The Senior Zone
The Senior Zone is the DMV’s #1 weekly radio program dedicated to empowering adults 50+ to live fuller, healthier, and more informed lives — now available on demand as a podcast.
Hosted by Shawn Perry since 2012, The Senior Zone features thoughtful conversations with trusted experts, community leaders, advocates, and everyday people doing extraordinary work in aging, health, finance, caregiving, and purposeful living. From timely resources and consumer protections to inspiration, wisdom, and real talk — this is where experience meets opportunity.
Whether you’re planning your next chapter, supporting a loved one, or simply committed to thriving beyond expectations, The Senior Zone delivers insight, clarity, and encouragement — one meaningful conversation at a time.
🎙️ New episodes weekly
📍 Originally broadcast on WYCB 1340AM (Washington, DC)
The Senior Zone
Ep. 702 | Protect Week 2026: Safeguard Your Future
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Fraud is evolving—but so are the tools to stop it. This week on The Senior Zone, we bring together top experts on the front lines of protection to help you stay one step ahead.
🎙️ Overview (What This Episode Is About)
In recognition of Protect Week 2026 (April 20–24), host Shawn Perry leads a powerful, fast-paced series of conversations focused on protecting older adults from fraud, scams, and financial exploitation. Featuring voices from federal agencies, law enforcement, and state leadership, this episode delivers real-world insight and practical strategies you can use right now.
💡 Segment Highlights (What You’ll Learn)
✔️ How scammers are targeting older adults in 2026—and what’s changed
✔️ Red flags that signal fraud before it’s too late
✔️ What the Securities and Exchange Commission is doing to protect investors
✔️ Inside the Federal Bureau of Investigation response to financial crimes
✔️ Resources available through the Maryland Department of Aging and Maryland Insurance Administration
✔️ How YOU can protect yourself, your family, and your community
⭐ Signature Features (What Makes This Episode Special)
🎯 A special Protect Week edition with four expert guests in one episode
🎯 Actionable advice—not just awareness, but real protection strategies
🎯 Shawn’s signature delivery—real talk, real truth, and real-life application
🎯 A powerful reminder: When we work together, we don’t just respond—we prevent.
📣 Access & Call-To-Action
If you or someone you love could benefit from this information, don’t keep it to yourself—share this episode today.
📞 You can always contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360
🌐 Visit: aarp.org/fraud
🎧 The Senior Zone Podcast is now available on demand on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music
Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
Show Introduction & Weekly Vitamin
SPEAKER_00Welcome to the Senior Zone, where we connect older adults with the organizations and resources that start them.
SPEAKER_09The Senior Zone's goal means to educate, empower, enlighten, entertain, and engage older adults with the toes and information to stay healthy, happy, and secure.
SPEAKER_00Great guests, helped notes, upcoming events, and useful information.
SPEAKER_09So get ready to take notes.
SPEAKER_00It's now time for the senior zone.
SPEAKER_05Good morning, good morning, my good people, and welcome to the Senior Zone, the DMV's number one weekly radio program. Thanks to you for our 50 plus community. I am your host, Sean Perry, and as always, whether you are driving, just relaxing, or just getting your day started, I appreciate you making us part of this Monday morning. Now, let's get into today's weekly vitamin, your dose of encouragement to carry you through the week ahead. Protection isn't just about defense, it's about awareness, action, and refusing to be an easy target. Let me say that one more time. Protection isn't about just defense. It's about awareness, action, and refusing to be an easy target. Because in today's world, it's not just about locking your doors, it's about keeping your eyes open. And with that, we step right into something that matters for every single one of us.
Protect Week 2026 Overview
SPEAKER_05This week, April 20th through the 24th, is officially Protect Week 2026 here in the state of Maryland. And family, this isn't just about awareness or an awareness campaign. This is about real life protection. We're talking about safeguarding your identity, safeguarding your finances, your home, and your peace of mind. Because the truth is, scams are getting smarter, they are getting faster, and they are becoming more personal. But here's the good news: so are we. Now, I want you to lean in on this one because today's show is designed to equip you, not scare you. We've got four powerful voices joining us today, each bringing insight from the front lines of protection. First up, we have John Moses from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, followed by Special Agent Jeremy Capello with the FBI Baltimore field office. Then it's Lisa Smith Ray from the Maryland Department of Aging. Closing it out is Mike Ellison from the Maryland Insurance Administration. Each one of them is going to help us break this thing down from investment fraud to cybercrime to protecting your personal and financial future. And as always, we are close out the show and celebrate life with our birthdays of the week, followed by Dear Grave Woman, featuring none other than Joel Simone, and we are close things out with resources and updates in your later life lowdown. And today's show is made possible thanks to our proud sponsors and partners at AARP Maryland, along with continued support from AARP District of Columbia, Compassion and Choices, Jewish Council for the Aging, Legal Counsel for the Elderly, and the DC Department of Aging and Community Living. Folks, so here's what I need you to do today. Right now, grab a pen, call a friend, and stay locked in because what you hear today just might protect you or someone you love tomorrow.
Interview: John Moses (SEC)
SPEAKER_05Joining me now is John Moses, acting director of the Office of Investor Education and Assistance at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, also known as the SCC. This office helps everyday investors, people like you and me, understand risk, avoid fraud, and know where to turn when something doesn't feel just right. John, welcome to the Senior Zone.
SPEAKER_04So great to be with you, Sean.
SPEAKER_05Thank you. It's my honor and pleasure to have you here, my new friend. So, John, let's begin uh right here. What exactly does the SEC's Office of Investor Education and Assistance do, and why is it especially relevant during Protect Week?
