Seniors pack Bronzeville seminar to learn how to avoid scams

In a standing-room-only event on Tuesday, May 6, more than 75 seniors and their family members gathered at Chicago Commons Adult Day Services in Bronzeville for a powerful Fraud and Scam Prevention Seminar. Presented in partnership with JPMorgan Chase, the Chicago Police Department, and Chicago Commons, the seminar offered urgent and practical guidance on how seniors can protect themselves against financial fraud—one of the fastest-growing crimes targeting older Americans.

Illinois residents lost over $324 million to scams last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission, and seniors remain the most vulnerable. The May 6 seminar was part of Chase’s Money Skills initiative, a broader financial literacy effort that includes resources on fraud prevention, digital safety, and secure payment methods.

“Financial fraud can have devastating consequences—emotionally and financially,” said Edgar Ramirez, President and CEO of Chicago Commons. “We believe that empowering our seniors and caregivers with knowledge is one of the best ways to protect their hard-earned savings, security, and peace of mind.”

Founded in 1894, Chicago Commons is a nonprofit organization that serves more than 3,500 individuals annually across Chicago’s historically underserved communities, including Englewood, Back of the Yards, Humboldt Park, and Bronzeville. The organization provides early childhood education, family support, and senior services aimed at promoting long-term self-sufficiency. The Adult Day Services Center, located at 515 East 50th Street, offers aging adults a safe, engaging environment with medical monitoring, meals, and socialization activities that support dignity and independence.

The event featured opening remarks from Ramirez, a fraud presentation from Chase Community Manager Laura Lopez, and an interactive session with Jared Evans of JPMorgan Chase, who has spent 26 years in the banking industry. Evans shared how even seasoned professionals can fall victim to fraud, emphasizing that shame or silence only enables scammers.

“I was embarrassed to say they got me,” Evans admitted to the audience. “Do not feel embarrassed. That $3.1 billion in losses reported by older adults in 2022—some of us are in that number as well.”

The seminar educated participants on the “Four Ps” of scam tactics:

• Pretend – Scammers pose as trusted individuals like government agents or family members.

• Problem or Prize – Victims are told there’s an urgent issue or a lottery win.

• Payment – Scammers ask for specific payment methods, often digital and untraceable.

• Pressure – Victims are pushed to act quickly without time to think.

Seniors learned about common scams including romance fraud, spoofed calls from fake IRS agents, tech support scams, and fake sweepstakes. One poignant example involved a scammer mimicking a loved one’s voice to elicit bail money—a tactic that deeply resonated with attendees.

Representatives from the Chicago Police Department, including Sgt. Beavers of the 2nd District, stressed the importance of reporting fraud, even if the attempt was unsuccessful. “You are not alone,” one officer assured the crowd. “We want to hear about it, and we can’t help if you don’t report it. Even an attempted scam is worth a call to 311 or your local CAPS office.”

Participants received a Chase Money Skills handout and identity theft kits that outlined red flags and safety tips—like setting up account alerts, using unique passwords, enabling two-step verification, and never responding to suspicious emails or calls claiming to be from Chase or the government.

The handouts also warned about fraudulent payment requests through platforms like Zelle®, wire transfers, and even gift cards. These methods are commonly used by scammers because the funds are difficult or impossible to recover once sent. Attendees were advised to use credit or debit cards when possible, as they offer greater consumer protection, including fraud monitoring and the ability to dispute unauthorized charges.

Chase presenters also emphasized that while the handouts and seminar offered valuable tips, seniors should always consult with the bank or financial institution they personally use to address fraud concerns or report suspicious activity. The message: no matter who you bank with, staying informed and proactive is key to protecting your financial well-being.

Chase experts further emphasized caution with unsolicited emails and text messages, especially those claiming to be from government agencies or banks. Seniors were urged to never click on unfamiliar links or attachments, and to always verify phone numbers before returning a call—even if the caller ID appears legitimate. Spoofing, where scammers mimic real institutions, was identified as one of the most deceptive tactics in use today.

After the seminar, guests enjoyed box lunches and had the opportunity to speak directly with Chase staff, police officers, and Chicago Commons caseworkers. The event drew coverage from major TV networks and several newspapers, including the Chicago Crusader.

The seminar concluded with a call to action: share the knowledge. “We do this with all of you,” Lopez said. “The goal is not just to protect ourselves but to protect our communities. Talk to your friends, your neighbors, and your families. Let’s look out for one another.”

In a city where seniors are often the backbone of communities—and frequent targets of scam artists—this event served as a powerful reminder of the value of education and community collaboration.

For more information or to access free credit and identity monitoring, visit chase.com/securitycenter or identitytheft.gov. If you believe you’ve been the victim of fraud, contact local police, your bank, and the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.