Introduction

Host: Welcome to the show, Matt We're excited to have you here to discuss senior scams and elder abuse. Matthew Hall, Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure to be here.

Types of Senior Scams

Host:Senior Scams are on the rise and can be very frightening to the seniors. More and more technology is becoming a main avenue used to take advantage of the senior population. . Can you start by explaining the different types of scams targeting the seniors.? Matt: Absolutely. There are several types of scams that are currently known and are targeting the Elderly. population. We at the AG's office are working hard to educate and inform the seniors about these known scams and trying to protect them from falling victim. TRIAD is a great way to help educate and spread this education throughout the Commonwealth.

What is TRIAD

Triad partnership in Virginia, through the Office of the Attorney General, protects our growing elderly population. With the support of the local sheriffs, police chiefs, AARP, and other community services groups Triad works to keep older Virginians informed of their rights.

A major purpose of Triad is to develop, expand and implement effective crime prevention and safety programs for older Virginians.

Triad works at the local level to improve the quality of life for seniors by providing an active exchange of information between local law enforcement and seniors.

Triad was established in 1988 when three national organizations agreed that the elderly could better be protected by cooperative efforts. The relationship was cemented when the organizations - the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) - signed a cooperative agreement.

Education

Seniors: Virginia Triad Resources

Triad is a cooperative effort of law enforcement agencies (police/fire/sheriffs), senior citizens, and senior organizations, focused on reducing crimes against our most vulnerable citizens: our seniors. To find out if your area has or is considering forming a Triad, contact your local sheriff or police or email the Director of Programs and Community Outreach at seniors@oag.state.va.us

The goal of Triad is to reduce the fear of crime and victimization among seniors by increasing awareness of scams and frauds targeting them, strengthening communication between the law enforcement and senior communities, and educating seniors on local and state resources that are available in their community.  This goal is accomplished through speaking engagements, community collaborations, targeted trainings for seniors and law enforcement practitioners, providing a support mechanism to current local Triad groups, and marketing the Triad concept to non-participating localities.  Today, Virginia has over 200 cities, counties, and towns with signed Triad agreements.  Virginia Triad has also been recognized by the National Association of Triads, Inc. as having the highest number of active local groups nationwide and is the only state in the nation with a statewide coordinated office at the Executive Level of government.

The Virginia Triad Office can provide information and resources to Triad chapters across the Commonwealth. We can also assist you in organizing your Triad, planning ideas and programs for your seniors, and provide training opportunities for law enforcement, senior volunteers, and community groups.