By now, regular attendees of the Celebration of Seniors event have heard the warnings about scams many times over.
They know not to answer calls from unknown numbers. They’ve learned that, thanks to artificial intelligence, a familiar voice can be faked.
Yet the reminders remain essential.
As technology evolves, so do the tactics scammers use to take people’s money and older adults remain a frequent target due to their savings and unfamiliarity with emerging tech.
At last month’s packed event, speakers emphasized the scale of the threat, the constant shifts in scam methods, and the need for continued education.
District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III outlined one of the latest concerns: the use of Bitcoin machines in everyday locations like corner markets, gas stations, and laundromats.
“Bitcoin ATMs allow customers to buy digital currency such as Bitcoin and crypto, and people have lost billions,” he said. “By putting the cash into a machine at Cumberland Farms (at the request of a scammer), it goes into the pocketbook, if you will, of the scam artist and cannot be traced.”
Ryan Berard, AARP Massachusetts Associate State Director for Advocacy, echoed these concerns.
“People lost over $200 billion last year using these machines alone,” he said. “And there is no regulation either at the state or federal level that can help you and prevent other people from losing their money.”
Berard noted that AARP has introduced a bill at the State House that would, he said, “put common sense regulation on these machines of which there are more than 600 across the Commonwealth right now.”
While neighboring New England states have already implemented regulations, Massachusetts is currently deliberating on the issue.
Celebration of Seniors continues to grow each year. This year’s event drew more than 700 older adults along with the professionals staffing more than 70 vendor tables. For the first time, the event expanded to use the entire White’s of Westport facility after outgrowing last year’s rooms.
This year, the Bristol County District Attorney’s office and Coastline, both event organizers, were particularly proud to welcome state Secretary Robin Lipson of the Executive Office of Aging & Independence. In her remarks, Lipson offered a brief overview of how the state agency helps older adults access the resources and tools needed to age on their own terms.
Recently, she noted, Gov. Healey signed an executive order requiring every state department to consider the needs of older adults in decision-making. At the RMV, for example,
Lipson said staff will now think about how an older adult might experience long waits, struggle with small print, or feel overwhelmed by kiosk systems.
“It means with this executive order that I’m not the only person in state government thinking about all of you,” she said. “It means that folks in Public Safety and Parks and
Recreation and Environment and Energy and Housing are thinking about older adults.”
In his remarks, Berard also urged attendees not to stay silent if they fall for a scam. Though older adults often lose more money to fraud, younger people ages 20 to 29 are actually scammed more often. Shame or embarrassment should never prevent anyone from seeking help.
“It can happen to anyone,” he said.
Courtney Quinn, Vice President of Anodyne, emphasized the importance of community-based support for seniors.
“We believe everyone should have the opportunity to live independently with dignity, especially our senior populations,” she said. “While aging can sometimes make independent living more challenging, a well-rounded support team can make all the difference.”
Lucilia Prates, state director of the Senior Medicare Patrol, offered another angle on fraud—its ripple effects on healthcare costs.
“Healthcare costs are what they are today because of all the fraud that’s out there,” she said.
She cautioned against calls asking about personal health issues, noting they’re often phishing attempts to obtain Medicare numbers and submit fraudulent charges.
“We need to be very vigilant,” Prates said. “I want you all to please look at your Medicare summaries… Look at your explanation of benefits. Keep a personal healthcare journal.”
For those needing guidance or support, Berard recommended contacting AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
“It’s a nationwide group of volunteers, many of whom themselves have at one time been a victim of a scam or fraud,” he said. “And they can help you to deal with honestly the emotional weight.”
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