By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
At its regular weekly luncheon on Thursday, the Bossier City Lions Club welcomed Gina Martinez, an outreach representative with the Louisiana Department of Justice under Attorney General Liz Murrill, for an eye-opening presentation on a growing threat to older citizens: elder fraud.
Martinez, who works at the Outreach Program, highlighted the increasing sophistication of scams targeting Louisiana’s senior population. Her presentation, titled “Top 10 Red Flags of Fraud,” outlined the most common warning signs of financial exploitation—many of which are now aided by rapidly evolving technology, including artificial intelligence.
“The criminals are getting smarter, and so must we,” Martinez told the audience gathered at the luncheon. “These scams can happen over the phone, online, or even in person. Our older population is being targeted more than ever, and they deserve to be protected.”
Among the top red flags Martinez shared were:
- Insistence on immediate payment
- Evasive or vague answers
- Offers that seem too good to be true
- Lack of clear information or written documentation
- High-pressure tactics to force a quick decision
- Requests for personal or financial details
- Suspicious requests to make checks payable to individuals
- Guarantees of “sure thing” returns
Martinez also stressed that modern scammers are now using AI technology to mimic voices and create convincing interactions that fool even the most cautious individuals.
“Imagine picking up the phone and hearing what sounds like your grandchild in trouble—only it’s not them,” she said. “That’s what we’re dealing with. Voice-cloning technology is already here, and it’s being used against our most vulnerable.”
Members of the Lions Club were engaged throughout the presentation, asking questions and sharing personal experiences. Martinez emphasized the importance of educating not just seniors, but also their families, caregivers, and community members about how to recognize and report fraud.
“Our best defense is awareness,” she said. “If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.”
Martinez encouraged anyone who suspects fraud to report it immediately to the Louisiana Department of Justice or local law enforcement. Educational materials and contact information were distributed to attendees at the end of the meeting.
The Bossier City Lions Club continues to provide opportunities for community learning and service through its weekly programs. Upcoming speakers will address topics ranging from health and wellness to economic development in the region.