Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. recently launched a video called “Red Flags of Fraud” in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) and in conjunction with Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Written and produced by the District Attorney’s Office in collaboration with HACP, the video features Senior Justice Advocates Cyndie Carioli and Joe Giuffre educating viewers on how to spot a potential scam and report fraud. Residents of the Housing Authority of Pittsburgh—William Bey and Brenda Toley—also share their personal experiences with scams. The video is available for view on YouTube (see below).
According to a study from the University of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County holds the second largest population of residents age 60 and older. Due to its rising population of older adults, our area is heavily targeted by cyber criminals and scammers preying on their next victims. In 2016, DA Zappala established the Senior Justice Team to protect older adults and prevent fraud by providing them with education and resources. Since then, this team of Senior Justice Advocates has prevented more than $35 million of fraud by educating and encouraging people to take the right steps, spot the red flags and stay aware.
“Continuing awareness and education is the best way to combat the new scams that target and exploit our community daily,” DA Zappala commented. “Furthering awareness helps prepare our most vulnerable citizens to fight back and protect themselves from fraud and abuse.”
“The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh proudly provides housing and supportive services to thousands of Pittsburgh seniors and strives to ensure that they have the highest quality of life,” added Executive Director Caster Binion. “We’re thankful for the opportunity to work in unison with DA Zappala and his team to further awareness and better protect our most vulnerable residents from scams, fraud and abuse.”
How to view the video: Go to: youtube.com/watch?v=DhKdMCCkgPk
The team of Senior Justice Advocates consists of:
- Dick Skrinjar: dickatda@gmail.com
- Cyndie Carioli: cyndieatada@gmail.com
- Joe Guiffre: joeatda@gmail.com
They are available to speak to your group or at your next event. Contact that them at the emails, above.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud or abuse, contact the DA’s Office to be connected with a Senior Justice Advocate. The District Attorney’s Office servesas the Chief Law Enforcement Office of the county and accepts referrals from more than 100 active police departments including the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Police Department and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department. For more information, call (412) 350-4401 or visit alleghenycountyda.us.