Scam Jam brings fellowship, education

KENANSVILLE — Christmas came early at the Duplin Events Center as 247 seniors celebrated the holidays with music and dancing during the Senior Scam Jam held on Wednesday, Dec. 13.  

“This is an annual event that represents the elderly people in our county, and they are very important to us,” said Commissioner Jesse Dowe. “We try to celebrate them – this is their day.” 

Participants enjoyed fellowship, health screenings and learned about available community resources and how to prevent scams. The celebration featured a performance by the Duplin Sparklers, and various speakers who provided valuable information on current scams and how to avoid becoming a victim. 

Sheriff Stratton Stokes, who was one of the event speakers, told the Duplin Journal that preventing senior citizens from becoming victims of scams “is one thing the Sheriff’s Office and this event is all about.”  

“The Sheriff’s Office is here for them, so is senior services, and the county. If they have any type of suspicious activity or they don’t feel sure about something, call, because we are here to help them,” said Sheriff Stokes adding that when in doubt to hang up the phone and call the person or company directly. 

“If there is a company or somebody saying they are a family member and you are not sure, hang up the phone, call that family member. If you have any questions whatsoever about suspicious activity, call the business or the entity that services you. If they are saying it is your bank and you are not sure about it, hang up the phone. Call them directly.” 

Melisa Brown, Senior Services director shared she was thankful for everyone who assisted with the event. She also thanked Duplin County Community Foundation for the grant funds provided to host the special event.