SPEAKER_04Uh well, well, Sean, uh, we've joined you before. Uh, the SEC has, so uh you might know I'm required to share a brief disclaimer before I begin. So our office is providing this information as a service to investors, and the views I share are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the commission or my fellow staff, and I'm not providing legal or investment advice. Hopefully, though, I'm providing uh some information of value. So, with that said, the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, as you said, is a federal government agency with a three-part mission. So we protect investors, we work to maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and we facilitate capital formation. So Protect Week is a great time for us to speak because we are focused on that first bit, protecting investors, a key part of our mission and the first one in our our three-part mission. So we provide educational materials in my office, uh and we want to help investors make better informed decisions, and that includes both how to grow their wealth through wise investing, but importantly also how to protect that wealth through spotting and avoiding investment fraud. So we do that in a couple of places. We do it on investor.gov. We have investor alerts there, we try to warn investors about uh recent investment scams. There's also evergreen material there on uh investment topics and trends. And uh we handle lots of complaints, Sean. So we get thousands and thousands of individual investors like you and me contacting us every year. Uh they can reach out to us on 1-800-sec 0330 or visiting help.sec.gov. And then finally we connect with the community doing uh events like this.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. You know, uh, John, I'm here, and thank you for that. Uh I'm hearing more about investment-related scams targeting our older adult community from fake crypto opportunities to so-called guaranteed high return schemes, things like that. What trends are you seeing nationally right now?
SPEAKER_04Well, you said it right, Sean. There's a lot of different techniques that they're using to target uh investors, including older investors. And scammers are doing a few different things. Here's uh a couple of ways that they target victims. It's often through social media and through group chats. So they might, as you suggest, exploit the popularity of an emerging technology or something that's gotten a lot of attention in the public for a fraudulent investment pitch. So here's a few that we're seeing, a few scams. So relationship investment scams. This is a particularly pernicious type of scam where scammers will reach out to someone online or through a text. They might attempt to build trust with you through friendship or a romantic connection, and then over time, it might not be right away, but over time they try to convince you to put your money into a phony investment. So relationship investment scams is one. Stop tip scams is another. So in these types of scams, you'll get a recommendation through social media again or a chat group again, and they'll try to pitch you and through a group chat. That might be part of an investment scam. A third type is advanced fee fraud. So someone might ask you, Sean, to have to pay money for taxes or fees or some other reason before you can supposedly withdraw your funds from an investment. That is very likely an investment scam.
SPEAKER_05You know, I asked that question, John, because the landscape seems to change each and every year. The scammers are on top of their game, and we have to be on top of ours. You know, many scams they look sophisticated from professional websites to official-looking documents, even fake advisors, as I understand it. With that being said, how can everyday investors like myself and others verify whether an investment professional or opportunity is legitimate?
SPEAKER_04You're you're right, Sean. So you're identifying another type of common scam, which is impersonation scams. So in these types of schemes, someone might contact you claiming to be from the SEC or from another agency, and they might again request an upfront payment to recover funds. This is a scam. We don't do that. Technology also makes it easy, as you suggest, to impersonate a real investment professional. So if you're considering an investment opportunity, you need to stop, give yourself time to think about it, and do your research. So again, investor.gov is a good place for unbiased information. You want to verify that you're communicating with a real investment professional and not an imposter. And you can do that by looking up that person's information on our website, investor.gov. You can look for their client relationship summary. This is called form CRS, client relationship summary. And if you can't find any information on the person that is contacting you, that is a big red flag.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. Speaking of red flags, and I'm glad you uh uh uh gave me that segue, what are the warning signs that should immediately make someone pause before investing?
SPEAKER_04So in all these types of scams, whichever technique they're using, there's a few things to keep in mind. So one is is this outreach you're getting unsolicited? That is, you didn't seek out the investment opportunity, but it found you. Somebody contacted you, again, usually online or through social media. Guarantees is something you mentioned earlier. So when you see promises of great wealth very quickly or high guaranteed returns, those are big red flags. Because we know investing can be a fantastic opportunity, but it's different than saving. Another red flag is an endorsement. You shouldn't invest based only on social media videos, on chat room recommendations, or other endorsements. So again, technology makes video reviews and endorsements easier and easier to fake. You mentioned how that space is evolving. Also, Sean, a quick aside, even if the endorsement is genuine, the investment that the person is endorsing might be right for the person promoting it, it doesn't necessarily make it appropriate for you. Uh another red flag is secrets. So if someone is urging you to keep some supposed opportunity a secret, or even worse, to go out and recruit other investors, those are some other red flags of a scam. And a final one is pressure. You shouldn't be pressured to make a quick investment decision.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. Great, great, great advice, uh, my friend. You know, if someone, um, John, believes that they have encountered an investment fraud, one of our listeners right now, uh, and or they already feel that they've invested and something doesn't feel right. You know what I mean? Uh, what should they do immediately?
SPEAKER_04Uh well, I do know what you mean. And the first thing you should do, Sean, is stop. This investor should just stop, take a minute. Again, don't feel pressure. So if you think you might be caught up in a scam, you need to stop communicating with the scammers immediately. And really importantly, do not send any more money. So, as they they say in lots of types of scams, you want to hang up, block, delete, cut off communication with the scammer. Um this is important also because they will often these scammers try to victimize you again. They might try to extract a fee to supposedly help you get some of your funds back. This is just a secondary way to victimize you. So, again, hang up, block, delete, stop what you're doing. Next, you want to report the scam to local law enforcement and to the SEC, you can do that again by visiting our website, help.sec.gov, and again, there you can find ways to contact us and get further assistance. Also, Sean, we think it's really important that if you've been victimized by a financial scam, you shouldn't be ashamed. Remember, we're dealing uh with criminals, and criminals are targeting you when this happens. So seek help, do not be ashamed.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, and John, finally, because we are nearly out of time, uh, my friend, as Protect Week 2026 officially kicks off today. What message would you like every investor listening right now to carry forward?
