CASEYVILLE, Ill. – To educate senior citizens about potential fraud and scams targeted at older residents, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is partnering with the Illinois Attorney General’s office to host a senior scam and identity theft prevention seminar. This will help senior constituents make sure they are protected from potential scams. The seminar will be held at Caseyville Public Library on July 10 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

“This event gives a chance for seniors in our community to feel confident that they will be able to protect themselves from harmful scams,” Stuart said. “I’ve heard stories about seniors being put into compromising financial situations due to scams done online and over the phone, so I partnered with the Illinois Attorney General’s office to take steps to prevent my constituents from falling into these traps.”

The seminar will teach attendees how to identify and protect themselves from potential scams and fraud, and address any concerns about being a victim of identity theft. There will be a presentation from the Attorney General’s office, followed by an opportunity to ask questions. Although the event is primarily for seniors, tips for preventing identity theft and avoiding scams are useful for any age or group.

The event is free and open to the public with no RSVP needed to attend. For more information about upcoming events, contact Rep. Stuart’s constituent office at 618-365-6650.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To help protect senior citizens from door-to-door scams, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, passed legislation this week giving consumers over the age of 65 up to 15 days to cancel certain contracts.

“As I speak with residents in my community, I hear stories of older adults being taken advantage of by fraudulent contractors offering over-priced and unnecessary home services, such as roof or fencing repairs,” Mason said. “This legislation will give seniors a larger window to cancel contracts made with door-to-door salespeople for services that they may not need or truly want.”

Mason’s House Bill 2643 allows consumers over the age of 65 to cancel contracts for home repairs or remodeling within 15 days if the sale was made at their home. The measure further protects seniors by allowing for cancellation even if work has been initiated and prohibiting contractors from selling contracts to lenders. Current law provides only three days to cancel contracts made at a person’s home.

“Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community from being at risk for fraud is one of my top priorities as a legislator,” Mason said. “I will continue to create and support legislation that protects seniors from scams and deceptive business practices.”

DECATUR, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is inviting local residents over the age of 55 to senior fraud prevention seminars she is hosting next week.

“Unfortunately, many identity thieves specifically target seniors and take advantage of them,”
said Scherer.  “I encourage seniors to stop by to learn easy ways to protect themselves from becoming a victim of identity theft.”

Scherer is partnering with the Illinois Attorney General’s office to host two senior fraud seminars on Monday, June 11.  The first seminar will be at 11:00 am at the Decatur-Macon County Senior Center, located at 1430 N. 22nd Street.  The next seminar will be at 2:00 pm at Wyndcrest Assisted Living, located at 4817 Oak Hill Road in Rochester.  The senior fraud prevention seminars are free and open to the public, and an RSVP is appreciated.

“Learning easy steps to secure your personal information, like your social security number, will help to decrease your chances of becoming a victim of fraud,” continued Scherer.  “I hope to see you at one of my senior fraud seminars next Monday, June 11!”

For more information, or to RSVP, please call Rep. Scherer’s constituent service office at 217-877-9636 or email StateRepSue@gmail.com.  Scherer represents the 96th District, which includes portions of Christian, Macon and Sangamon counties.