DOVER, Del.–Chef Robert Irvine, known for his roles on the Food Network hosting such programs as “Dinner: Impossible” and “Restaurant: Impossible,” added his voice to credit unions here as part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the many financial scams targeting seniors and their family members.
Irvine was the featured guest at an educational breakfast hosted by Dover Federal Credit Union and the credit unions of Delaware at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. More than 80 veterans, their caregivers and family members filled a junior ballroom for the morning gathering to hear Irvine and a panel of experts representing the Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs, AARP Delaware, The Delaware Department of Justice, and Dover Federal Credit Union, offer guidance on ways to recognize the signs of financial exploitation, what to do in response, and where to turn for assistance when one becomes a victim of a financial scam, according to the Cooperative Credit Union Association, which also participated in the event.
$40 Billion a Year is Scams
“Financial scams are estimated to reap more than $40 billion a year from seniors,” said Walt Laskos, the CCUA’s SVP of strategic communications, in a statement. “Credit unions are determined that such a travesty targeting seniors and American veterans does not go unanswered, so we’re fighting back with what’s proven to be the best weapon in the arsenal – education. While we’re hosting educational sessions at senior centers and community gatherings where we arm elders with information to help protect them and their life’s savings, our free online educational program, CU Senior Safeguard, can be accessed on our website, BetterValuesBetterBanking.com by anyone from the comfort of their home.”
After addressing the gathering of veterans, chef Irvine was escorted onto Dover Air Force Base where he met with and conducted a cooking class for the airmen, courtesy of Dover Federal Credit Union, the CCUA said.