Protect yourself from romance scams during the holiday season Speakers: - Jarrod Randle, Investigations Unit Supervisor in New York, U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Kat Fisher, AARP New York’s Associate State Director of Community Engagement Learn to recognize the signs of romance scams, understand the frequency with which these scammers target unsuspecting individuals through direct messages, and discover ways to support a loved one who may have fallen victim. Also, learn about a free program that provides emotional support for people affected by fraud. What are some safe ways to meet someone you met on a dating site? What tools are out there to check someone’s background and how do they work? Background information: Romance scams are a significant concern, especially during the holiday season when people may feel more lonely or vulnerable. Scammers often take advantage of this time to exploit emotions and financial generosity • The holidays can be a lonely time for many, making individuals more susceptible to forming online relationships. • People are often more generous during the holidays, which scammers exploit by asking for financial help • Scammers may use the pretext of wanting to visit for the holidays but needing funds to do so. All age groups are vulnerable, though older Americans may be particularly vulnerable and targeted as they typically have more assets and are less familiar with online scams. According to the FTC's Protecting Older Consumers Report Protecting Older Consumers (2022-2023), older adults reportedly lost nearly $240 million to romance scams in 2022.

Top Five Elder Law & Estate Planning for the Thanksgiving Table Thanksgiving is a time when the whole family gets together and reflects on what they feel thankful for. This year, use this as an opportunity to discuss your future plans and goals. Join Cona Elder Law Senior Partner Melissa Negrin-Wiener for a vibrant discussion on what topics you may want to address with your loved ones: - Asset Protection - Long Term Care - The Family Home - Your Advanced Directives - The Importance of Trusts