Fraud Bingo aims to educate seniors on scams

BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO (WTRF) – Older people continue to be victimized by scams, despite hundreds of news stories pointing out the dangers.

So Senior Services of Belmont County came up with a way to get the word out to seniors in a way they’d enjoy and pay attention to.

If you’ve ever been to a Bingo game, you’ve seen this phenomenon. All eyes and ears are straining, focused and attentive. So Senior Services of Belmont County held a huge game of Fraud Bingo.

Several Belmont County seniors have been scammed.

“We’ve had seniors lose large amounts of money, lose property. We try to intervene.”

Leslie Thompson, Community Outreach Administrator, SSOBC

One person even lost her home. Senior Services has set up lectures and seminars.

“The interest is typically low. They don’t want to come to something where they’re educated or they feel it’s boring.”

Leslie Thompson, Community Outreach Administrator, SSOBC

“The material can be a little dry and sometimes boring but it’s very important.”

Lisa Dalga, Outreach Specialist, Ohio SMP

So they tried Fraud Bingo. Hundreds of people showed up, focusing on their card, their dauber and learning something in the process.

“Our Bingo squares are actually different scenarios of fraud or scams that they could fall victim to.”

Leslie Thompson, Community Outreach Administrator, SSOBC

D-68, the word impact.

Prizes were donated by 14 area vendors, who got the chance to get the word out about their services.

“So we do um medication packaging and free delivery services in Belmont County.”

Susan Tarr, Diamond Pharmacy, Wintersville

Back at the Bingo tables, people were winning. Along with the thrill of victory came some knowledge that could keep them safe.

“Don’t answer the phone. If I get a phone call and I don’t know the number, I just let it go to answering machine.”

Dolores Gleaves, Martins Ferry

“There’s a lot of Medicare fraud that they’re talkin’ about. But all people really need to know about the Medicare fraud, they don’t make phone calls to you at home.”

Candace Rinkes, Martins Ferry

The event was a rousing success. There was social interaction, lunch, knowledge…and Bingo!

They say if you like to keep scammers on the phone a long time just to take up their time, consider this. On their call history, that looks like a successful call. So you’ll get more and more calls in the future.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTRF.