23-05-2025
Johnstown seniors learn to fight back against online scams
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ)—The Cambria County Area Agency on Aging held a free luncheon to teach seniors how to spot financial scams.
Members heard from officials from the Johnstown Police Department and the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office about the effects of financial exploitation. In addition, seniors were given multiple pamphlets and a game of Bingo titled 'Fraud' to save themselves from financial trouble.
'Financial exploitation of the elderly is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States,' M. Vail Griffith, the director of the Cambria County Area Agency on Aging, said. 'And there's so much of it all over the world. But right here in Cambria County, we get calls almost every week.'
Topics included ways to avoid multiple scams, which involve tactics such as online relationships, late tax filings and Pennsylvania Turnpike toll fees. Those who end up giving their information to help end up hurting financially.
'We see older adults losing thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars, even to the point of losing their home,' Griffith said. 'The older adults just really think that they're helping someone and that they'll get paid back.'
To learn more ways to spot fraud and scams, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities website and look for the Cybersecurity Resources tab.
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