October 31, 2008

Resource forum to help seniors prevent financial exploitation

Elder financial abuse has become a common crime, from forged checks written by their own relatives, to auto insurance, mortgage scams and predatory lending perpetrated by strangers. The County of Santa Clara Senior Resource Forum 2008 will bring financial institutions and experts together to educate older residents and their families against different types of financial exploitation. Three panels have been scheduled to discuss Home and Auto Repair Scams, Identity Theft and Community Resources to Combat Financial Abuse and Exploitation.

A Resource Faire with over 100 senior-related services and programs will provide information and free services, including free glucose, bone density, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings.

Confirmed speakers:

Keynote Speaker: Michael Finney, “7 on Your Side”, KGO-TV

Deborah Braver – State of California Department of Corporations, Seniors Against Investment Fraud (SAIF)

Prescott Cole – Attorney – California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR)

Kim Connors – Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney – Department of Aging and Adult Services Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST)

Jenefer Duane – Founder and CEO, Elder Financial Protection Network (EFPN)

Joaquin Murphy – California Department of Consumer Affairs (CDCA) Bureau of Automotive Repair

Lisa Nerenberg – Speaker, Trainer, Consultant

Naya Ocampo – Rebuilding Together Agency

Fred Shuherk – Star One Credit Union – Web Services Manager

Valerie Smith – Santa Clara County Adult Protective Services, Department of Aging and Adult Services Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) Supervisor

Carl Vega – Contractor’s State License Board (CDCA)

The event will be held Friday, Nov. 14 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara. Free admission, free parking and snacks provided.

Multilingual staff (In Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese and Mandarin) will be available to assist attendees.

The Senior Resource Forum 2008 is sponsored by: County of Santa Clara Department of Aging and Adult Services, Star One Credit Union, County of Santa Clara Financial Institutions Team (FIT), and The Elder Financial Protection Network.