SPEAKER_04Well, we talked Sean about a lot of different types of scams, but remember, you have the tools and the information you need to protect yourself. So you can avoid scams by taking your time, doing your research, understanding your financial and investing goals, and understanding the right investing approach for you. Because informed investors with a plan are much harder targets for scammers. So you can work on all of this at investor.gov to get the resources you need to help you grow, and importantly, to protect your hard-earned money.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. John Moses, uh, my friend, acting director of the Office of Investor Education and Assistance at the SEC. Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping us understand that informed investing is empowered investing. Family, here's what I want you to hear. No legitimate investment should pressure you, as John mentioned. No legitimate advisor should rush you, as John also mentioned, and no opportunity should require secrecy. Protect Week continues, and coming up next, we'll continue the conversation with another leader helping safeguard older adults across Maryland. John Moses, thank you, my friend. Thank you. All right, folks, stay with us. This is the Senior Zone. This first break is brought to you by Legal Counsel for the Elderly, providing free legal and social work services to D.C. residents most in need. We'll be right back.
SPEAKER_00Legal Counsel for the Elderly champions the dignity and rights of D.C. elders by providing free legal and social work services to those in need. Worried about eviction or foreclosure, need help obtaining social security or veterans benefits? Call Legal Counsel for the Elderly at 202-434-2120. Income eligibility applies. LCE is an affiliate of AARP 202-434-2120.
SPEAKER_06Attention, listeners, criminals are consistently developing new ways to steal your hard-earned money and personal information. But the AARP Fraud Watch Network is here to help you protect yourself and your loved ones. See or report scams in your area with our scam tracking map. Get guidance from our trained fraud specialists and sign up to receive information on the latest scams. Knowledge is power. If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Get more tips and resources at AARP.org slash fraudwatch network.
Interview: Jeremy Capello (FBI Baltimore)
SPEAKER_05All right now we've just heard from John Moses at the Securities and Exchange Commission about protecting your investments and verifying opportunities before you commit your money. But what happens when prevention fails? What happens when fraud crosses the line into a federal crime? That's where enforcement steps in. Joining me now is Special Agent Jeremy Capello from the Baltimore Field Office of the FBI. Agent Capello investigates fraud, cybercrimes, and financial exploitation, including crimes targeting older adults right here in Maryland. Agent Capello, welcome to the Senior Zone.
SPEAKER_03Hi, thank you for having me, Sean. Really appreciate it.
SPEAKER_05It is my absolute pleasure and honor having you here. With the time that we have, Jeremy, because it's going to fly. Uh let's talk about, you know, building on what we just discussed about investment fraud. What types of scams are you seeing most frequently right now affecting older adults in Maryland?
SPEAKER_03Yeah, uh before I get into the specifically to the scams, I just want to say year over year, uh we are seeing an increase, unfortunately, in uh both victimizations from adults over the age of 60 and the losses that they incur. So for example, complaints we received uh here at the FBI have increased 42% over last year, and losses have increased really unfortunately at a clip of a 120% increase over uh last year. Um specific to the type of frauds, uh, we're seeing the same composition of the the fraud schemes targeting our elderly adults. Uh for instance, uh in 2025, investment fraud was the number one uh scheme targeting the elderly community in terms of loss amounts. Uh that loss amount exceeded here in Maryland uh over $84 million. Uh next after that was uh what we call call center scams. So that's like a combination of tech support and government impersonation scams. That targeted the most number of Maryland uh victims uh at a clip uh more than all the other ones combined. Um other than that, we are seeing a similar similar trend in business email compromise scams and also confidence in romance scams targeting uh Maryland residents over the age of 60.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, we hear about those romance scams, and that's part of my next question. Are romance scams, tech support scams, uh grandparent scams still among the most reported? Uh and what new tactics are you seeing emerge in 2026?
SPEAKER_03Yes, they they are definitely the the top scams targeting the uh the uh residents over the age of 60. Um we uh we are seeing a lot of the same tactics uh that we did in previous years, where we're seeing uh people targeted online, whether that's through pop-up uh messages of their cat, you know, their computer being frozen, or text messages saying their financial accounts are at risk and have been compromised, or even their personal information like their social security number has been compromised. So I would say very similar uh tactics and schemes heading into 2026.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, yeah, I I know this and I and I know that you know this, but the criminal playbook is forever evolving and we just got to stay on top of it, which is why we have Protect Week 2026. When you see a scam that crosses into federal territory, what makes it an FBI matter versus a local and law enforcement issue?
SPEAKER_03Right. So typically all of these scams have a federal nexus because more often than not, the scammers are operating overseas. Also, the method in which the scammers obtain the victim's funds usually travels across state lines, whether that is a wire transfer from a bank here in Maryland to or to an account in another state or an international wire directly to an account overseas, or the scammers send in in a lot of cases couriers uh to Maryland to pick up cash or gold from victims, which is then transported uh to across multiple states before it is converted and sent back overseas. Um, or in the case of investment scams, victim funds are electronically transferred out of Maryland to fake investment platforms or accounts hosted outside of the state.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. No, Jeremy, big or small, you know, many victims feel, as I've learned, either embarrassed or ashamed, and they choose not to report, right? But from the FBI's perspective, how important is reporting uh even if the money isn't recovered?
