Neighborhood Watch Meeting Planned for Teens, Adults and Seniors

Just in time for the holiday season, the Beverly Hills Police Department will present a Neighborhood Watch for teens, adults and seniors on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at First Bank, 9145 Wilshire Boulevard. The program is called "How to Avoid Being Scammed."

Information on identity theft, scamming and home protection will be presented by BHPD Sgt. George DeMarios and Sgt. Max Subin.

The BHPD advises that parents need to be aware that teens populating Facebook are also at risk for identity theft when they unwittingly register their birthday on Facebook, providing one of the most valuable pieces of information for an ID thief.

According to Ilona Sherman, organizer, neighborhood watch block captain and commissioner of human relations, which works with the seniors in the community, she reminds residents to be more vigilant during the holidays.

"Seniors especially who are living alone are the most vulnerable target," she said. "Scammers and hackers will attack anyone, but studies have shown the average of fraud victims is 69 years."

"Neighborhood Watch brings a cohesiveness to residents and provides a valuable source of information and community support to all who attend." Sherman added. "The best part is, neighbors get to connect and meet each other".

Katerina Karagiannides, vice president of First Bank, will offer tips on being pro-active against internet scamming which has become a major problem in the world of finance. Due to space limitations, it is suggested anyone interested in attending RSVP at 310-777-1900.