April 21, 2008

Media Contact: Sandi Copes

Phone: (850) 245-015

Attorney General McCollum Announces New Seniors vs. Crime Office in Ocala

~ New location brings additional resources to combat crimes against senior citizens ~

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum joined Ocala Police Chief Samuel Williams today in announcing the opening of the newest Seniors vs. Crime office in the Ocala Police Department Community Resource Center. The office is the second Seniors vs. Crime location in Marion County, providing another venue and additional resources for senior citizens who believe they have been victimized by fraud or other crimes. The first Seniors vs. Crime office is located in the residential community The Villages.

Seniors vs. Crime started nearly 20 years ago in partnership with AARP. Seniors and retired citizens involved in the program help educate Floridians about consumer-related fraud and conduct seminars on how seniors can protect themselves from becoming crime victims. There are currently more than 28 operational Seniors vs. Crime offices throughout the state. Last year, Seniors vs. Crime received more than 2,485 cases and made 118 criminal referrals, resulting in 10 arrests. Senior Sleuths have recovered more than $6.6 million for seniors since 2001.

Assistance that volunteers provided last year ranged from directing seniors to the proper organizations which could address their particular concerns to helping them understand bills that they may have received. Additional help can include actual recovery of property or money that is fraudulently taken from senior victims. Last year, assistance provided amounted to more than 27,000 volunteer hours of free service to Florida seniors.

Additional information about the Seniors vs. Crime program can be found at the Attorney General’s website, http://www.myfloridalegal.com, or by calling Seniors vs. Crime toll-free at 1-800-203-3099.

Press release from Sandi Copes