In a move aimed at protecting the vulnerable elderly population of Maine, Hannaford’s pharmacies are set to initiate an awareness campaign about elder fraud. The initiative, officially known as the Maine Rx Elder Fraud Program, is a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, AARP Maine, and the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention. This program intends to educate older Mainers about common scams and provide them with the necessary tools to report incidents of fraud effectively.
Hannaford Supermarkets operates 60 pharmacies across Maine, which makes it strategically positioned to reach a significant portion of the older population. According to Sara Lane, the manager of pharmacy clinical services at Hannaford, older individuals and their caretakers represent a significant portion of their customer base. She emphasizes the company’s commitment to using its pharmacy services as a reliable source of health and safety information. “By making this information available to our pharmacy customers in all corners of our state, our goal is to help reduce the number of elder fraud incidents in Maine,” Lane states.
The need for such a program is evident. Elder fraud has become an alarming issue in the United States. Recent statistics reveal that last year, over 101,000 Americans aged 60 and above fell victim to various scams, resulting in losses totaling $3.4 billion. In Maine alone, 397 residents reported fraud and lost more than $7.1 million. Many experts believe that these numbers only scratch the surface, as a considerable number of scams go unreported, leaving victims without help or recourse.
The U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee highlights the role of pharmacists as pivotal in fighting this type of crime, noting that they are consistently regarded as some of the most trusted healthcare providers. In fact, around 90% of individuals over 65 receive at least one regular prescription, creating an opportunity for pharmacists to educate their patients. “That trust and regular contact make pharmacies an ideal conduit to reach older Mainers, as well as their family members or caregivers,” McElwee explains.
The educational materials designed for the program will include informational brochures that can be attached to prescription bags. These brochures will outline common signs of scams and provide details on how to access the National Elder Fraud Hotline. Such proactive measures could assist in identifying scams early and may help prevent individuals from losing their life savings, which is often the tragic outcome of sophisticated fraud schemes.
Hannaford’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is further exemplified by its parent company, Ahold Delhaize USA. Ranked 11th on Progressive Grocer’s 2024 PG 100 list of leading food and consumables retailers in North America, Ahold Delhaize has also received accolades as a Retailer of the Century and one of the top 10 Most Sustainable Grocers.
Many retailers today have recognized the importance of community involvement, especially with vulnerable populations like the elderly. Programs like the Maine Rx Elder Fraud Program underscore an emerging trend where retailers take proactive roles in safeguarding their customers. By collaborating with law enforcement and organizations focused on elder abuse, they are not only protecting their patrons but also building loyalty and trust within their communities.
As the program rolls out, it will not only provide crucial information to older customers and their caregivers but also serves as a reminder that community-focused initiatives can make a significant difference. Retailers can play a vital role in combating fraud by ensuring that customers are informed and prepared to recognize potential scams.
Moreover, as digital channels and common social platforms become increasingly used by scammers, initiatives like this could serve as a blueprint for other businesses and community organizations. Providing education, resources, and support is essential in the ongoing battle against fraud targeting seniors.
Pharmacists and community members must remain vigilant. By working hand-in-hand, they can help create a safer environment where older individuals can thrive without the fear of exploitation. The launch of this elder fraud initiative by Hannaford is commendable, and its success could potentially inspire similar actions across the nation.