Every day, hundreds of seniors across the country fall victim to the tricks of those looking to scam a quick dollar out of the senior population.
In an effort to help seniors learn how to properly invest their money, without falling victim to investment fraud, Sampson Regional Medical Center (SRMC) has invited someone from the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State to come and speak with seniors in the community, as well as members of the hospital staff.
According to Jill Cairney, marketing coordinator with SRMC, John Maron, director of the Investor Protection and Education Services program, will hold a seminar for seniors who are part of the hospital’s Senior Plus program and hospital employees to discuss investment fraud. The seminar will be held Aug. 24. Seniors are invited to come out between 12-1 p.m. and employees and their families are invited to come out between 1:30-2:30 p.m.
“Unfortunately, and for a variety of reasons, older Americans are the No. 1 target for con artists,” Maron said. “We conduct these investor education seminars to promote awareness so folks can recognize the warning signs of a potential fraud and avoid falling victim to it. People have worked hard for their money, and they deserve not to be ripped off.”
The Senior Plus program is a free program offered by the hospital that supports and promotes healthy living for the senior adult population. It was designed to offer a fun way to get seniors involved in the community, while providing valuable information.
Members of the Senior Plus program will receive a Senior+ membership card when they enroll in the program, which will be used to receive discounts at participating partners in the community.
“The objective of the program is to be a resource to our 60 plus senior population by combining special hospital services with those offered by our community partners,” Cairney said.
According to Cairney, Sampson County has an estimated senior population of 9,000.
“The program is a great way for the hospital to reach seniors in the community and provide them with educational opportunities,” Bland added. “Sampson Regional and the surrounding community has a lot to offer to our seniors. Seniors feel they must drive out of town for certain services, but that just isn’t the case.”
Members will also receive a bimonthly e-newsletter with a calendar full of events for them to participate in. The newsletter will include educational seminars, social outings, healthy tips and recipes, and information about discounted programs.
During Maron’s seminar, he will talk about the nearly 500 people who trusted J.V. Huffman Jr. or Conover and the 100 people who trusted Sid Hanson of Charlotte with approximately $25 million and $30 million, respectively.
“If you want to learn how to avoid becoming a victim of investment fraud, join us and learn how to recognize and avoid possible investment scams,” a press release from the hospital states. “You will also learn how to spot the red flags of potential investment fraud, learn how to do your due diligence, and the questions to ask your investment professional.”
During the seminar, information will also be presented on how someone can register advance health care directives with the Secretary of State’s office so caregivers can access them at all times.
This seminar will be limited to 35 people. Registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, please contact the hospital at 910-592-8511. Employees interested in registering, visit www.SampsonRMC.org/EmployeeSeminar.