June 7, 2023
Bridgeton, NJ (May 31, 2023)
The Cumberland County Division of Consumer Affairs will be
hosting a series of events at various Senior Centers throughout the County. Participants will be
presented with an informative and educational slide show with a time for questions and
answers from Director Mike Donato, retired lieutenant from the Cumberland County
Prosecutors office.
According to the FBI’s 2021 Elder Fraud Report, elder fraud cost Americans over 50, nearly $3
billion in 2022, an increase of 62% from 2020. Crime types varied from credit card fraud,
government impersonation, personal data breach, phishing, computer intrusion, confidence
fraud/romance, investment, reporting a potential business loss, identity theft and so much
more. As technology becomes more sophisticated, so do scams targeting the elder population.
“This is another one of our outreach events for our seniors to keep them informed so they can
protect themselves from fraud and prevent themselves from being taken advantage of. Mr.
Donato will be educating and demonstrating ways to remain safe and informed of the newest
trends in scams and technology possibly impacting our seniors.” stated Cumberland County
Commissioner Director Douglas Albrecht.
“I appreciate Director Donato making the effort to bring awareness to our elder population in
Cumberland County about the many scams that target this vulnerable group. Workshops like
these have the potential to increase awareness and aim to minimize incidents of elder fraud.
This administration supports efforts to improve the lives of the great citizens of Cumberland
County”, said Deputy Commissioner Antonio Romero.
Director Mike Donato stated “The Division of Consumer Protection is committed to working not
only for the most vulnerable population, but all the residents of Cumberland County. Educating
people on the many scams and various fraud techniques used by thieves will hopefully protect
them from losing their identity and possibly their life savings.”
For more information, please contact the Cumberland County Division of Consumer Affairs at
856-451-0925 or email Director Mike Donato at michaeldo@CumberlandCountyNJ.gov
https://www.cumberlandcountynj.gov/consumeraffairs
https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2021_IC3ElderFraudReport.pdf