GBI Educates Treutlen Retired Teachers About Scams

The Treutlen Retired Educators Association held their October meeting, with guest speaker Harry Hudgins of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Agent Hudgins shared invaluable information and warnings concerning scams against senior citizens and disabled citizens, including internet, banking, credit cards, telemarketers, and care facilities frauds.

Hudgins told the group scammers focus on individuals’ loneliness and trusting nature in order to steal from them using urgency and fear to con victims. Far too often, financial crimes are committed by family members or acquaintances against the elderly. Hudgins warned to not allow the fear factor of appearing partly responsible for being a victim or fear of appearing incompetent to deter individuals from reporting scams and fraud. Scammers are very skilled at convincing individuals to give out personal information such as social security numbers, bank information, credit card numbers, Medicare information, retirement and personal information.

Agent Hudgins also warned if a deal seems too good to be true, most likely it is no deal at all except to steal one’s money or identity. He encouraged members to safeguard themselves and loved ones against predators and scammers and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the GBI as soon as possible.

Following the business meeting, the group enjoyed a meal sponsored by Phillip & Lynn Byrd of Sammons Funeral Home in Soperton. All retired educators in Treutlen and Montgomery Counties are encouraged to join members for the next meeting on November 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Treutlen High School, with Dr. Susan Stone as guest speaker.