STREAMWOOD, Ill. – State Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, recently hosted a successful Consumer Fraud Protection Seminar with the Illinois Attorney General’s office at the Westbrook Senior Living facility, allowing local seniors to learn about different types of scams and ways to protect against them.

“Identity theft and consumer fraud can have a lasting impact on an individual’s finances, especially on seniors who have spent a lifetime working toward a happy and peaceful retirement. It is frustrating that some view them as easy targets and find ways to take advantage of their kindness in order to make a dishonest living,” Crespo said. “I want to thank the Attorney General’s office for working with us to bring this information to our local seniors. By being proactive, we can help people recognize and report questionable offers they may receive on the internet, in their mailboxes, and over the phone.”

An expert from the Attorney General’s office was on hand to offer advice and give local seniors tips on how they can avoid becoming a victim of scams, identity theft, and other forms of fraud.

Crespo urges any senior who believes they have been a victim or target of a financial exploitation scam to call the Attorney General’s toll-free Senior Citizens Consumer Fraud Hotline at 800-243-5377. If local residents ever have any ideas for future events that could benefit the community or are looking for additional resources to protect against fraud, they may contact Crespo’s constituent service office at 630-372-3340.