The U.S. Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the Holland Police Department and Stop Abuse Today, Inc., organized a financial fraud awareness seminar for seniors to combat financial elder abuse in Brimfield, Holland, Sturbridge, and Wales. The event, held at the Holland Community Center, featured presentations from professionals, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Elder Justice Coordinator, along with representatives from the IRS and USPS. Topics covered included common scams targeting seniors, prevention measures, steps to take if victimized, and available local, state, and federal resources. The seminar aligns with the Department of Justice’s commitment to combating elder abuse and financial fraud by promoting public awareness. The FBI’s 2022 report revealed an 84% increase in losses for victims over 60 compared to 2021, totaling over $3 billion. The event aimed to educate seniors on protecting themselves from scams that often result in diminished quality of life. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy emphasized the importance of outreach activities to raise awareness and protect seniors from exploitation. Holland Police Chief Bryan C. Haughey highlighted the critical role of law enforcement in providing information on public safety and crime prevention. To access information on common elder fraud schemes and protection measures, a free brochure is available at the provided link. Additional resources on elder abuse warning signs and reporting in Massachusetts can be found at the provided link. For more information and resources from the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, visit the provided link.