0:46The hearing, sponsored by Councilors Ed Flynn and Erin J. Murphy, opened with a detailed examination of the scope and nature of elderly scamming in Boston. With seniors losing thousands to various fraud schemes, including home improvement and romance scams, the council underscored the need for increased awareness and education. Councilor Murphy highlighted the importance of discussing elder fraud and the necessity of exploring preventive measures and resources available for elders.

19:06Edmund Donnelly from AT&T, representing one of the key panelists, discussed the Cyber Aware Program, a community initiative aimed at enhancing digital literacy among seniors. The program teaches technology-related scam avoidance and cybersecurity practices. This initiative, launched by AT&T, has expanded since its inception. The program emphasizes making information accessible and relevant, encouraging seniors to engage with technology confidently.

0:46The council also heard from Deputy Superintendent Nicole Grant of the Boston Police Department, who provided statistics on elder fraud. She noted that in 2020 alone, Boston elders suffered over $12 million in losses due to loan fraud. This discussion highlighted the growing sophistication of scams and the need for proactive measures to protect seniors.

19:06A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the role of community engagement in combating scams. Various community engagement efforts were highlighted, such as “coffee with the cop” events where officers engage with seniors to raise awareness about scams. These informal gatherings allow officers to distribute educational materials and encourage community members to report suspicious activities. The council recognized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between law enforcement and the communities they serve, emphasizing the need for community participation in reporting scams.

The meeting further addressed the complexities of cryptocurrency scams, particularly how scammers exploit technology to defraud victims. The council discussed the challenges in prosecuting these crimes due to the global nature of the perpetrators.

0:46Language access was identified as a factor in reaching Boston’s diverse senior population. The council emphasized the need to provide educational materials in multiple languages, including Cantonese and Vietnamese, to ensure that all seniors have access to critical information about scams and fraud prevention. The council members acknowledged the importance of tailoring outreach efforts to meet the needs of Boston’s multicultural community.

34:15The council also explored the resources available for seniors regarding homeownership and contractor-related scams. Discussions highlighted the efforts of the Boston Home Center in rolling out workshops specifically designed for older homeowners. These workshops aim to educate seniors about hiring reputable contractors and recognizing potential scams. The council stressed the importance of providing seniors with access to information about legitimate contractors, utilizing resources like the state database for licensed contractors.

The council recognized the vital role of community collaborations, including partnerships with organizations like the AARP and the DA’s office, in reaching out to older adults and providing them with the necessary tools to protect themselves from fraudulent schemes.