Telemarketing tips offered

Monmouth County Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley and Office on Aging Executive Director John A. Wanat recently unveiled their latest partnership, "Telemarketing Fraud 101 for Seniors," at the Howell Senior Center. Carol Zur, Howell Senior Center director, hosted the event. Approximately 80 seniors attended the unveiling.

"According to the National Crime Prevention Council, half of all telemarketing victims are age 50 or older," Wanat said. "This partnership between the Office on Aging and the sheriff's office on telemarketing fraud is designed to educate our over-50 population on the dangers of telemarketing fraud."

Some of the lessons taught in the class include:

+ Never give out personal information on the phone.

+ Be very cautions if a caller tells you you have won a prize.

+ Don't be pressed into quick decisions.

+ Get the offer in writing.

+ Be very wary of home repair offers.

+ Check with the Better Business Bureau, (609) 588-0808.

+ Sign up for the Do-Not-Call Registry, 888-382-1222.

+Just hang-up - It's not rude - it's shrewd.

"I am pleased to be partnering again with John Wanat and the Office on Aging to bring this crime prevention program to Monmouth County seniors," Oxley said. "Partnerships in prevention such as this help to keep Monmouth County a safe and secure place to live, work and raise a family."

Other Sheriff's Office/Office on Aging partnerships include Senior Scan - Seniors Fighting Terrorism, Safe Surfing for Seniors, Project Lifesaver, Identity Theft, Senior Safe Driving, Senior Traveler and the Gold Star senior travel program.