A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-118, regarding a report on senior scams and fraud

Telephone [phone removed] Facsimile [phone removed] TTY/TTD [phone removed] www.cambridgema.gov/consumercouncil.aspx Laura M. Nichols Executive Director Michael Hemmerle Information Specialist Augsut To: Louis A. DePasquale, Cambridge City Manager From: Laura Nichols, Executive Director; Dr. Branville Bard, Jr., Police Commissioner and Susan Pacheco, Executive Director Cc: Nicole Murati Ferrer, License Commission Chair Date: January 9, 2020 RE: Policy Order and Resolution List POR 2019 #388 City Council Order O-8, dated September 16, 2019 As requested, we are responding to the above-referenced City Council Policy Order POR 2019 #388 and City Council Order #O-8, which relates to phone scams and fraud, determining patterns to better direct outreach efforts, to strengthen current education programs in an attempt to avoid future instances of scams and fraud targeted at the senior population. Our agencies understand the importance of educating those who live in Cambridge of the various scams and fraud and continue to reach out to the community. The Consumers’ Council (CCC) works in cooperation with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office to provide consumer rights information and assistance in resolution consumer disputes by informal mediation. Through our consumer information and public assistance hotline, the CCC fields consumer inquiries to empower residents to be smart consumers and problem solvers through self-help strategies and social media. The CCC continues to provide workshops and speaking engagements upon request and distribute flyers to inform consumers of this office as a resource to resolve issues along with assistance on how to remedy financial situations related to fraud and scams. Our Shred Day event held twice a year is also used as an opportunity to distribute materials and information to the 300 plus residents. The Cambridge Police Department consistently monitors and places special attention to reports of scams and fraud. To make residents aware, CPD uses a multifaceted approach to generate widespread awareness in hopes of preventing future victimization around these issues. Scams are always evolving, but disseminating information to residents through door-to-door campaigns each spring, Citizen Alerts, social media and traditional media, and posting updates on our website have enabled messages to spread within and well beyond our jurisdiction. CPD staff are always available to educate seniors on scams, crime trends and safety information during meetings or forums at various buildings and organizations. Our Senior Outreach Officers attend monthly meetings at the Senior Center the first Thursday of each month to address questions our senior residents may have and to update on any crime trends, including scams and fraud. They also conduct year-round presentations at senior housing facilities. They recently held a “Scams Targeting Seniors” workshop at CCTV in September 2019. CAMBRIDGE CONSUMERS’ COUNCIL 831 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 ================================================== Working in Cooperation with the Office of Attorney General Maura Healey Serving the City of Cambridge, City of Somerville, City of Waltham City of Watertown, Town of Arlington and Town of Belmont

Response to Policy Order and Resolution List POR 2019 #388 City Council Order O-8, dated September 16, 2019 Page 2 of 2 Telephone [phone removed] Facsimile [phone removed] TTY/TTD [phone removed] www.cambridgema.gov/consumercouncil.aspx The Council on Aging staff continually reminds residents to always be vigilant and on the lookout for scams. We have incorporated the educational component of how to protect and what to look for in scams in all aspects of our day to day delivery of services to residents. Our Scam Awareness Forum in February 2019 by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Senior Resource Fair held in September 2019 provided a plethora of information to seniors. Current monthly Town Meetings and workshops along with a new outreach program to buildings that house seniors will continue to get the word out. Through the publication, Newslines which is delivered to many drop off locations in Cambridge, available online and mailed to consumers, we have been very proactive in reaching the community. In order to strengthen current educational programs, the Consumers’ Council, Police Department and Department of Human Services Council on Aging are collaborating to hold two events to promote awareness and education for residents to protect themselves and avoid future instances of scams and fraud: • During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) helps people understand their consumer rights and encourages consumers to make well-informed financial decisions. On Thursday, March 5th at 12 p.m., the Senior Center will be hosting a National Consumer Protection Week session on the latest scams victimizing Cambridge residents with a focus on grandparent and IRS scams. • A forum in June for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is also planned with a focus on the most common scams that are targeting and victimizing seniors. The date and logistics are being finalized. If residents experience any type of fraud or scam activity, they are encouraged to contact either of our departments and the resident will be directed to the appropriate agency. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns. Respectfully submitted, Laura M. Nichols Dr. Branville G. Bard, Jr. Executive Director Police Commissioner Cambridge Consumers’ Council Cambridge Police Department [phone removed] [phone removed] Susan Pacheco Executive Director Council on Aging [phone removed]