MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – As new national surveys reveal Americans are facing an unprecedented wave of scam attempts, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido is leading the way to protect Macomb County seniors with two major public outreach events this July: a countywide SCAMS (Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors) Telephone Town Hall and his 250th SCAMS presentation.
The milestone comes as recent surveys from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and Gallup paint an alarming picture of the growing scam epidemic. According to the AP-NORC survey, nearly six in ten Americans receive suspected scam attempts every day, while approximately three in ten have personally lost money or personal information to a scam. Gallup found that about one in ten American households lost money to scammers in the past year, with nearly half of those victims losing more than $500.
Those findings reinforce why Prosecutor Lucido has made protecting seniors one of the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office's highest priorities.
"Protecting our seniors is not just a duty, it is a responsibility," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. "Criminals are becoming more sophisticated every day, using technology, artificial intelligence, social media, and fear to steal from hardworking people. Education remains our strongest defense. If we can prevent one scam before it happens, we've protected someone's retirement, independence, and peace of mind."
Countywide SCAMS Telephone Town Hall – Tuesday, July 21, 2026
The Prosecutor's Office will host a free SCAMS – Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., giving residents direct access to Prosecutor Lucido from the comfort of their homes.
During the live event, Prosecutor Lucido will discuss current scams targeting seniors, explain how residents can recognize and avoid fraud, and answer questions from participants.
The SCAMS Telephone Town Hall will also be streamed live on Facebook, allowing residents to watch and listen online.
Residents who want to ensure they receive a call must register through the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office website by noon on July 21, 2026. https://www.macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office
The Prosecutor's Office will place calls to Macomb County residents beginning around 6:15 p.m. on the day of the event. Residents should answer the call from Macomb County Prosecutor's Office (586) 493-4990 to join the live Town Hall.
250th SCAMS Presentation – Wednesday, July 22, 2026
The following day, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Prosecutor Lucido will reach a significant milestone with his 250th SCAMS (Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors) presentation, which will take place at the Marvin Blank Senior Center, 51210 Alma Dr., Macomb Township. Sign up online at www.macomb-mi.gov/rec. or call 586-992-2900.
Prosecutor Lucido has led Michigan's most comprehensive senior fraud prevention initiative, taking his office directly into neighborhoods across Macomb County with one simple message: Prevent. Protect. Prosecute. Over the past four years, he has delivered free SCAMS presentations throughout Macomb County, educating thousands of residents at senior centers, retirement communities, churches, libraries, VFW halls, community centers, civic organizations, and Senior EXPOs.
Attendees at the July 22 presentation will receive practical fraud prevention information and the Prosecutor's Office's educational booklet, "SCAMS – Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors," which explains how to recognize and avoid identity theft, phishing attacks, romance scams, telemarketing fraud, banking scams, internet fraud, caregiver theft, home improvement fraud, and financial exploitation.
Additional Telephone Town Halls
The Prosecutor's Office will also host additional free Telephone Town Halls later this summer:
- Child Support Telephone Town Hall: Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
- SCAMS Telephone Town Hall: Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
- SCAMS Telephone Town Hall: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Residents must register by noon on the day of each event through the Prosecutor's Office website to ensure they receive a call.
Upcoming SCAMS presentation dates are also available on the Prosecutor's Office website.
Organizations interested in scheduling a free SCAMS presentation are encouraged to contact Outreach Coordinator Heather Esposito at heather.esposito@macombgov.org or (586) 469-5642.
Residents can also access the Prosecutor's Office's "No Excuse for Elder Abuse" brochure and SCAMS booklet through the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office website.
If you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, report it immediately by calling (855) 444-3911, contacting your local police department, or calling 911 in an emergency.
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and enforcing the laws of the State of Michigan. All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
###
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Esther Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
