“Due to the aging of our population and the increasing demands on law enforcement and social service agencies, it’s important that these agencies and law enforcement work together to address the growing needs of senior citizens,” said Charlie Sias, chairman of the Penobscot County Area TRIAD. “I don’t like to see seniors hurt. Most of these people are on a fixed income and can’t afford to be victimized.”

Sias recalls attending a fraud fighters training session in Bangor in 1999. Other attendees included senior citizens, law enforcement officers and representatives from social services agencies including Roberta Downey, executive director of Eastern Agency on Aging.

“When the session was over Roberta and I looked at each other and said in unison, ‘This is something we ought to do,'” said Sias. Together they helped make Penobscot County Area TRIAD became a reality on Sept. 8, 1999.

The first TRIAD began in Washington, D.C., in 1988 and comprised AARP, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs’ Association. The goal then, as it is today, was to educate seniors about the various types of fraud and crime, to help reduce fear and provide moral support for older persons and to use trained volunteers to assist police and sheriff departments.

“There was a crying need for a group to fight crime and all it entails that preyed on seniors,” said Sias. “When I was raised, we were taught to be honest. Seniors are trusting, and now a lot of elderly people are getting scammed.”

TRIAD offers some tips to help seniors protect themselves against telemarketing fraud:

. Never give out credit card, or checking account information over the phone unless you are sure you are dealing with a reputable firm. And never reveal your Social Security number.

. Refuse to rush into anything. Fraudulent telemarketers are trained to be aggressive, but don’t be intimidated. Hang up if you start to feel uncomfortable. High-pressure tactics are a sign of criminal activity.

. If the caller offers to send someone “right over” to pick up your payment or donation, hang up.

. Asking for something in writing rarely offers protection, as the caller can be just as devious through the mail as on the phone.

. The best advice is to simply hang up.

It is also important to be aware of charity, investment, door-to-door and mail fraud.

Purse-snatchers are another concern of TRIAD. Sias, accompanied by law enforcement officers from Bangor, Old Town and Brewer, visited stores that provide shopping carts and warned consumers to “Keep Your Eye on Your Purse.”

“And this isn’t just for women, it’s for the men, too,” he said, pointing to his back pocket to indicate how easily a wallet could be lifted.

“We are doing a lot of education so that maybe someone out there will benefit and protect themselves,” said Sias.

Aside from helping seniors protect themselves from crime, TRIAD is also looking out for their health.

“Every senior should have a File of Life,” said Sias. “It can be a life saver.”

The File of Life is a free, red plastic packet containing a senior’s pertinent medical information, such as medications and doses, doctor’s names, emergency contacts and medical conditions. A magnetic strip keeps it in place on the refrigerator door. Also included in the packet is a red File of Life sticker that attaches to the front door of the senior’s residence. This sticker will alert EMTs who, in an emergency, will go directly to the refrigerator and find all information needed to administer proper treatment.

It’s tragic when seniors don’t get the care they need because of a lack of information among the medical personnel sent to help, said Sias.

A small File of Life card is included to be kept in a purse or wallet in case an emergency occurs outside the home.

“The File of Life speaks for you when you can’t speak for yourself,” said Sias. The files are available in Bangor at Eastern Agency on Aging, 450 Essex St.; at Wal-Mart pharmacy in Bangor; and at Shop ‘n Save pharmacies in Bangor, Brewer and Old Town.

TRIAD is holding a recognition tea at Eastern Agency’s offices today to thank all its partner organizations for their hard work, commitment and support.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA’s services or programs, call Chuck or Marilyn at 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.