Scammers love to target seniors, and that’s a big problem.
But on November 18, seniors in Hoboken got the help they needed to fight back.
Assemblyman John Allen and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs teamed up to show them how to spot scams and stay safe.
It wasn’t another boring talk—it provided easy tips seniors can use to protect themselves.
Here’s what went down!
- Assemblyman John Allen and NJ Division of Consumer Affairs teamed up to teach seniors how to spot and avoid scams.
- The event focused on common tricks like IRS phone scams, fake lottery wins, and the “grandparent scam.”
- Seniors are left with simple, easy-to-use advice to protect themselves.
Helping Hoboken Seniors Stay Safe
On November 18, seniors in Hoboken learned how to protect themselves from scammers during an informative session led by Assemblyman John Allen and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
The event was held at the Hoboken Multi-Service Center and ran from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
It focused on how scammers trick people, especially older adults, and shared ways to avoid getting caught in their traps.
Scammers often target seniors because they may not recognize modern scams.
Assemblyman Allen and experts from the Division of Consumer Affairs explained how common scams work and gave clear advice on how to deal with them.
What Scams Did They Cover?
The session focused on scams that are becoming more and more common:
- IRS Phone Scams: Scammers pretend to be from the IRS and demand money for fake tax debts.
- Lottery Scams: People are told they won a lottery or prize but must send money first to claim it.
- Grandparent Scams: Scammers call pretending to be a grandchild in trouble and ask for money urgently.
With the holiday season coming up, this information was especially timely.
Scammers often use holidays to target seniors, hoping to catch them off guard.
Why Seniors Were the Main Focus
Seniors are often the top targets for scammers, and it’s not hard to see why.
They’re sometimes viewed as more trusting or less familiar with modern scam tactics, especially those that happen online or over the phone.
Assemblyman Allen pointed out how important it is to give seniors the tools to protect themselves and spot scams before they happen.
This event was more so about giving seniors the confidence and power to take control of their safety.
By understanding the warning signs of fraud, seniors can avoid falling victim and feel more secure in their day-to-day lives.
Simple Tips That Make a Difference
It’s great that the session was full of practical advice that seniors could use immediately.
Here are some of the tips shared:
- Be careful with calls or emails asking for money or personal information.
- Double-check claims, especially if someone says they’re a family member or government official.
- Never send money quickly, especially through wire transfers or gift cards—this is a major scam warning sign.
These straightforward tips were easy to understand and made a big impression on attendees.
Strengthening Support to Keep Seniors Safe
This session was just one part of Assemblyman John Allen’s bigger plan to keep seniors informed and protected from fraud.
In addition to hosting educational events, Assemblyman Allen holds mobile office hours at the Hoboken Multi-Service Center every third Monday of the month from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
In these sessions, seniors get a chance to share their concerns, ask questions, and receive advice on everything from handling daily challenges to spotting scams.
By creating ongoing education and support opportunities, Assemblyman Allen and the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs are working to build a stronger, safer, and more aware community for Hoboken’s older residents.
Empowering Seniors with Confidence and Safety Skills
The November 18 event was a success.
Seniors walked away with the knowledge and confidence to spot scams and protect themselves.
With scams on the rise, this kind of education is more important than ever in empowering seniors to protect themselves.
As the holiday season begins—a prime time for scammers to strike—Hoboken’s seniors are now ready to face these challenges head-on.
Armed with the right tools and awareness, they can enjoy the season with peace of mind, knowing they’ve taken steps to stay safe and secure.
