGFIELD — Even though the game was lighthearted, a round of ‘scam bingo’ played Thursday, March 11, was used as a way to help participants learn how to protect themselves from financial fraud.

The game was part of a financial fair held at Elderly United of Springfield & Clark County and hosted in conjunction with the Better Business Bureau and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

The event focused on helping area residents learn about scams, schemes and other issues that could jeopardize personal financial security.

“It’s important to help our members be aware of what’s going on out there. ...With warm weather coming, more scams will be door-to-door with people offering home repairs and landscaping services,” said Donna Frederick, executive director of Elderly United.

Representatives from the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, Ohio Treasurer of State, Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Ohio Department of Insurance were on hand offering tips and information.

Steve Popp, from the BBB, presented information to keep seniors safe from scams, telling them in most cases, saying no is their best defense.

Some telemarketing companies, he added, instruct their callers to hear the word no three times before ending a call, so be ready to hang up or be tenacious.

“Telemarketing calls are unsolicited and they don’t have your best interest in mind,” he said.

Popp told seniors to be wary of scams including door-to-door sales people asking for money up-front and callers claiming a missed jury duty assignment.

With the jury duty scam, he said, callers will use scare tactics and tell potential victims they are in contempt of court as a way to gain personal information.

Tom and Jane Kushmaul, of Springfield, said they have been exposed to most of the scams presented at the fair, but came to be sure they were up-to-date on what’s out there.

“We have our own plan for dealing with telephone scams,” Tom said. “If you didn’t dial it, don’t do it.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.

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