Scam Protection and More

This week’s issue is packed full of interesting and needed information we at CV Weekly are proud to provide our readers. One of the stories you’re going to find on these pages is about a senior scam stop event. It was held over at Glendale Adventist Medical Center with presentations by Assemblymember Mike Gatto and Kerri Kasem, daughter of radio personality Casey Kasem. The pair talked about recent legislation – AB 1085 – being proposed that addresses financial abuse of the elderly and would provide legal recourse for adult children who are denied access to their ill or dying parents.

Another speaker at this event was Jane Kreidler of the Contractors State License Board who detailed scams that are perpetrated on the elderly. The story could not be more timely because on Wednesday Mary O’Keefe received a phone call from her mom who lives in Arizona. Her mom was frantic because somebody called her and identified herself as Mary’s daughter Molly who is away at college. This person told Mary’s mom that she had been in a car accident and was injured and that Mary’s mom needed to send her money ASAP. Well, Mary has written stories before about these types of scams and had warned her mom of the scams that target senior citizens. But even with this warning and information, Mary’s mom almost fell prey to this predator. Thankfully she had the wherewithal to contact Mary. Despite being told that Molly was fine and eventually even speaking to Molly herself, Mary’s mom was still shaken to her core.

Unfortunately this type of scam is not uncommon and our seniors are targeted.  So if you get a phone call that seems a bit strange, I encourage you to ask questions and don’t react quickly. Take your time to investigate. Read the story on page 6 and learn for yourself ways to short-circuit the scam artists who want nothing more than to get their hands into your wallet.

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On another note, I congratulate the Glendale Educational Foundation that held its annual Denim & Diamonds event over at the equestrian center on Friday night. Even with my arm in a cast, I still looked great decked out in western wear provided by Jeri’s Costumes over on Mayfield Avenue. I don’t know if you’ve ever had the chance to stop by Jeri’s but she’s a gifted seamstress. You can see pictures of this grand event in our Between Friends section on page 21.

I hope you enjoy this week’s paper; it’s one of the largest we have ever had. So sit back and relax and enjoy this issue of the CV Weekly.

  robin goldsworthy