A new statewide program was announced last week to help seniors avoid scams and other deals that may not be what they appear.

“Check It Out” is a collaborative effort sponsored by Gov. John Baldacci, Attorney General Steven Rowe and elderly groups including Area Agencies on Aging, Legal Services for the Elderly and TRIAD, a national program that supports partnerships between seniors and law enforcement.

The initiative offers a toll-free telephone number so that seniors can get advice on offers that “seem too good to be true,” according to a release issued by the state.

Check It Out is designed to give a second opinion before people sign contracts, make major purchases, respond to solicitation or give money to charities, so as to reduce victimization of older Mainers.

“Seniors are generally a big target because they have savings built up and they come from a generation that’s more trusting,” says Derrick Grant, the information referral outreach manager for SeniorsPlus.

Maine has the fourth-oldest population in the nation, according to 1999 Census figures, with 175,357 people over the age or 65. An estimated 12,000 seniors are “abused” each year in Maine, say officials for the program.

Seniors can call 1-877-ELDERS-1 during normal business hours for assistance.

Forum’s focus is small business

A health care forum will be held in Freeport May 13 to discuss Gov. John Baldacci’s Dirigo health care plan.

The event, What Small Businesses and Others Need to Know about the Governor’s Health Care Plan, will run from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Freeport Public Library Meeting Room.

State Sens. Lynn Bromley of the Legislature’s Business, Research and Economic Development Committee and Beth Edmonds of the Labor Committee will give the welcoming address at the forum.

Trish Riley, of the Governor’s Office of Health Policy and Finance, and Senate Majority Leader Sharon Anglin Treat will also speak.

For more information about the governor’s plan, visit www.mainestate.org and follow the health care links.