The 2024 Flint Hills Senior Life Fair focused on far more than just physical health Wednesday.
This year, one of the featured presentations focused on scam efforts, something that has become an increasing concern, especially for senior residents in recent years. The office of Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach handled the presentation and Public Outreach Coordinator George McCrary spoke with KVOE News during the fair to discuss the dangers of scammers and their effects not only on seniors’ finances but also their health.
While the two subjects may seem unrelated, McCrary explains that scam efforts, especially successful ones, can lead to shame and embarrassment which take a major toll on one’s mental health and by extension their physical health.
McCrary adds that scam efforts can change from season to season, however, seniors are always the first target. He says while many may feel embarrassed if they have been scammed they shouldn’t noting they are likely not the only ones who have fallen victim to these “organized criminal” efforts.
When it comes to protecting oneself from scammers McCrary says individuals should take common sense steps. This includes not answering unknown calls, never giving out personal information over the phone and being mindful of suspicious emails or messages via social media.
The presentation from the Office of the Attorney General was one of the newer offerings from the Senior Life Fair and one that organizer Valorie Libertus says is timely as it continues to be a major issue across the country.
Several hundred seniors attended the fair at the Anderson Building which also included several booths, vendors, lunch, free blood pressure checks and more.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE NewsÂ