Carroll County TRIAD Hosts 2nd Annual Senior Fair

By Lynnette Forth For The Prairie Advocate News

MOUNT CARROLL – For the second year in a row, the Carroll County TRIAD hosted its Senior Fair on Saturday, June 16th at the Carroll County Farm Bureau Building in Mount Carroll. The Fair focused on providing education and awareness about scams that can victimize seniors. Information booths from companies, social services, and health agencies were on hand to provide information.

Carroll County TRIAD President Randy Craft of Lanark stressed the importance of scam and fraud prevention.

“It is important that people realize scams can affect any age as well as any level of education. Being knowledgeable about the types of methods that con artists use will be essential in helping to prevent these situations,” Craft said.

State Representative Jim Sacia spoke to Senior Citizens in regards to scams that can happen to people. Dennis Horton of the Better Business Burea also gave a presentation entitled “The Better Business Bureau and You”.

Craft mentioned a couple of current scams that are presently ongoing including a subject calling supposedly representing Wal-Mart, informing the subject that they have won a gift card.

“Never give out any personal information for a free gift,” Craft said.

Another common scam includes getting a phone call from a relative who is in trouble, asking for money to be sent.

“Verify with family members that this is a real situation, and get the facts before sending money,” Craft said. “Try to check bank statements, debit card usage, and credit card statements for any fraudulent usage. The sooner the crime is caught, the better chance of getting some of the money back,” Craft added.

Participants involved in the Senior Fair included: Prairie State Legal Services, Sinnissippi Centers, Riverview Center, Carroll County Crime Stoppers, Lutheran Social Services, NIAAA, Catholic Charities, Better Business Bureau, Genesis Healthcare, and the Carroll County Housing Authority. Door prizes were awarded.