The Cumberland County Council on Older Adults is inviting senior residents and caregivers across Fayetteville and Cumberland County to attend the upcoming Scam Jam Prevention Program, a community event designed to strengthen awareness, confidence, and protection against financial fraud.
Scams: A Growing Threat to Older Adults
Financial scams targeting older adults have become a growing national concern. The Federal Trade Commission reports that Americans age 60 and older lose billions of dollars each year to fraud schemes that often exploit trust, isolation, or unfamiliarity with new technology.
Programs like Scam Jam aim to help reverse that trend by giving seniors the knowledge and tools they need to recognize and avoid common scams.
CCCOA also encourages caregivers to attend. Caregivers are often the first to notice unusual financial activity, making them essential partners in early detection and prevention.
Hear Directly From Leading Agency Experts
One of the highlights of the Scam Jam Prevention Program is the opportunity to hear from multiple agencies working together to protect consumers. Representatives from state and local organizations will share practical advice on how scams work and what residents can do to protect themselves.
Participating agencies include:
• North Carolina Department of Insurance (SHIIP) — Specialists in Medicare fraud prevention and insurance-related scams.
• North Carolina Secretary of State — Experts in identifying investment scams, charity fraud, and deceptive business practices.
• Fayetteville Police Department — Law enforcement officers who often respond when scams escalate into identity theft or financial loss.
Together, these organizations will provide a comprehensive look at the latest fraud tactics and how to avoid them.
A Welcoming, Judgment-Free Environment
Organizers understand that some seniors may feel embarrassed or hesitant to attend fraud prevention events, especially if they have previously been targeted by scammers. Scam Jam is designed to be a welcoming, supportive, and judgment-free environment where residents can learn and ask questions comfortably.
To make the afternoon even more enjoyable, the event will also feature refreshments and door prizes.
The mission of the Cumberland County Council on Older Adults is simple: help make the senior community smarter, safer, and more confident when it comes to recognizing and avoiding scams.
The CCCOA Trusted Community Connection
The Scam Jam will be held on March 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center East at 917 Washington Dr.
Seating is limited. To RSVP, contact Ellouise Garvin at the Cumberland County Council on Older Adults at 910-484-0111. The event offers seniors and caregivers a chance to learn, connect, and gain practical tools to protect themselves in an increasingly complex world.