Bridgeport-based People”™s United Bank and the city of Bridgeport sponsored a free Senior Safe Walk recently at the Beardsley Zoo. Financial scam artists who prey on seniors were on the educational radar, plus tips on physical activities and crime prevention.
More than 200 Senior Safe Walk participants were welcomed by Barnum Festival Ringmaster Paul Timpanelli, who is also president and CEO of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council. Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch led a brief walk.
Seniors are the age group of choice among scam artists, especially older citizens who may be experiencing physical or mental challenges that increase their vulnerability to financial exploitation and other criminal activity, according to a pres release accompanying the tour announcement.
“Awareness is the best protection,” said Angela DeLeon, senior community relations specialist at People”™s United Bank. “This event provides us with an opportunity to educate seniors on how to protect themselves and how People”™s United Bank plays a significant role in safeguarding seniors from fraud, scams and other criminal activity.”
To help educate participants, People”™s United Bank provided financial crime prevention tips and AARP registered seniors for its Fraud Watch Network alerts, which keeps members informed about con artists and scams. The seniors also enjoyed free carousel rides, courtesy of Connecticut”™s Beardsley Zoo. Comfort Keepers and CIGNA raffled gift cards to national store chains.
“The Senior Safe Walk is a fun and educational event that provides seniors with a unique opportunity to engage in physical and mental activities,” said Finch. “Ensuring the health and safety of the city”™s senior population is essential to helping them age with dignity.”
People’s United Bank is a subsidiary of People’s United Financial Inc., with $33 billion in assets. Founded in 1842, it maintains more than 400 retail locations in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
How do we go about organizing a senior safe walk like that in Wilton. We have over 2,000 seniors in town and need to make them aware of scams and being well versed in how to help them not be taken in by some of the pitfalls of scammers.