SPEAKER_03Yeah, so first and foremost, victims should never feel ashamed or embarrassed. Um, reporting victimization is paramount to our ability to even take action. Every piece of information provided by victims is a potential clue that we use to tie hundreds or even thousands of cases together. Our analysts are always working day and every single day at connecting these tips that we receive and then pushing that information out to agents in the field who ultimately open investigations.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, yeah. It's that silence that protects and adds cover for uh for these uh criminals out there. Jeremy, if someone realizes they've been targeted or even just attempted contact by someone, what should they do immediately? Who should they call first?
SPEAKER_03It's a great question. I always say the more agencies a victim reports their situation to, the better. Uh there are cyber and financial crimes task forces all over the country where the FBI works in conjunction with our local, state, and other federal partners to combat these scams. It is always a good idea for victims to immediately report these matters to their local police department. And then we strongly recommend they also file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crimes Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. This way, even if there is not a formal uh multi-agency task force in the victim's area, their tip will still get flagged and included in our system for incorporation into an investigation that perhaps is already ongoing or might be used in a future investigation.
SPEAKER_05I would venture to say that speed matters. The sooner you can report an incident, the better, and the greater the likelihood of recovery if there is a recovery to be had. Jerry Jeremy, behind the scenes, what actually happens once a report is filed? What does that investigative process look like?
SPEAKER_03Yeah, so it it it two twofold. It's analysis and referrals. Um I our analysts at IC. IC3 review and analyze data submitted through the website to identify emerging threats and new trenches. In addition, IC3 can quickly alert financial institutions, like you just had mentioned, to fraudulent transactions, which enables the freezing of victim funds in certain reporting criteria are met. And then IC3 aggregates related complaints to build referrals, which are forwarded to local, state, federal, and internet, and international law enforcement agencies for potential investigation. In 2024, the IC3's financial fraud kill chain, they're the ones responsible for uh trying to stop money from flowing uh from once it leaves victims' accounts uh to freeze it and get it back. Uh domestically, we received uh just over 2,600 complaints and we're able to freeze $469 million.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, wow. Well, I'm sure there's a lot of coordination that we don't need to see behind the scenes, but I want to thank you publicly uh for trying to do and doing the best you can to keep our older adults uh safe. Jeremy, with the time that we have left, my final question to you is as Protect Week 2026 kicks off today, April uh 20th, what message do you want to want every older adult listening right now to carry forward?
SPEAKER_03Yeah, I'd like to urge Marylanders to know the warning signs of these scams. Law enforcement agencies and government officials will never contact you by phone threatening a fine or to arrest you. Government agencies will never send someone to collect gold or cash or to pay a fine or safeguard your money. They will never demand immediate payment. They will never require payment through anything unusual, like money drop-offs, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. I strongly urge everyone to resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers try to isolate victims and create a sense of fear and urgency. Do not let them. Do not pick up that unknown phone call. Or if you have already done so, hang up the phone immediately. Resist the urge to respond to any unsolicited communications, whether a text message or an email. Even if it seems like it came from a trusted source or company, like your bank or a tech company service that you use, just talk to a loved one you trust and slow the process down. And if you think you are being scammed, contact your bank immediately and report the activity to law enforcement. You can go online to do so at ic3.gov or call the FBI at 1-800 call FBI.
SPEAKER_05So I want to thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for the work that you as well as your colleagues are doing to protect our Maryland uh communities. Family, here's the message: Prevention is powerful, but reporting is protection. Now, we've heard from federal regulators, we've heard from federal law enforcement. Up next, we'll bring it back to the state level because consumer protection also happens right here at home. Joining me next is Leslie Smith Ray, who works directly on issues impacting older Marylanders every single day. Special Agent Campello, thank you, my friend. Thank you. Appreciate it. All right, thank you as well. Folks, stay with us. Protect Week 2026 continues right here on the Senior Zone. This next break is brought to you by Compassion and Choices, empowering everyone to chart their own end of life journey. We'll be right back. And life choices matter.
SPEAKER_08Compassion and choices is here to support you on your journey. Our organization provides a wealth of resources to help you navigate difficult decisions with compassion and understanding.org for a range of informative articles, toolkits, and personal stories. Our compassionate team is just a call away, ready to assist you. Because, let's face it, talking about death is not gonna kill you. Compassionate choices, empowering you to make choices that reflect your values.
Interview: Leslie Smith-Ray (MDOA)
SPEAKER_05All right, family. We just heard from special agent Jeremy Capello at the FBI about what happens when fraud becomes a federal crime. But protection doesn't only happen at the federal level. It also happens right here at home at the state level, where prevention, outreach, and direct support meet everyday Marylanders. So joining me now is Leslie Smith Ray, client customer director with the Maryland Department of Aging. Her office works closely with communities across the state to support older adults and strengthen elder justice efforts. Leslie, welcome back to the Cena Zone, my friend.
SPEAKER_02Thank you so much, Sean. It's a pleasure to be here. This is a really important topic, and we look forward to this every year.
SPEAKER_05Likewise, likewise. So let's just jump right into it with the time that we have, uh Leslie. No, we talked about prevention at the federal level and enforcement through the FBI. From Maryland Department of Aging's perspective, however, where does that fit into the protection ecosystem?
