How to Protect Seniors from Scams

The Social Network Show welcomes co-host, Michelle Boykins, Senior Director of Communications at the National Crime Prevention Council and her guest, Lieutenant James Perez.

Lietutenant James Perez with the Fairfield Connecticut Police Department, Special Services Division, shares important information on protecting seniors from scams including internet, phone and face to face scams. Hear why those 65 years old and older are very vulnerable to scams and why they are afraid to report a scam to the police. Lt. Perez gives some real life examples of scams and several ways that you can protect yourself and the older members of your family. The goal is to make seniors a smaller target for scammers.

Here are some important phone numbers that Lt. Perez shared that can help make you a smaller target:

DMA (Direct Marketing Association): Call them and ask them to take you off their list--this will cut down on the amount of junk mail you get: call 1-212-768-7277

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information: 1-888-567-8688

National Do Not Call Registry: Make sure you are on this because it helps cut down on the marketing calls.

Lieutenant James Perez, is a National Crime Prevention Consultant and is currently employed by the Fairfield Connecticut Police Department in the Special Services Division and has 20 years of experience in law enforcement. He has held many positions within the agency including a task force member with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. He has taught the D.A.R.E. program in elementary school and was a member of the S.W.A.T. team for 14 years. Lt. Perez has appeared in several publications and held the position of Public Affairs Officer. He teaches identity theft and scam awareness topics to community groups and has appeared nationally on NBC’s Dateline regarding scams against senior citizens.

Currently Lt. Perez is the Commander of the Special Services Division which includes Liaison Officer with the Honorable Police Commission in Fairfield, and oversees police operations including the marine division, dive team, special agent program, crash investigators, traffic officers, animal control, fleet management, crossing guards and the South Benson Marina. He also has experience in terrorism risk assessment and has extensive experience in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design or (CPTED).

Lt. Perez attended the University of New Haven (Criminal Justice), the Connecticut Police Academy, and the F.B.I. Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. During his career he has earned citations from F.B.I. Director Louis Freeh and Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. He has been recognized for successful criminal investigations against violent gangs. He also received the combat cross award for involvement in a police shooting. Lt. Perez has instructed International Law Enforcers in Nicaragua, Northern Ireland, and Australia.