VIENNA, W.Va. (WTAP) – A group of senior citizens were able to enjoy a holiday meal and learn about fraud prevention at the Great Central Church of Christ Tuesday afternoon.

Former West Virginia Homeland Security Secretary, Wood County Sheriff and fraud examiner Jeff Sandy shared some tips on avoiding fraud with a group of senior citizens during a Thanksgiving luncheon hosted at Grand Central Church of Christ on Tuesday.

Sandy provided examples of how people in the community have fallen victim to scams and shared some general guidance on how to avoid becoming a victim.

Some tips Sandy shared include: being cautious about sharing any personal information on the Internet or elsewhere, not using a debit card, and avoiding clicking on links in emails, even when when they seem official.

Sandy said the elderly are often particularly vulnerable to scams.

“Our elderly population is very vulnerable to people contacting them in very different ways in an attempt to defraud them,” he said.

That’s why he said it’s especially important to spread awareness.

“We all have to work together,” he said. “We’ll never stop financial fraud, but if we can save one person from going through this mess, we’ve accomplished a lot.”

Greater Central Church of Christ minister Joe Spivy said he is glad the church can host an event that spreads this awareness.

“Welcome to the world,” Spivy said. “Welcome to the community. And we build each other up, we love each other. Spending such a time is just a reminder of the community, the family that we are. And as part of the community, we want to do things that help not just our members, but our community as a whole.”

Jeff Sandy encourages any other churches or community organizations that would like to learn more about fraud or arrange a presentation to contact him at (304) 615-6667 or by email at [email protected].

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