Consumer Fraud Prevention Tips for Seniors – May 23

Senior holding bank statement

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office will present a program titled, “Consumer Fraud Prevention Tips for Seniors,” at 2 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Oak Park Arms Senior Living located at 408 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park. The program is free and open to the public.

The guest speaker is Rosa Abreu, Cook County’s Assistant State’s Attorney. She’ll discuss how consumers will learn how to spot and avoid common scams that target senior citizens and learn where to get help if they fall victim to fraud. Audience members will also learn how the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office’s Consumer Fraud Unit works to protect consumers from businesses that engage in deceptive practices.

Fraud is big business in America, taking in about $100 billion a year according to the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs. Law enforcement officials believe that seniors are among the most targeted.

Social workers, attorneys and law enforcement have identified the following reasons that seniors are at greater risk of fraud: more leisure time, isolation, anxiety, and more discretionary income.

Rosa Abreu has been with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for 20 years. She is currently assigned to the Consumer Fraud Division, where she enforces Illinois’ Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act to protect the public from businesses that engage in deceptive and unfair business practices.

Oak Park Arms Senior Living is a rental retirement community that provides senior housing in the form of independent living. A licensed home care agency is onsite to provide support services for seniors. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month, or longer.

For more information call 708-386-4040.