LAKEPORT, Calif. – Savings Bank is joining the national effort to protect senior citizens from the nearly $2.9 billion in annual fraud.

Seniors and their financial caregivers are encouraged to attend an upcoming Safe-Tea Social information session to learn about identifying and avoiding scams.

A Safe-Tea Social will be held beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Lakeport Senior Activity Center, 527 Konocti Ave.

Other socials around the region are set for 10:30 a.m. Aug. 17 at the Willits Harrah Senior Center; 12:15 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Redwood Coast Senior Center; 1 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Anderson Valley Senior Center; and 9:30 a.m. Nov. 10 at the Ukiah Senior Center.

Established by the American Bankers Association Foundation, Safe Banking for Seniors is a new national campaign of banker volunteers working to educate older consumers and their financial caregivers about the risks of fraud and financial abuse and how to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“Scammers are always developing new ways to take advantage of people, and sadly, they often target our seniors for numerous reasons,” said Anna Scott, Savings Bank security officer. “The Safe Banking for Seniors presentation will provide older folks and their financial caregivers with the knowledge they need to proactively protect themselves and their loved ones from these crimes.”

As the local community bank, Savings Bank of Mendocino County is committed to providing financial education to promote smart and safe banking in the communities they serve.