SPEAKER_02You know, I think, Sean, one of the things that we are constantly trying to do is continue to coordinate with all of our partners. Awareness is absolutely the key to prevention. And our seniors aren't aware of what's going on. You've got uh you know great partners at the FBI and our law enforcement that are identifying the scams. And so we try to work real hard on getting that awareness of what those scams are. We also really work hard on trying to bring about you know, desensitizing the stigma of it happened to me. I'm not gonna tell anyone. And so we work really hard with all partners, law enforcement, senior centers, uh, you know, all sorts of advocacy groups to get the word out to seniors that it's out there, it can happen. What does it look like? And what's the latest? Because once you get one scan behind you, as of course has been talked about previous, another one is coming. And so we always have to be prepared uh to be able to talk about this openly.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, yeah. You know, protection works best when everyone, you know, plays a role and we all have a role. Now, during Protect Week 2026, uh Leslie, what specific programs or initiatives is the Maryland Department of Aging highlighting for older adults as well as caregivers?
SPEAKER_02Well, you know, spring's a great time. We're we're finally all ready to get out and and and see people again and start to, you know, uh say hi to our neighbors again. So it's a great time for us to hold events and in our around all of our counties, 24 counties, we have senior centers that are holding events this week, uh, you know, and and beyond, you know, that spreads the awareness. They're doing you know, simple things that might only be about 20 people, and then they could be doing large ones, uh, you know, PG County does one of the largest ones in the state, uh, where they present proclamations, which just shows the state level of commitment. The governor is very committed to making this week and this time that we're talking about prevention, awareness. What does it look like? How do I uh deal with this if I think it's happening to me? How do I deal with it if I think it's happening to a loved one or a friend? And so we're there's a lot of events in every county. I would encourage all your listeners to go to their local senior center uh websites, uh the area on agent agencies, every county has one. They're holding events, they're holding educational seminars, they've got uh collateral that people can learn from and just really good resources on the website. So it's it's a it's a very busy month for us, but it's it's a huge topic and awareness is key.
SPEAKER_05Great information. Help us understand, Leslie, uh, what's tangible and available right now when financial exploitation or abuse is suspected. What is the proper reporting pathway in Maryland? Who should someone contact first?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, you know, it's a great question. Uh and we tell everyone the first person you should call, if you suspect this is happening to you or to a loved one, a neighbor, a church member, call the police. Call if you want to call 911, say I have a non-emergency, but the police, our local police departments are our greatest advocate in the county. One of the best reasons about that, and it was talked about a little on your previous show, is that because they're monitoring what's going on locally, and they know, and so you might not understand is this a scam or is this not? Well, don't hesitate. Call your local authorities, tell them what you think and why. They're gonna be your best advocate to say, you know what, this is going on. I'm glad you called. So we really always encourage people to call, and and everyone knows 911. You know, we know how to call the police. It's not hard, you don't have to go to a website and try to figure it out. But if you don't want to call the police and you feel like maybe I don't know if there's a crime here, we do have adult protective services. That's called APS, it's short. Um, and there is a phone number, it's 800-91 um prevent, but you could go on the website and just put in APS. Adult Protective Services is a statewide initiative. Every state has it. Ours here in Maryland is one of the most robust, it's been nationally recognized of identifying these preventions, helping you to investigate, is this really happening? I don't think it's a crime. I don't think I should call the police. Well, call APS. They'll be your best partner to talk you through, send you resources, get you hooked up with who you need to get hooked up with. So we always say one of those two to do it. And if you don't feel comfortable with any of them, just talk to a friend. Always talk to someone and say, I think this might be happening. What should I do? Only together can we work this out. And so we're all in this together. So don't talk to someone instead of no one.
SPEAKER_05Absolutely, absolutely. Couldn't agree uh more. You know, many of our older adults, as you already know, may be isolated, whether it's physically or socially. How does the Department of Uh Aging work to reach those who may not be plugged into traditional information channels?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, you know, it's it's a challenge because you if you're going to the senior centers, you're if you're attending these events, you're getting the information right, you're talking to people, but it's when you're not going that this happens. So we try to say that don't always think about it as going to an event about financial exploitation or abuse, but just going to church. You might just find a sitting around the table and you might say, I noticed something on my bank account. What should I do? Church members are are some of the best. You can talk to someone in the grocery store. You know, everybody is about this and everyone gets affected by it. So we say to people, you know, do that. But if you if you don't have that and you really maybe aren't out much, the website is a really great thing to do. There we have a map location. You can call people, you can, you know, there are senior call checks. There's a lot of things. So we would welcome everyone to go to the Maryland Department of Aging website and look at a lot of resources that if I just don't feel like talking to someone, I might not be that per that people person, but I'd I'd maybe, you know, in person, but I'd like to maybe talk to someone. Go to a website and try to find some resources. There's a lot of things out there.
SPEAKER_05Absolutely, absolutely. Access matters, especially for those, you know, who feel alone. For families and caregivers listening today, uh Leslie, what warning signs should they watch out for that might indicate financial exploitation or abuse?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, you know, we say one of the things we say to all families is when it gets to be a certain time, don't worry about sharing your password with your children. You know, most children are good. And we try to say things like, watch, watch mom or dad or aunt's bank account and see if some strange things are happening. Talk to your loved one. You know, did they happen to go to the bank a couple of more times this month and you maybe didn't pick it up? Well, why would they go three times? That's kind of abnormal. So it's the warning signs. You kind of you kind of want to know what they are, but you also want to look for just characteristic changes because a lot of these financial exploitations come with a psychological and an emotional amount to them. So if you're noticing some withdrawal, or I am a little more scared, I don't want to answer the phone, any of these kind of things, don't hesitate to take a pause and say, maybe I should look into it. You gotta talk about it. Get it out there, talk about it, and see what's going on. Because the quicker you get involved, the better off it is.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. Leslie, we are just about out of time. But uh finally, beyond this one week in April, what ongoing commitment is Marilyn making to ensure elder protection is a year-round priority?
