Michigan State Rep. Veronica Paiz (D-Harper Woods) hosted her first town hall of the year with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel as a special guest in Wayne County on April 5. The town hall provided senior residents from Harper Woods, Saint Clair Shores, and Detroit with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of scams targeting older adults. Through informative presentations by the attorney general, attendees were equipped with the knowledge to identify common tactics employed by scammers and recognize the warning signs of potential scams from fraudulent phone calls, phishing emails, and schemes using AI to mimic familiar voices.
“By raising awareness and equipping seniors with the tools and resources needed to protect themselves, the event played a vital role in safeguarding the financial well-being and dignity of older adults in our community,” Paiz said. “Seniors need knowledge, skills and resources to identify common tactics employed by scammers. This event served as a touchstone in building a community committed to prioritizing safety and awareness.”
In addition to recognizing scams, Nessel emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital world. Attendees received practical tips on securing their financial and personal data. The event also provided attendees with access to resources for reporting scams and seeking assistance if they suspect they have been targeted. Seniors were encouraged to speak up and report instances of fraud to the appropriate authorities, empowering them to take action against exploitation.
“By fostering an environment where open dialogue and education are valued, we aim to empower individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones. Together, we can continue to cultivate a culture of safety and vigilance, ensuring that our communities remain secure and informed,” Paiz added.
Residents who were unable to attend the town hall meeting can contact Paiz’s office at 517-373-0849 or VeronicaPaiz@house. mi.gov, or attend an in-district office hour. Her next coffee hour will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on April 15 at the Harper Woods Library.
“By raising awareness and equipping seniors with the tools and resources needed to protect themselves, the event played a vital role in safeguarding the financial well-being and dignity of older adults in our community,” Paiz said. “Seniors need knowledge, skills and resources to identify common tactics employed by scammers. This event served as a touchstone in building a community committed to prioritizing safety and awareness.”
In addition to recognizing scams, Nessel emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital world. Attendees received practical tips on securing their financial and personal data. The event also provided attendees with access to resources for reporting scams and seeking assistance if they suspect they have been targeted. Seniors were encouraged to speak up and report instances of fraud to the appropriate authorities, empowering them to take action against exploitation.
“By fostering an environment where open dialogue and education are valued, we aim to empower individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones. Together, we can continue to cultivate a culture of safety and vigilance, ensuring that our communities remain secure and informed,” Paiz added.
Residents who were unable to attend the town hall meeting can contact Paiz’s office at 517-373-0849 or VeronicaPaiz@house. mi.gov, or attend an in-district office hour. Her next coffee hour will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on April 15 at the Harper Woods Library.
