The San Diego County District Attorney's Office is reaching out to faith leaders in an effort to help prevent consumer fraud and elder abuse.
“We're hoping that you can help your members from becoming victims of scams,” District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis told representatives of various congregations at a lunch gathering Thursday.
Pam Smith, director of the county Aging and Independent Services office, lauded the fledgling partnership. “We do hope this is the beginning of a long and very productive relationship,” she said.
Faith leaders were urged to put fraud-prevention tips in newsletters and bulletins, as well as invite prosecutors and other experts to their congregations to speak on topics ranging from charity scams to online cons.
Religious communities are particularly vulnerable because members tetend to trust the person next to them in the pews. “You're going to let down your guard when you are in a place of safety and comfort,” said Tricia Pummill, a deputy district attorney in charge of economic crimes.
Deputy District Attorney Paul Greenwood, another speaker at the Balboa Park meeting, reminded clergy they are mandated by law to report suspected elder abuse to authorities. He mentioned several warning signs, including whether an elderly member has stopped coming to services. Abusers like to isolate their victims, Greenwood said.
The speakers had other tips for the 60 or so representatives who attended, such as urging members to shred paperwork containing personal financial information and to be vigilant to identity theft by conducting a credit report search at least three times a year.
About a dozen information tables were set up in the room, staffed by groups ranging from the Better Business Bureau to Seniors Against Investment Fraud.
Sue Neff, parish nurse with First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, said she welcomed the information session. “I think it's a wonderful opportunity to learn what we can do to partner with the District Attorney's Office and the county,” she said.
In the last several years, billions of dollars have been bilked from unsuspecting prey across the country in religion-related fraud, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association, which monitors such cases.
Neff said she knows of no such incidents at her church. “But my eyes will be open,” she added.
Congregations interested in requesting a speaker or getting consumer protection brochures should call the District Attorney's Office at (619) 531-3544.
Sandi Dolbee: (619) 293-2082; sandi.dolbee@uniontrib.com.
