QUESTION: I just heard that the Thousand Oaks Police Department now has a hotline about current scams. Do you have any information about this service?
ANSWER:
Yes, I do. The Thousand Oaks Police Department has launched a scam hotline to help educate the community about current scams.
The hotline telephone number is 371-8327 and it provides information on various types of scams currently being experienced by the public. The phone line is a recorded informational message available 24 hours a day.
Scams are climbing at an alarming rate nationwide. Every year thousands of people lose money to scams from a few hundred dollars to their whole life savings. In 2016, the Better Business Bureau reported that approximately 40,000 scams were reported and that does not account for the numerous scams that went unreported.
Providing the community with essential information about types of scams occurring and how they work, can help people avoid becoming victims.
The scam hotline is not for reporting crimes. If you are a victim of a scam that has resulted in a financial loss, call the Ventura County Sheriff’s office dispatch at 654-9511 to have an officer take a report.
For more information on current scams contact the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov or the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org. To file an internet crime complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, visit www.ic3.gov.
I just called the scam hotline to hear the message and found it very helpful. It would be worth a few minutes of your time to call 371-8327.
QUESTION: I have a relative who lives out-of-state and recently has had some health problems. I would like to help him get the care and assistance he needs but I don’t know what is available where he lives. Any suggestions?
ANSWER: Yes, the answer is the Eldercare Locater which is a nationwide directory assistance service designed to help seniors and their caregivers find local support services.
This service links the caller with information and referral networks in the senior’s area and the local Area Agency on Aging. You will talk with a trained professional who has an extensive list of information and referral services.
The Eldercare Locator is available from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The toll-free number is 800-677-1116. Be prepared to provide the county, city and ZIP code of the person you are assisting.
Happenings
May 11, 11 a.m. to noon: “Legal Information for Elders (LIFE)” seminar at Agoura Hills Recreation & Event Center, 29900 Ladyface Court in Agoura Hills. For information and reservations, call 818-597-7361.
May 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: “Memory Café,” a social gathering for those with memory loss and their family caregivers, at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 497-0189.
May 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: “Celebration – It’s Older American’s Month” at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi. For reservations, call 583-6363.
May 17, 1:30-3 p.m.: “What Happened to Please, Thank You and You’re Welcome?” seminar at Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive. For information, call 495-6250.
