AARP Sounding Alarm on Fraud, Offering Resources to Victims

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Scams and fraud are significant problems in America, and AARP, in partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), has continued to sound the alarm.

Recent statistics in an AARP/ NNPA roundtable revealed that seven in 10 Black adults think scams and fraud have hit a crisis level, and 85% of Black adults agreed that victims should report the crime to law enforcement. This crisis is especially fraught within the Black community, and AARP officials said it emphasizes the need for all to work together to reframe the discussion around fraud victimization.

“This is an issue that we highlighted last year as well,” said Kathy Stokes, AARP’s director of fraud prevention programs, who offered new insights into the impact of fraud and scams in the Black community and tips for protecting consumers.

One essential tool Stokes highlighted is the AARP Fraud Watch Network, a free resource where individuals could learn how to proactively spot scams, get guidance from our fraud specialists if targeted, and feel more secure knowing that we advocate at the federal, state, and local levels to protect consumers and enforce the law.

“Protecting consumers goes back to AARP’s founding,” Stokes said.

“There is a need to rethink fraud in America.”

AARP, an interest group focusing on issues affecting America’s over-50 population, noted that all should stay informed, find support, and have a voice in the fight against fraud. The organization hopes to avoid the plight of victims like one woman who said fraud committed against her caused her to “see disappointment in my children’s eyes.”

“They see me as the person who gave away our family money,” said the unwitting victim, who has remained anonymous.

“I seriously contemplated suicide during this mess. I was devastated,” added the victim, who described herself as a happy but not rich wife, mother, and daughter.

She pleaded, “Please remember I am a person who failed her children, and that is what hurts me the most.”

But Stokes said it’s important that victims understand that it’s not their fault — unfor-

County Removes Barriers to Housing Production

By Donna Durckel County of San Diego Communications Office

tunately, many prey on the elderly, the poor, and the unsuspecting.

Among the keys to combating fraud and ensuring family relationships remain intact are more reporting, police officers viewing the crime more seriously, prosecutors taking on more fraud cases, and policymakers acting to protect the vulnerable. If those steps are taken, billions of dollars will remain in America’s economy, Stokes said.

Additionally, an AARP Victim Support Program is available to those of all ages and provides 1-hour free virtu al sessions. It also supports and empowers victims, lowers stress, and allows for a safe space to discuss fraud.

“This gives me a much deeper understanding of the mental health impact of fraud,” added an AARP volunteer.

“Of course, I knew it was devastating – but nothing substitutes for hearing directly from victims.”

Wednesday, May 24 the San Diego County Board of Supervisors adopted 22 actions designed to ultimately help renters and home buyers affected by our region’s housing crisis.

The changes approved are designed to deliver different types of housing faster and easier. They reduce and guarantee review times for housing plans and permits, encourage innovation and technology, provide extra customer support and include financial incentives. The Board committed $14.5M in funding to carry out these efforts.

Government-funded affordable housing, emergency shelters, workforce and infill housing stand to benefit.

For example, it will be easier to get a building permit if you have a previously approved home design. If a housing project fits within the existing rules of the County General Plan, fewer approvals/permits will be needed. There also will be extra professionals to make sure applications are complete and correct when submitted to save time going back and forth on corrections. In addition, projects needing septic tank approvals will have dedicated assistance to conduct safety reviews more efficiently.

The County will also be offering pre-approved plans for single family homes and accept tiny homes on wheels as an approved housing option.

[The efforts are part of] the County’s ongoing response to the region’s housing affordability crisis. Efforts also are underway at the County to create a roadmap, or Housing Blueprint, to guide the [County’s] ongoing response. Community input remains vital to the County’s efforts to address the crisis to date. People are encouraged to review the Housing Blueprint to help inform final recom- mendations for its goals and objectives before it is presented later this year to the Board of Supervisors. In recognition of efforts to date, the County has received a Prohousing designation from the State. This is awarded to cities and counties that implement zoning and land use policies that favor development, accelerate housing production timeframes, reduce housing and production costs, and provide financial subsidies.

Here is a snapshot of all adopted actions:

Actions achievable within 12 months

• Guaranteed Timelines for 100% Affordable Housing & Shelters, VMT Efficient and Infill Areas and Workforce Housing

• Prioritization of Contracts to Support Housing

• Process Improvements

• Environmental Health & Quality Temporary Contracting Authority

• O ver-the-Counter Reviews for Previously Approved Home Designs

• Permit Specialists to Assist Applicants

• Tools & Guidance for Applicants

• Housing Legislation Outreach, Promotion, & Implementation

• D evelopment Feasibility Analysis Liaisons (Economic Development)

• Expedite Implementation of the Housing Element

• Grading Ordinance Update

• Flexibility for Infrastructure Requirements (additional community engagement)

• Actions achievable within 1 to 3 years:

• Tiny Homes on Wheels

• Prepare Pre-Approved Home Plans

• Information Technology Upgrades – Phase II

• Actions achievable with three to five years:

• Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for Key Areas

• Prepare Land Surveys

• Grading Ordinance Updates

More detail on this item can be found at sdcounty.legistar.com.