Community Corner

DA Educates Seniors How to Stay Safe

Submitted by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan's office:

Local seniors received important information on how to stay safe in their homes and in the community as part of a Senior Protection Seminar hosted by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

Prior to her appointment as District Attorney, Ryan served for 18 years as the chief of Middlesex District Attorney’s Office’s Elder and Disabled Unit, which prosecutes those who commit crimes against seniors and disabled persons.  District Attorney Ryan launched the Senior Protection Seminars as an important prevention effort to teach seniors how to stay safe and avoid being the victim of a crime.  The program includes information on safe banking practices, how to avoid scams or theft, and how to access local services. 

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The seminar was held in Bedford on July 11 at the Bedford Senior Center in partnership with the Bedford Police Department, the Bedford Council on Aging, Minuteman Senior Services and Middlesex Savings Bank. 

“Criminals will find opportunities to prey upon susceptible victims.  We want to provide the tools for our elders to be prepared for those who attempt to take advantage of them,” said District Attorney Ryan. “With partnerships like the one we have formed here in Bedford, we can educate our seniors and help prevent some of these crimes from occurring.  And while we can’t prevent every crime, the message we want to share with our seniors is simple – ask for help and go to authorities if you are the victim of a crime.”

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Joining District Attorney Ryan at the event were Bedford Police Chief Robert Bongiorno; Bedford Police Lieutenant Jim Graham; Lori Dance, Director of Bedford Council on Aging; Renee Prestia, Protective Services Program Manager of Minuteman Senior Services; and Melinda Nicholson, Community Banking Officer & Branch Manager, Middlesex Savings Bank.

“We were very pleased with the turnout for this important program,” said Bedford Council on Aging Director Lori Dance. “Thank you to District Attorney Ryan for bringing the program to Bedford.  The DA’s Office is a valuable resource that seniors can turn to in order to remain safe in their homes and in the community.”           

Among the tips provided to seniors included how to handle unsolicited calls for donations, information or services; information on health care proxies and power of attorney documents; smart financial planning to avoid theft; and how to protect personal information from identity theft. 

Other scams to be aware of include: any solicitation requiring cash be wired internationally, advanced payment of a tax or fee in order to receive a larger amount in return; or donations requested over the phone to vague or unknown charities.


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