SPEAKER_02It has to be, Sean. We have to talk about this all the time. And we do a lot here in the month of April, but we every month have events at our local senior centers. We are constantly disseminating information out through social media. Um, we have the state has several statewide elder abuse task forces going on where we're monitoring, we're working with local authorities, we're working with uh FBI, we're working with the state's attorney's office so that we can identify when these scams happen, we can find out who's being targeted, and we can get that information to that local county to say, hey, this is happening in your backyard. So we work tirelessly all year long around this very important subject.
SPEAKER_05Leslie Smith Ray from the Maryland Department of Aging. Thank you, thank you, thank you, my friend, for reminding us that protection is not just enforcement, it's community, it's connection and it's care. Family, here's what I want you to hear. You are not alone, as Leslie just talked about, and help is closer than you think. Now we're about to zero in on another area that affects thousands of Marylanders, insurance fraud, because sometimes scams show up in policies, claims, as well as paperwork. Up next is Mike Allison, Assistant Chief of Criminal Fraud with the Maryland Insurance Administration, joining us to break it all down. Leslie, thank you again, my friend.
SPEAKER_02It's my pleasure.
SPEAKER_05All right, folks, Protect Week 2026 continues right here on the Senior Zone. This next break is brought to you by AARP Maryland, protecting older Americans from financial exploitation. We'll be right back.
SPEAKER_08Did you know Marylanders lose millions each year to scam?
SPEAKER_07From fake grandkids to imposter calls to investment schemes. Scammers are getting smarter.
SPEAKER_08That's why AARP Maryland is launching Protect Week 2026, April 20th through the 24th.
SPEAKER_07All week long, get expert advice, real stories, improving tips to help you protect your money and your peace of mind. Learn the red flags. Stop from early.org forward slash MD to learn more. Protect Week 2026.
SPEAKER_05Stay informed, stay empowered.
Interview: Mike Allison (MD Insurance Administration)
SPEAKER_05All right, family. We've talked federal enforcement, we've talked state level protection. Now we are zeroing in on something that affects nearly every household listening right now: insurance. Because fraud doesn't just show up in our emails and our phone calls. Sometimes it shows up in policies, claims, repairs, contractors, and even medical billing. So joining me now is Mike Allison, Assistant Chief of Criminal Fraud with the Maryland Insurance Administration. His office investigates insurance fraud across the state. And yes, older adults are often targeted. Mike, welcome to the senior zone.
SPEAKER_01Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you and your audience today.
SPEAKER_05It is an absolute uh pleasure, Mike, to have you here. So, Mike, let's start broad. When we hear insurance fraud, what does that actually mean? What kinds of cases does your office investigate?
SPEAKER_01Basically, insurance fraud is when an insurance agent or broker, adjuster, or consumer commits a deliberate deception for financial gain. Insurance fraud is one of the most costly crimes in our country. It costs about $308 billion per year nationally. The impact in Maryland is about $1,000 per person. Career criminals, organized crime groups, medical, legal, and business professionals, ordinary citizens, and even your next door neighbors are capable of committing insurance fraud. Insurance fraud involves all types of insurance, such as property and casualty, which includes insurance like auto, homeowners and renters, life and health insurance, and licensed producer fraud. Producer is what we call an insurance agent or an insurance broker. My office investigates a wide variety of insurance cases. These include staged collisions, arsons, fictitious or inflated thefts and damages, false documents, workers' compensation fraud, exaggerated injuries, health care and life insurance fraud. We also investigate roofing fraud, predatory towing fraud, and fraud committed by licensed insurance agents.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, well, I appreciate uh that uh, you know, most people just don't realize how wide insurance fraud this category really, really is. Are there specific types of insurance fraud that uh disproportionately impacts older adults in Maryland?
SPEAKER_01Yeah, older adults are often targets of insurance fraud, particularly in regard to life and health insurance. Um, if you're an older adult older adult like myself and you're unsure about an insurance product, it's a good idea to seek advice from your friends or family or from a trusted accountant, attorney, or financial advisor before making any insurance purchase. The Maryland administration, excuse me, the Maryland Insurance Administration website, which is located at insurance.maryland.gov, has extensive resources available for free to sit in protecting all Marylanders. Insurance scams target seniors in Maryland frequently involve fraud fraudsters opposing as Medicare, Social Security, or insurance company representatives to steal personal information, drain bank accounts, or sell fraudulent policies. Common tactics include offering fake benefit checkups, pushing unnecessary annuity replacements, and using AI-driven robocalls to demand urgent action. Long-term care has also become an increasing source of insurance fraud in Maryland. Older adults who struggle to track benefits, manage complex paperwork or advocate for themselves can become easy targets for exploitation. Long-term fraud includes billing for services or hours that were never provided, charging for a higher level of air care health care than actually delivered, using unlicensed caregivers and trying to keep family members out of the loop so fraudulent charges can be submitted. I want to cause you to be especially aware of a salesperson or telephone caller who contacts you unsolicited. The salesperson has probably attained your information through a mailing list. He or she may offer to provide you with a benefits of checkup or may say that you were referred by a friend or neighbor. This information may also come to you in the mail. Not all agents who contact you are dishonest, but it's a good idea to be cautious. You should always check the Maryland Insurance Administration website for the current status of any licensed insurance producer. Beware of anybody that urges you to cash in on an existing annuity or life insurance polity to buy a new annuity, life insurance policy or other event or other investment. Generally, annuities and life insurance are worth more the longer you keep them. Changing to annuity, a new annuity or policy may cause you to lose money over the first three to five years. Beware of somebody that claims to be from Medicare, Social Security, or another government agency, generally the government will not contact you and try to sell you insurance. An agent or broker who claims to be associated with the government is breaking the law. Be wary of somebody that wants to sell you a package policy that includes several different benefits, some of which might duplicate a policy that you already have or include coverage that you don't need. Be wary if somebody wants to pay cash or make you check money or payable to them. Want you to sign forms that contain false or incomplete information or are blank. Or want you to sign out, sign, fill out forms for you. Make sure you read and understand anything that you sign. Yeah.
