Earlier this week, Attorney General Dana Nessel joined Rep. Robert Wittenberg and me in Berkley for a Senior Services Summit and town hall about elder abuse.

The attorney general discussed many of the issues impacting our residents and shared updates on her office’s new Elder Abuse Task Force.

One thing was clear: every member of the audience is at their wits end about scammers. These scams can take many forms, including robocalls, live calls, door-to-door canvassers, and even people pretending to be legal guardians, family members or someone reaching out on behalf of family.

There’s new evidence to suggest that even completely lucid, functional older adults may be at increased risk to vulnerable decisions regarding their finances. The Brains and Losses series, released just this week by David Brancaccio of Marketplace, explores new research on why the aging brain may be more susceptible to financial scams. To listen, please visit American Public Media’s website.

As a state we should be doing all we can to prevent seniors from being financially exploited. Learn more about Attorney General Nessel’s Elder Abuse Task Force on her website.

And if you receive a scam call, report it to the Attorney General’s office.

You also can learn more about services for seniors in Michigan in the Michigan Legislature’s Services for Seniors publication.