LEWISTON - A series of workshops will begin this month on the risks seniors face in becoming victims of scams and abuse.

"Scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated in their tactics, and all older adults are more at risk for being taken advantage of or abused," said Connie Jones, director of community services at SeniorsPlus. "We like to think we're smart enough to spot a scam and strong enough to stand up for ourselves. But the reality is that education about scams and abuse is our very best weapon."

The workshops will cover four specific topics of elder abuse: financial exploitation, elder abuse or neglect in families, scams of all types and sexual abuse. The series will be presented by the Lewiston/Auburn Elder Abuse Task Force, a group of concerned agencies and law enforcement that see the victims of scams and abuse in their work every day.

"Is Your Money Safe?," the first of the series, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at SeniorsPlus. Attorney Mary Kathryn Brennan, an attorney with Legal Services for the Elderly, will speak on keeping money safe.

The workshop will give common examples of financial scams or exploitation, what to watch for, how to protect oneself and what to do if a senior citizen become of victim. The only safe older adult is the older adult well educated on their risk of becoming a victim.

"Are You Safe from Family Violence and Neglect?" will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20; "Are You Safe from Scams?," 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16; and "Are You Safe from Sexual Assault?" at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18. All workshops will be held at SeniorsPlus, 8 Falcon Road.

The programs are free and open to the public. Registration is requested by calling SeniorsPlus at 1-800- 427-7241 or 795-4010.

The Lewiston/Auburn Elder Abuse Task Force is a group of concerned local agencies, law enforcement and residents whose mission is to raise awareness about and end elder abuse. The group meets monthly at SeniorsPlus. For more information about the task force or elder abuse, contact Connie Jones at 795-4010.