Keeping Seniors with Dementia S.A.F.E. from Scams and Fraud

You know that sinking feeling when you get a call from a number you don’t recognize, and the voice on the other end sounds just a little too friendly? For our seniors living with dementia, that moment can be devastating. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is marking National Senior Fraud Awareness Day on May 15 with their S.A.F.E. tips—a simple reminder that protecting our loved ones from the $7 billion scam industry starts with awareness. Here in Ventura, where we pride ourselves on looking out for our neighbors, this hits close to home.

What I love about this approach is that it’s not just about fear—it’s about empowerment. The S.A.F.E. acronym (Stop, Ask, Fact-check, Educate) gives families a practical toolkit, whether you’re at the Camarillo Farmers Market or visiting a relative at a local assisted living facility. Scammers often target seniors with dementia because they’re trusting and may not remember the red flags. So let’s do what Venturans do best: check in on each other. Share this with a neighbor, or sit down with an older friend over coffee at Café Ficelle. A little conversation today can save a lot of heartache tomorrow.