Print Version

TALLAHASSEE - Attorney General Charlie Crist today recognized the Seniors vs. Crime program for its outstanding efforts in preventing crime against Florida's senior citizens, educating seniors about consumer frauds, and alerting them to criminal behavior in their local areas. During a meeting of the Governor and Cabinet, Crist introduced a resolution designating November as Seniors vs. Crime Month, reminding Floridians of the importance of fighting crime against senior citizens.

Established in 1989, the Seniors vs. Crime program was created to assist seniors who were being targeted by criminals. Senior Storefronts, the centerpiece of the Seniors vs. Crime program, are offices across the state staffed by Senior Sleuth volunteers who assist seniors file complaints. Since the program's inception, more than 2,500 Senior Sleuth volunteers have helped recover more than $4 million for seniors victimized by conartists.

"Too many seniors are being victimized by conartists and thieves, and many victims are too embarrassed or afraid to report crimes against them," said Crist. "The Seniors vs. Crime Storefronts, staffed with senior citizen volunteers, give victims a safe place to make their complaints known. I applaud the Senior Sleuth volunteers for the dedication and compassion they demonstrate while helping fellow seniors who seek assistance."

Many of the 24 storefronts throughout Florida work in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies to serve as a resource for the elderly in the area. This collaboration benefits the law enforcement agencies as well as local citizens. The Senior Sleuths program is well known around the state and its volunteers actively assist in consumer protection investigations, often participating in undercover sting operations against unscrupulous businesses.

Citrus County Sheriff Jeffrey J. Dawsy recognizes the value of the program, "The Citrus County Sheriff's Office Seniors vs. Crime Program is a primary staple of our community policing philosophy. This program offers our seniors another option to recover losses and make right the wrong that has been done."

As part of Seniors vs. Crime Month, Attorney General Crist also introduced a new brochure, "Smart Consumers Can Stop Fraud - A Guide for Seniors," aimed at providing tips and information to help prevent crimes against seniors in both English and Spanish. Topics include telemarketing fraud, identity theft, price gouging and prescription drug pricing.

The brochure can be downloaded from the special Senior Floridians page at www.myfloridalegal.com, or copies can be obtained at any of the 24 Seniors vs. Crimes Storefronts located across Florida. To obtain a list of the Storefront locations or learn more about the program, visit http://www.seniorsvscrime.com.

A copy of the resolution is available at: http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/KGRG-6HWLRC/$file/SeniorsvCrimeresolution.pdf.

A copy of the "Smart Consumers Can Stop Fraud - A Guide for Seniors" brochure can be viewed at: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/Seniors_Brochure.pdf.