Scam and abuse prevention forum held in NY for Filipino seniors

Resource persons discuss abuses and scams targeting the aging. Top right to left, Jennine Ventura, Carol Tanjutco, Consul Arman R. Talbo, Timothy Hatter and DJ Arucan.

NEW YORK — An abuse and scam prevention forum for the senior and aging members of the Filipino American community was held November 18 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.

Representatives of Fil-Am organizations for seniors as well as unaffiliated senior members of the community actively participated in the forum organized by the Consulate to inform the community of the different forms of abuses and scams perpetrated against seniors and aging citizens and how to avoid them. Also discussed were the different actions and resources available to victims.

.Consul General Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-de Vega said that the event is part of the Consulate’s efforts to provide programs and platforms to further empower members of the Fil-Am community, particularly the underserved and vulnerable sectors.  She said that this session is important as the number of those belonging to the aging sector is expected to significantly increase in the coming years.

Resource persons discuss abuses and scams targeting the aging. Top right to left, Jennine Ventura, Carol Tanjutco, Consul Arman R. Talbo, Timothy Hatter and DJ Arucan. CONTRIBUTED

The resource speakers invited by the Consulate shared their expertise on the subject Jennine Ventura, a Fil-Am Director at the NYC Department of the Aging, gave an overview of the services and resources provided by the New York City government for members of the aging community. Carol Tanjutco of Eagle Strategies LLC discussed in detail the different forms of financial scams and how to avoid them.

DJ Arucan of the organization Womankind shared her experience as an advocate against abuses against women and offered the services of her organization in case there are cases of abuse and scams in the community.

Timothy Hatter of the Office of Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman shared to the community the actual forms of abuses and scams reported to their office and how they could be avoided.

The forum was moderated by Consul Arman R. Talbo.