Council President Ervin to Speak at Forum on Financial Issues, Fraud Affecting Seniors

Release ID: 11-073
Release Date: 3/21/2011
Contact: Neil Greenberger 240-777-7939 or Sonya Healy240-777-7970
From: Council Office

ROCKVILLE, Md., March 21, 2011—Montgomery County Council President Valerie Ervin, who represents Kensington, Takoma Park, Silver Spring and Wheaton, will be a special guest on Wednesday, March 23, in Silver Spring when the County’s Advisory Committee on Consumer Protection and the County’s Office of Consumer Protection host a forum on financial issues and potential fraud that affects seniors. The forum, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 6-8 p.m. at Charter House at 1316 Fenwick Lane.

The program will address a wide range of financial issues for seniors, including differences among long-term care facilities, such as assisted living, continuing care and skilled nursing. The forum will also detail common consumer scams aimed at seniors, like investment fraud, phony charities and identity fraud. The forum will be moderated by Stuart Rosenthal, publisher of The Beacon newspaper.

In addition to Council President Ervin, speakers will include Sigrid C. Haines, a private attorney specializing in elder law and health care; Bryan Roslund of the State’s Attorney’s Office, who focuses on senior financial exploitation prevention measures; Alice Hedt, Maryland’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman; and Eric Friedman, director of the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection.

“It is so important that we take every opportunity to help inform our seniors about fraudulent schemes before they happen,” said Council President Ervin. “This forum serves as a great starting point to properly equip our seniors with the tools they need to protect their investments.

“The County’s Office of Consumer Protection does an outstanding job for all of our residents. I am happy to partner with them to help spread the word about questionable business practices used by unscrupulous individuals to take advantage of our residents.”

Office of Consumer Protection Director Friedman said the forum will provide seniors with the chance to learn about consumer protection services that the County has available.

“This is a golden opportunity to join forces with financial experts to help seniors make the right decisions and avoid scams,” he said. “It also gives us the opportunity to hear directly from the community to better understand the needs and concerns of our senior consumers and their families.”

Space may be limited at the forum so it is suggested that those planning to attend register in advance by calling 240-777-3674 or by e-mail at consumerprotection@montgomerycountymd.gov .