ROANOKE (WSLS10) - Local law enforcement agencies are building a defense against scammers by helping the population they target most often, the elderly. It's part of a partnership between the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office, police and seniors.
Roanoke law enforcement is getting the senior community excited. It's part of program called TRIAD that the city sheriff's office is bringing back. It's where local law enforcement works together with older adults to talk about issues like scams, fraud and violent crimes.
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"They say they were from the IRS and I had owed $1,000," said senior Isabela Diaz-Rios.
"It's a robot, it's a credit card thing saying you need to update your credit card," said Roanoke native Laura Legere.
The Roanoke City Sheriff's Office said scammers prey on the elderly and target them daily. The department answers calls on a weekly basis from people reporting scams, like Legere who's caring for her 90-year old mother.
"Weird stuff is going on like that," commented Legere. I'm concerned for everybody."
It's the fear of needing to know more about current scams and how to react that drove this crowd to the first area TRIAD meeting at the Raleigh Court Library.
Roanoke City Sheriff Tim Allen said the goal is to educate and keep seniors from falling victim. He told us right now, there are two scams circulating...one is about jury duty.
"The other one that's been happening is where someone will call you and tell you either a granddaughter, or son of yours has been arrested, cannot come to the phone and needs bond money," said Allen.
Sheriff Allen said he's finding that scammers are asking for more money, typically $800.
"I'm really happy I came here today to find out what some of them are," added Legere.
The sheriff's department will continue to work with other law enforcement agencies to organize monthly triad meetings.
A survey was handed to everyone who attended asking if they had concerns with the quality of life, transportation and even employment. These concerns will be discussed at the next meeting which will be held at the Raleigh Court Library on June 22nd, at 1p.m.