SPEAKER_05Great information, uh, Mike. You know, we can have an entire show on just that one question alone. But uh with the time constraints that we're under, you know, we often hear that contractor scams after storms and home home damage, they're always coming about and throughout our communities. How do these situations turn into insurance fraud cases?
SPEAKER_01Right. There are several types of storm chases as they're commonly referred to. The first are the contractors who contract for repairs they never plan to perform. These contractors often go door to door after a big storm or natural disaster, soliciting work, and they may use pressure tactics to get your home repair business. Such tactics can include saying that the price is only good till the end of the Day they will give you a special design if you get a 40 mega cash or deposit now. Another type of this fraud happens when a contractor knocks on your door unsolicited. Until you're working on a neighbor's roof that was damaged by this form. Your entire roof replaced and offering your free roof and these campers may intentionally damage your roof while expecting it, but to create or exaggerate repair names. These actions could result in your claim being denied. If your roof is damaged, call your insurance company first before going to work with a contractor.
SPEAKER_05Mike, if someone suspects insurance fraud, whether they're the victim or simply see something that is suspicious, what should they do? Who should they contact?
SPEAKER_01If you suspect insurance fraud has been committed, you should report it to your insurance company as soon as possible. When reporting it to the public MIA, you do not need to give your name.maryland.gov or by telephone at 1-800-846-4069. Can you give that name about one more time, Mike? Sure, the number's 1-800-846-4069.
SPEAKER_05Gotcha, gotcha. And how does insurance fraud ultimately affect everyday Maryland, even those who are never directly targeted?
SPEAKER_01The Coalition of Insurance Fraud estimates that insurance fraud steals at least $388 billion every year from American consumers. This is a burden that gets passed directly on the honest policyholders like you through increased premiums. Those who play by the rules end up paying the price for those that don't. And some criminal criminal fraud schemes, such as those involving arson or stage auto accidents, can put innocent lives in harm's way. Remember the website, insurance.maryland.gov, and I'm going to repeat that.maryland.gov. In addition to licensing and regulating insurance companies in the state of Maryland, the Maryland Insurance Administration is your staunch ally in all insurance-related matters. Whether it involves reporting insurance fraud, checking out an insurance company or producer, or seeking assistance with claims and insurance rate, we're available to assist you free of charge at any time.
SPEAKER_05Insurance.maryland.gov, folks.maryland.gov. Mike Allison, Assistant Chief of Criminal Fraud with the Maryland Insurance Administration. Thank you, thank you, thank you for shedding light on an area that many people often overlook. Family,
Key Takeaways & Fraud Prevention Tips
SPEAKER_05here's the big takeaway from today's show. Fraud is sophisticated, but so are we. From federal regulators to the FBI to the Maryland Department of Aging to insurance fraud investigators, protection is happening at every level. But the first layer of protection, it starts with awareness. Protect Week 2026 continues all week long, April 20th, today through April 24th, and we'll keep bringing you the conversations that matter. Mike Allison, thank you, my friend.
SPEAKER_01Thank you.
SPEAKER_05Folks, this is the Senior Zone where experience never gets old. This next break is brought to you by AARP DC, your wise friend and fierce defender in Washington, D.C. When we return, it's birthdays of the week, followed by Dear Grave Woman. Then it's your later life lowdown. We'll be right back.
SPEAKER_08Today is your day to connect with AARP and DC. AARP is here in the District of Columbia working hard to make it an even better place to live, work, and play for people of all ages, and you can help. Put your skills and talents to good use as an AARP volunteer where you can help lead local events or become an advocate for the issues that matter in your community, like funding for programs that help district residents age with dignity and independence. AARP is also helping you get the most out of life. Check out their educational workshops where they can help you grow as a caregiver, find a job, and teach you about the latest technology, or enjoy a night out at any of their exciting local events, like their happy hours and free movie screenings. Today is your day to connect with your community and with AARP. So let's take on today and every day. Learn more at aarp.org slash DC. Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday.
