Seniors vs. Crime Project reaches $2M mark in recovered losses

As of early December, the dedicated staff of Citrus County’s Seniors vs. Crime project topped the mark of recovering more than $2 million in losses for local seniors victimized by scams, frauds and deceptive business practices.

This major milestone will be celebrated on Tuesday, Feb. 8, starting at 11:15 a.m., at the Outback Steakhouse, 2225 Highway 44 West, in Inverness.

Florida’s newly appointed statewide prosecutor Nicholas B. “Nick” Cox will be joining Seniors vs. Crime executive director Don Ravenna, Seniors vs. Crime Region 4 director Barbara Thomas, Sheriff Jeff Dawsy, SvC storefront manager Don Moran, and several other honored guests from both county government and the private sector to recognize the achievement. Staff members, along with local government and business leaders, will have plenty of success stories to share with those in attendance.

Adjacent to the sheriff’s Ridge Area Community Resource Office in Beverly Hills, the Seniors vs. Crime storefront is a joint project of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Attorney General’s Office. In fact, it was the first of its kind in the state to combine the multiple resources of a sheriff’s office and the AGO to assist older adults.

The project is specifically dedicated to recovering losses for seniors who have been victims of fraudulent business transactions. Perhaps even more importantly, the storefront’s staff is committed to teaching seniors how to recognize and avoid similar situations in the future.

Since the storefront opened its doors in July 2002, the measurable success of the venture has far exceeded all expectations. During that time, the project’s capable staff of 14 resourceful, well-versed volunteers has investigated countless cases of everything from simple business/customer miscommunications to deceptive business practices.

Project staff members help advocate for not only older adults, but citizens of all ages who believe they’ve been bilked by unscrupulous vendors, telemarketers, service providers and others.

The SvC case that pushed the project over the $2 million mark started in mid-October when an 87-year-old Beverly Hills man told staff members that an area couple of his acquaintance had three quit-claim deeds for the victim’s real estate holdings, plus the title for his vehicle, signed over to them.

Working closely with area physicians, the Veterans Administration and the Department of Children and Families adult services, staff members were able to have the deeds and motor vehicle transfer signed back over to the victim, for a total of recouped losses equaling close to $350,000.

The Beverly Hills storefront is a haven for seniors who are alone, without support or simply at the end of their rope. Regular hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Walk-ins are always welcomed, but to make an appointment for this free service, simply call 352-249-9139.

Complainants should bring with them their cancelled checks, receipts, statements, contracts and other documentation for an initial interview. Once a complaint is deemed valid, staff members strive to resolve the matter favorably and in a timely manner.

“Our volunteers are the unsung heroes of the Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Dawsy, “and the efforts of those who work with the Seniors vs. Crime project have reaped more than two million rewards for this community.”

For more information about Seniors vs. Crime or to schedule a speaker for your club or group, please call Don Moran at 352-249-9139.