Seminar on fraud and vulnerability for seniors set

A two-hour community prevention seminar on scams, fraud and vulnerability for seniors is from 10 a.m. to noon Friday in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The event will be held at the James River Senior and Community Center, 502 10th Ave. SE, Jamestown, and is free and open to the public.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ South Central Human Service Center and the Jamestown Police Department are holding the event.

The event begins with a presentation by Carrie Thompson-Widmer, regional aging services program administrator from South Central Human Service Center, on the Vulnerable Adult Protection Services program and how to prevent elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

Lt. LeRoy Gross, Jamestown Police Department, will educate participants about scams and fraudulent business practices taking place in the state, as well as prevention strategies from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

“Elder abuse can happen to anybody and sometimes cases go unreported because people don’t know where to turn,” said Thompson-Widmer. “Individuals, families, community organizations, and other partners need to take a stand in the fight against elder abuse and engage in conversation about effective prevention techniques so older adults know that help is available.”

Anyone can report an incidence of elder abuse or neglect by calling the Aging and Disability Resource LINK toll-free at 1-855-GO2-LINK (1-855-462-5465) or ND Relay TTY 1-800-366-6888. Individuals living in the Jamestown region can also contact South Central Human Service Center at 701-253-6300, toll-free 1-800-260-1310 or TTY 701-253-6414.

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