Master the Possibilities, in partnership with the Office of the Attorney General, the State Attorney for the 5th Judicial Circuit Bill Gladson, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Seniors vs. Crime, and other community organizations, hosted a vital crime prevention symposium at Circle Square Cultural Center in January. The “Senior Scam Seminar” focused on equipping attendees with knowledge and resources to avoid becoming victims of crime, particularly financial exploitation, cybercrime, and scams.
As attendees entered the venue, they were greeted by various informational booths, including Crime Prevention, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), On Top of the World Community Patrol, Seniors vs. Crime, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The CERT team educates residents on disaster preparedness and safety and provides helpful tips for staying safe in emergencies. A key takeaway was their partnership with AdventHealth Ocala to promote the “help” or “okay” sign, which can be displayed at the front of homes during emergencies to signal whether help is needed. A motto emphasized during the event was “Be aware, be prepared.”
Presenters covered various topics throughout the day, including common scam tactics and warning signs to look out for. Representatives from Seniors vs. Crime and MCSO also offered practical tips on protecting oneself and others from becoming victims. The event emphasized the need for ongoing education and vigilance. A recurring theme was: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
Sheriff Billy Woods discussed safety and introduced Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (soon-to-be senator). In her address, Moody stressed the importance of protecting Florida’s seniors, noting that they are particularly vulnerable to scams and exploitation. “Since day one, my number one priority has been senior protection,” said Moody. Florida is a top destination for retirees, and with more people comes more challenges—particularly in the realm of technology.
Attorney General Moody discussed the evolving nature of scams targeting seniors, including the common “grandchild in jail” scam, where a scammer pretends to be a grandchild in distress and asks for money to be sent urgently. In times of distress, we are all more susceptible to scams. She also highlighted the importance of staying informed, mentioning the Senior Protection Program launched in 2019 to combat scams and provide resources for seniors. The program’s “Scams at a Glance” pamphlet series, including the newly released edition “Grandparents Grifts,” was distributed to attendees to help recognize and avoid fraud.
Moody also shared the success of the Senior Protection Program, which had a significant impact in 2024, recovering $2 million in stolen funds for victims. She explained that the focus is not only on recovery but also on prevention. “If you educate yourself about scams, you can understand the blueprint and recognize when they happen,” she said.
The seminar was a resounding success, with a high turnout. It informed participants more about the risks they face and the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families.
Master the Possibilities continues to offer excellent educational programs to promote lifelong learning. For more information, visit masterthepossibilities.org. For information about Florida crime prevention and informational resources, visit myfloridalegal.com.
