March 6, 2025 -- Today is National Slam the Scam Day. Slam the Scam Day, part of National Consumer Protection Week, which takes place March 2 to 8, serves as a call to action for both individuals and communities, urging a heightened awareness about government imposter related scams. The goal is to educate individuals, families and businesses about how scammers operate so they can halt their efforts to steal sensitive information and hard-earned money.

The Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging is committed to empowering individuals with knowledge, awareness and resources to keep county residents safe from all types of scams — government imposter schemes, phishing attacks, tech support scams and more.

In 2024, the LCAAA received more than 1,300 reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment. Exploitation investigations made up approximately a quarter of all protective services investigations conducted by the LCAAA. Many of these exploitation investigations are the result of scams.

The impact of exploitation and scams on victims is devastating, not only because of the financial loss, but also the emotional toll they take on individuals. Victims not only lose financial resources to pay for basic needs such as rent and medication, but find themselves isolated from family and friends. In instances of romance scams, victims are often left heartbroken and mourning the loss of a perceived relationship.

Educating Lackawanna County residents regarding scams has been a priority for the LCAAA and its partners that serve on the Lackawanna County Elder Justice Multi-Disciplinary Team. The LCAAA has partnered with first-year students at the Geisinger School of Medicine to educate the community regarding the risks of scams. Medical students, as part of a community immersion project, have developed a scam educational program. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for Monday, March 31, at 2 p.m. at Valley Community Library in Peckville and Wednesday, April 2, at 6 p.m. at Abington Community Library in Clarks Summit. To reserve your spot, call the LCAAA at 570-963-6740.