Kit Compiled to Help Seniors Detect Scams

To help educate older consumers, the California Department of Consumer Affairs has put together the Senior Scambuster kit, a compilation of agency publications geared to seniors’ concerns.

“Historically, they are a vulnerable audience,” agency spokeswoman Kim Canevari said. “They come from a generation when you could do business with a handshake.”

The kit covers such topics as sweepstakes, charity solicitations and telemarketing. It includes fact sheets about hearing aids and information about doctors, medicine and pharmacies.

Aside from explaining how to recognize common schemes, the kit also tells seniors how to take action if they think they have been victimized.

Recipients get a magnet with the agency’s logo, toll-free help line and Web site address, as well as material on how to file complaints.