Connections Area Agency on Aging works every day to build strong supports for the Older Iowans we serve. The month of April is recognized as Financial Literacy Awareness Month. Connections Area Agency on Aging is partnering with ISU Extension and Outreach to host two virtual trainings focusing on educating and empowering Older Iowans to avoid fraud. Spot! Stop! Avoid Fraud virtual trainings are scheduled for Monday April 26, 2021 at 3pm or Friday April 30, 2021 at 10am. One can register online at Connectionsaaa.org or by calling our agency at 800-432-9209.
Older Americans lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that could be used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care. At Connections Area Agency on Aging, we often hear from Older Iowans the fear of losing their homes due to falling victim to a scam or being exploited by another. Through this training, we hope to empower Older Iowans to be aware of, how to recognize a potential scam, and how to protect themselves from being taken advantage of. We also would like to empower families to support their loved ones in engaging in conversations on how they can support the Older Iowan to remain as financially independent as possible while building a strong support network for them.
A statement that comes to mind in talking with our Older Iowans about scams is, “I did not think that I being scammed and I was embarrassed to say anything to my family. I did not know there was help out there to share help with people like me.” We, at Connections Area Agency on Aging, share with our callers and family members that scammers are very good at their jobs. We work hard to be proactive to educate all ages, specifically Older Iowans on how to ask questions and not to share their personal or financial information with anyone especially if they just met them.
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Connections Area Agency is one of six Area Agencies on Aging in Iowa, and part of a nationwide network. With a mission of enhancing the quality of life for elders in 20 counties through education, planning and coordination of services, Connections Area Agency on Aging is the premier agency for assisting elders, caregivers, and their families to access the information and services needed for independence and life transitions. Offices are located in Council Bluffs, Creston and Sioux City. For more information, contact Connections AAA at 800-432-9209 or at www.connectionsaaa.org
