Talbot County’s Senior Financial Exploitation Task Force is hosting its second annual workshop, “Stop Senior Exploitation” at the Talbot Senior Center at Brookletts Place in Easton. Pictured are Michael Stefanowitz, Maryland Insurance Administration; Joyce Malik of Talbot Bank; and Pam Haynes of Upper Shore Aging, Inc. Sitting are Lee Newcomb, Talbot County Department of Social Services and Jane Bateman, Home Instead Senior Care.[/caption]

EASTON — Financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they’re now considered “the crime of the 21st century,” according to the National Council on Aging. In addition, “The MetLife Study of Elder Financial Abuse” reports that the annual financial loss by victims of elder abuse is estimated to be at least $2.9 billion, a 12 percent increase since 2008.

On June 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Talbot County’s Senior Financial Exploitation Task Force is hosting its second annual workshop, “Stop Senior Exploitation” at the Talbot Senior Center at Brookletts Place in Easton. The workshop, which coincides with National Elder Abuse Awareness Day that week, will educate the community about the risks and vulnerabilities that our seniors face, particularly in regard to financial, Medicare and insurance fraud and marketing scams. The issue of financial exploitation by mail, computer and phone is increasingly affecting seniors every day.

Awareness is key to preventing this abuse. Seniors, children of seniors, caregivers and concerned citizens who want to learn more about risks and vulnerabilities seniors face today are encouraged to attend. The keynote speaker is Al Redmer Jr., Maryland Insurance commissioner. Topics for the workshop include Medicare fraud, protecting your medication, MD Insurance Administration, Internet safety for seniors, adult protective services, advanced directives and medical power of attorney, and awareness about financial exploitation.

The event is sponsored by a task force comprised of local professionals from The Talbot Bank, the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP/SMP), Home Instead Senior Care, Talbot County Department of Social Services, the Maryland Insurance Administration. Candle Light Cove Assisted Living and Memory Care and Home Instead Senior Care are gold sponsors of the event.

The event is free to the public, but registration is required as seating may be limited. Lunch will be provided.

For further information or to register, contact Brookletts Place at 410-822-2869.