Garden State Times

At the request of Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs conducted a senior citizens seminar at Holiday City Berkeley Clubhouse 2 on January 14. Over 150 residents attended to learn about senior scams and fraud. The event also featured a constituent services table providing information on state programs and services.

Senator Amato represented the Legislative Delegation at the seminar. In a joint statement with Rumpf and Myhre, they expressed gratitude to the Division of Consumer Affairs for hosting an informative session aimed at educating seniors about scam prevention. "The information and expertise provided by the Division will enable seniors to better protect themselves against such scams now and in the future," they stated.

Acknowledgment was also given to the Holiday City Berkeley Board of Trustees and local residents who facilitated the event by preparing the venue and promoting it within their community.

Amato emphasized that this seminar is part of ongoing efforts by their delegation to bring state services directly to constituents. They encouraged other senior communities interested in hosting similar seminars to reach out to their District Office.

During the seminar, attendees received three information booklets from the Division: “Identity Theft Handbook,” “the Consumer Shopping Guide,” and “Consumer Protection: Tips to Avoid Disaster Related Scams.” These guides are available online on the official website of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

The 9th District Delegation has introduced companion legislation, S-1887 and A-4593, aimed at creating a new theft offense called “financial exploitation of the elderly.” Last October, S-1887 was unanimously passed by the full Senate.