A Senior Fraud Officer at the Police Department — one trained point person (a partial role to start as we build funding) for information, education, and rapid response.
One number to call — publicized to every household, so a resident or the adult child of an older parent can call the moment something feels wrong, before money moves.
Education with the community — free workshops at the Library with AARP and area senior groups, and making sure every local bank branch knows our fraud officer by name.
Real-time scam alerts — an opt-in phone and email system that warns residents about active local scams as they happen.
County coordination with the Contra Costa DA’s elder-abuse unit, plus a plain-English “who to call” guide on the City website.
Zero judgment — criminals target smart, successful people. What we owe residents is better information and better resources, not shame.
Know someone who’s been targeted? You’re not alone — and you shouldn’t be silent. Report it to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11, and tell me what you’re seeing in Lafayette so we can warn your neighbors.
