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IL A.G. Warns Seniors About Fraud
Illinois' attorney general is warning senior citizens to watch their wallets.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says there are a number of scams out there that senior citizens must be aware of. Speaking with a group of senior citizens in Chicago, Madigan said that scammers often target older people because they feel the elderly are more vulnerable.

"Unfortunately older people tend to be their main targets," Madigan told a crowd of roughly 50 senior citizens. "I know you've heard this over and over again but you need to hear it one more time because what we've seen over the past year, year and a half, is a real increase in scams that are targeted in particular against older people."

Madigan's office has published a brochure called "Every Cent Counts" in hopes that senior citizens become better informed of scams. It also offers mortgage advice, tips on avoiding debt and how to read your credit report.

Some of the more common scams, according to Madigan, include counterfeit check scams, identity theft and secret shopper scams.

Madigan encourages senior citizens who think they have been a victim of a scam or fraud to call the Senior Fraud Hotline at 800 243-5377.

(Illinois Radio Network)
04 07 10 by Newsroom
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