LIHUE — Watch out for “James Washington,” said Kauai Police Department Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce during the Senior Law Day gathering on Friday at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall.
“‘James Washington’ is a name used by several scams originating from different parts of the world,” Ponce said. “Scams target the elderly, but everyone gets affected — even my grandma was talking to James Washington.”
Scams and fraud were the central theme of the gathering presented by the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii and the county’s Agency on Elderly Affairs and attracting several hundred people, including representaties of different organizations involved with the elderly and their welfare.
“We (the AARP) just came out with a new publication on when kupuna should turn over their (car) keys,” said Jim Jung, a volunteer with the AARP. “The old book had a lot of numbers. This new one has more discussions on when it’s time to turn over the keys. I’ve been on a rest from helping with the AARP driving. Maybe it’s time I get involved again.”
Kupuna were presented with information ranging from estate planning, fraud, scams, stretching, and Medicare scams through speakers, including Ponce and Anna Valasco of Ho‘ola Lahui leading the stretching.
The AARP Fraud Watch network offered printouts on tips for preventing fraud, including protecting an individual’s Social Security number, and monitoring bills and financial accounts.
In addition to academic presentations, kupuna could also partake of other information presented by community organizations such as Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Medical Service Association, Alu Like and others involved in the welfare of Kauai’s elderly population.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
