During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the growing issue of scams targeting seniors, particularly in rural areas. Ms. Moore highlighted the prevalence of telephone and text scams, noting that these methods are often more effective in rural communities due to the tendency for residents to answer calls that appear to come from local numbers. She emphasized the need for enhanced safeguards against spoofed calls, which can mislead individuals into thinking they are communicating with legitimate organizations.
The conversation also touched on the importance of outreach and education tailored to seniors in rural settings. Ms. Moore suggested that print media remains a vital tool for communication, as many seniors rely on local newspapers, which they often read thoroughly and keep accessible in their homes. She proposed innovative outreach strategies, such as setting up informational tables at laundromats and collaborating with local businesses like hair salons to reach those who may not have internet access or regularly consume news.
Senator Rivas echoed these sentiments, underscoring the effectiveness of local newspapers in disseminating important information to seniors. The meeting concluded with a commitment to explore diverse methods of educating and protecting vulnerable populations from scams, particularly in less urbanized areas.