Silver Shield Anti-Scam Education Program

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

Anyone can be the victim of fraud, but older adults are often targeted. In 2017, more than 37% of all fraud committed in Fairfax County involved victims over the age of 50. Identity fraud, credit card fraud, selling goods and services under false pretenses are just a few of the types of cases investigated daily in Fairfax County. These acts can have a devastating impact, both emotionally and financially, on older adults. Fairfax County’s new Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign protects older adults by sharing critical information to help them avoid being scammed. The Silver Shield campaign builds on the anti-scam education programs provided by various county agencies over the years. It allows for consistent countywide messaging, more efficient use of resources and the development of creative ways to reach older adult communities through intergovernmental cooperation. Since launch, the program has hosted multiple community events, produced several videos and podcasts, distributed multiple print communication products and several stories have been produced by outside media.