Stanislaus elder group holding seminar to fight abuse

Volunteers with the Stanislaus Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance are accepting reservations for the 10th annual SAFE Seminar, to be held March 15 in Modesto.

The SAFE (Seniors Against Financial Exploitation) Seminar will include presentations that teach strategies to prevent elder and dependent adult abuse, with an emphasis on financial abuse. Special Agent Scott Schofield with the FBI in Sacramento will be the keynote speaker.

His expertise is with white-collar cybercrimes, as well as crimes against children. He will provide information on common schemes and effective strategies to frustrate scammers. Also speaking will be Glenn Gulley of the Stanislaus County district attorney's office, who has been a law enforcement officer and supervisor in Stanislaus County for more than 30 years.

Gulley joined the DA's office in 2006 as an investigator of real estate fraud and mortgage fraud. In 2009, he was cross-designated with the U.S. Marshals Service as a deputy marshal assigned to a federal mortgage fraud task force with the FBI. He will present ways to spot real estate fraud and tactics to avoid it.

In addition to the presentations, about 20 agencies will be on hand with information and staff who can speak with seniors regarding services for which they may be eligible.

The SAFE seminar will be at CrossPoint Church's Family Life Pavilion at 11th and Needham streets. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and includes a light continental breakfast and complimentary lunch.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling Catholic Charities at (209) 529-3784.