Scam Awareness Put Under Microscope At Recent Natick Presentation

News release from Middlesex County Sheriff's Office.

NATICK, MA — The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) and the Natick Human Services and Council on Aging were proud to collaborate for a presentation on September 17 aimed at educating and empowering local residents regarding scam awareness and prevention.

As part of the MSO’s Law Enforcement And Residents Networking (L.E.A.R.N.) initiative, the presentation covered the common and emerging scams targeting residents; tips to avoid falling victim to scammers; and red flags to look out for, like scammers requesting pre-paid gift cards as payment.

Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Director of Community Affairs Ken Doucette led the presentation in Natick.

“With the advent of new and emerging technologies, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and targeted,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “These presentations are crucial to arming residents – including local seniors – with knowledge so that they can recognize a scam and better protect themselves and their loved ones from fraud.”

“We greatly appreciate the presentation on scams that Kenneth Doucette from the Middlesex Sheriff's Office gave to our residents. The presentation was very well attended and received by the attendees, who learned a great deal about what to watch out for to protect themselves,” said

Debra Budd, Assistant Director, Services & Outreach of Natick Human Services.

Among the types of scams that these presentations focus on are:
• Government imposter/Arrest and intimidation scams
• Grandparent scams
• Check washing scams
• Romance scams

During the presentations, participants have the opportunity to ask questions and – where comfortable – share their personal experiences.

Sheriff Koutoujian is excited to offer L.E.A.R.N. presentations to Middlesex County organizations this year. If an organization is interested in requesting a presentation led by the MSO, they can contact Director of Community Affairs Kenneth Doucette at KDoucette@sdm.state.ma.us.