Seminars for Seniors. Protecting them from schemes, scams and ripoffs. Why host or attend one? Wayne Bell, CA Bureau of Real Estate: As a group, senior citizens are targeted because you trust people. Senior citizens n ot only trust people, they're most likely to have a nest egg, own their own homes, and they have outstanding credit. Scammers view them as cash cows and ripe for the picking, because once victimized, many seniors are too embarrassed or ashamed to report it. Kenneth Ehrmann, CSLEA: Anybody in this room ever been a victim of identity theft? Besides me? Identity theft, mortgage fraud, automotive repair schemes, telemarketers, unscrupulous lawyers out to make a buck. Joseph Dunn, State Bar of California: If you have a lawyer asking for an advanced fee, a red flag should go up. Red flags on mailboxes Your mail is a goldmine ... people make a whole living just on stealing your mail. They'll come to your doorstep. Sheri Boles, California Public Utilities Commission: Don't go by, "Hey look, this is my ID." ... do you know how easy it is to reproduce this on photoshop, right? If there's a scam, know about it. How many people have discovered they have family members in Nigeria that are in need of financial assistance? Learn how to protect yourself. Lance West, Bureau of Automotive Repair: When you go to get your car repaired, you must be given an estimate. And report it. You are our eyes and ears in the community. We won't know these scams are taking place if you don't report them. Seminars, presentations, questions and answers, designed with seniors in mind. Schemes, scams and ripoffs. There's a great name, and tells you exactly what we're here for.