Birthday Shoutout's, Dear Grave Woman Later Life Lowdown & Closing Remarks
SPEAKER_05One of my favorite parts of the show where we pause and celebrate life, legacy, and another trip around the sun. So whether you're turning 50 or 105, just know this we celebrate you the same way with love. Happy birthday to Sharon Canty, 79 today. Monday, April 20th from Washington, D.C. Happy birthday, Sharon Marcia D. Murphy, 70 years young, my friend. Tuesday, April 21st from Washington, D.C. Happy, happy birthday, Marcia. Dr. Judyan Andrews is 81 on Tuesday, April 21st. Also from Washington, D.C., happy birthday, Dr. Andrews. Daryl Barnes, 61. Tuesday, April 21st from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Happy birthday, Daryl. This one has escaped me for years. Haven't interviewed her and she's retiring soon. DC Council Member Anita Bonds, 75 on Wednesday, April 22nd from Washington, D.C. Happy birthday, Councilmember Bonds, and for the work that you have done for DC Seniors. Next up is Stu Rosenthal, former editor and publisher of the Beacon Newspaper, turning 69 on Wednesday, April 22nd from Silver Spring, Maryland. Happy birthday, Stu, Kathy Hughes, a legend. 79 on Wednesday, April 22nd from Washington, D.C. She is the founder and chairperson of Radio One, the largest African American-owned and operated broadcast company in the nation. Happy birthday, Miss Hughes. Janice Queen is 80 years young on Thursday, April 23rd from Cedar Heights, Maryland. Happy birthday, Janice. Kim Callanan, my friend. She's the baby of the bunch. 56 on Friday, April 24th from Kensington, Maryland. Happy birthday, Kim. Lisa Miller Sinai or Cini is 58 on Friday, April 24th from Canton, Ohio. Happy birthday, Lisa. A few more here. We have Laverne Franklin, 81 on Friday, April 24th from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Happy birthday, Laverne. And last but not least, Gloria Todd, mother of former councilperson Brandon Todd is 78 on Friday, April 24th from Washington, D.C. Happy birthday, Gloria. From all of us here at the Senior Zone, again, we wish you joy, good health, and many more blessed years ahead. And if you want your name mentioned here on the senior zone and want to be celebrated, send us an email to infotheseniorzone.com. That's INFO at the senior zone.com. All right, family. Coming up next is the segment that continues to touch lives, spark reflection, and offer real guidance when you need it most. It's time for Dear Grave Woman with Joelle Simone, where your questions meet wisdom, compassion, and truth. So let's lean in because this one always speaks to somebody. Joelle, take it away, my friend.
SPEAKER_10Hey Sean, and welcome back, everyone, to Dear Grave Woman. My name is Joelle Simone. I'm the host of this segment. I'm known all over the world as the Grave Woman, and this is your three-minute segment on the senior zone where I answer your questions about life, death, grief, and planning for the end. Today I have an email from Michelle in Greensboro who says, Dear Grave Woman, I'm writing because my mother, whom I've watched decline in health and in mind for the past three years, has recently been diagnosed as having Alzheimer's. Is it common to feel as if I'm mourning my mother even though she's still alive? Michelle, I just want to say thank you so much for your vulnerability and for taking time to write into the show. I also want to start by saying that you're grieving someone who is still here. That is a very real feeling based on all of the research that I've done in preparation to answer your question. And this is a theme that I've seen repeated in almost every support document that I could get my hands on. And I want to just say to you that that kind of loss is real, is valid, and it's deeply complex. There's nothing wrong or incorrect about the way that you feel. Even as her memory fades, your connection and care that you're giving her still matter. The last thing that I want to say is that you do not have to carry this grief and this weight alone. Your grief deserves support, softness, and a space to be honored. And because of that, I would strongly recommend it, even if all you do is get on Google and Google support groups for families of color, navigating an Alzheimer's diagnosis, or if you get on Google and search for a therapist or mental health counselor who can help you navigate the grief that you have with this diagnosis, as well as the level of anticipatory grief that you may be experiencing and thinking about your mother no longer being here. That would be a tremendous step forward and an amazing support system, not only for you, but your loved ones and maybe even for your mother as well. Again, thank you so much for writing in. And if you or anyone else has questions that you'd like answered here on the senior zone, email them directly to me at thegravewoman at gmail.com. Sean, back to you for the later life lowdown.
SPEAKER_05And just like that, powerful as always. Thank you, Joel, for continuing to pour into our community with such grace and honesty. And now it's time for your later life lowdown, your weekly roundup of news, resources, and opportunities for our seniors and caregivers across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. So let's get right into it. In Washington, D.C., the DC Department of Aging and Community Living is continuing its support services for older adults, including wellness programs, caregiver resources, and home-delivered meals, and much, much more. For more information, call 202-724-5626. That's 202-724-5626. Also in DC, if you or someone you know are experiencing elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, the DC Adult Protective Services Hotline is available at 202-541-3950. That's 202-541-3950. In Maryland, if you didn't already know, it's Protect Week running from today, April 20th through April 24th, raising awareness about fraud, scams, and financial exploitation. For resources or to report suspicious activity, contact the Maryland Office of the Attorney General at 410-528-8662. That's 410-528-8662. The Maryland Department of Aging also offers assistance through its senior call check program. It's a free daily check-in service for older adults to enroll. Call 866-50 check. 866-50 check. Now in Northern Virginia, the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, they continue to provide caregiver support, transportation services, as well as nutrition programs and much more. To learn more there, call 703-324-7948. That's 703-324-7948. And folks, that wraps up this week's Later Life Lowdown where the info is fresh, the love is real, and the goal is always to enrich your journey. And one more thing, the senior zone has always been about more than a moment. It's about building something that lasts. That's why we are now available as a podcast so conversations like these can live on, they can be revisited and shared. Just search the senior zone wherever you listen to podcasts. All right, family, the pencil broke. That is all she wrote. That's all our time for today. Thank you for listening. Thank you for caring, and thank you for being part of this community. So until we meet again, keep your head high, keep your heart full, and always be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow. Love you. Peace.
SPEAKER_09Be sure to join us on our next broadcast.
SPEAKER_00Until then, live simply, love generously. Care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God.
SPEAKER_09Have a wonderful week, and God willing, the stingers don't will be here for another informative and entertaining hour next Monday morning at 10 a.m.
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