NCJ Number
156053
Date Published
1994
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This program guide provides guidelines and forms that can help community senior-citizen organizations plan and implement programs designed to counter and prevent crimes that typically target elderly individuals.
Abstract
One of the programs for which guidelines are provided is the Senior Sting program, which was developed some years ago by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). It is designed to help prevent, reduce, or prosecute deceptive solicitations and fraudulent offerings by mail, telephone, and door-to-door contact. Under the program, older volunteers collect, sort, and categorize solicitations that have questionable or fraudulent signs. The information is then analyzed for possible investigation by the Office of the State Attorney General. Some examples of State programs are briefly described, and program benefits are outlined. Ten steps for planning and implementing a Senior Sting Program are presented, followed by sample letters, forms, instructions, and logs that pertain to some aspect of the program. A second program described is the Senior Sleuth Program, which is a volunteer program conducted under the sponsorship of a State Attorney General's Office. This involves the recruitment of senior-citizen volunteers who report deceptive practices and criminal fraudulent activities to the Attorney General. These volunteers are given instructions on certain practices that have come to the attention of the Attorney General. Some examples of Senior Sleuth activities are provided. The third program profiled is called "Senior Scam Alerts." It involves a State's Attorney General's Office sending timely notices to chapters of the AARP and other appropriate agencies and organizations regarding current widespread swindles that target older residents. Senior representatives of these various organizations are also involved in reporting suspected scams to the State Attorney General. A sample "Scam Alert" is provided.