An agent of the FBI will be discussing a serious topic this week at the next lecture for Academia Hernando on Feb. 5: Senior Scams. The scam scenarios might seem outrageous or even humorous to some; yet a senior citizen might believe that she has made a meaningful love connection with a Nigerian prince; one who has encountered an emergency and, despite his royal status, needs her to send him money. Another senior might receive a call from his grandchild, claiming to be in need of money; only the ‘grandchild’ is a complete stranger merely impersonating their family member. In truth, senior scams are no laughing matter.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, senior scams cost the elderly population more than $3 billion annually. Seniors tend to lose $500 or more when scammed, with the individual financial loss reported by people age 80 and older estimated to be $1,700, this figure marking a 55% increase from previous years.
At 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5, an FBI spokesperson will be addressing the subject of Cyber Scams Related to Business Email Compromise, COVID-19, and Romance Scams for Academia Hernando, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd. in Spring Hill.
Academia Hernando this year features an itinerary of nine guest speakers/educators. The program is overseen by board President Marge Griffin; booking is conducted by Sharon Printz and Mickey Mandel, board members of Academia Hernando, backed by a board that provides speaking leads and other valuable support.
Other upcoming Academia Hernando presentations will include Romance On The Silver Screen, presented Friday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m, by Jason Fortner; Catch Me If You Can: Inside The Mind of the Serial Killer John Wayne Gacy, presented Friday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m., by David Hachmeister; Key West-Pirates, Patriots, and Painters presented Friday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m., by Cathy Salustri; The Colorful Life of Georgia O’Keeffe, and Friday, Mar. 5 at 10 a.m., by Nan Colton. A Mystery Excursion will round out this year’s schedule Friday, March 12.
All presentations will be conducted in accordance with CDC guidelines in a theater booked to half capacity. Masks will be worn by all audience members, who will be socially distanced from one another and the stage. Hand sanitizer will be available.
An Academia Hernando series subscription is $70 per person and includes all lectures and a Mystery Excursion for subscribers only. For more information, visit www.academiahernando.org or call 352-515-0300 or 352-686-4035. Advance registration is strongly recommended, but walk-in visitors are invited to attend at a cost of $10 per presentation if space is available.
“This information,” Mandel says regarding this Friday’s presentation, “is so important to seniors.”
