Los Angeles City Councilmen Paul Koretz, 5th District; David Ryu, 4th District; and Mike Bonin, 11th District, introduced a resolution yesterday declaring May 15 as Senior Fraud Awareness Day in Los Angeles.

The City Council has annually declared May 15 as Senior Fraud Awareness Day since 2013 in celebration of the birthday of the late City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, 11th District, who passed away in 2016. Rosendahl was a longtime advocate for the health and safety of senior citizens.

The annual council presentation usually takes place in City Council Chambers. However, the City Council held the celebration virtually because of restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During these difficult times we are working to not only protect our older Angelenos from COVID-19 but making sure our seniors are able to eat and are emotionally safe during these vulnerable times,” Koretz said. 

Ryu added that keeping seniors safe is always important, but even more so during the pandemic.

“Especially now, we need to make sure seniors are safe from these scams,” Ryu added. “This was already a big problem, but with seniors stuck at home and away from their families, these scams can be even harder to stop. This is why I launched a Senior Outreach program, to proactively reach out to seniors in Los Angeles and match them with volunteers who can offer help and a friendly connection. I’m grateful to work with my colleagues, Council-members Koretz and Bonin, on helping our seniors stay safe and informed.”

Bonin added that seniors have been targeted by many scams during the public health emergency.

“From Medicare scams and Social Security scams to investment scams, fraudulent ploys to take from vulnerable older adults are wrong, yet they happen with alarming frequency,” Bonin added. “Thanks to Paul Koretz and the city’s Department of Aging for championing this important issue that impacts many people living in Los Angeles.”