Tips to Avoid a Scam:

1. The Golden Rule
When an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Keep Personal Info Private
Never give your bank account, social security, or credit card numbers to anyone you don’t know and trust.

3. Avoid High Pressure Sales
Say no to any offer or deal that is only available right now.

4. Never Pay for a Prize
If you are offered a prize but are asked to pay a “processing fee” or “taxes in advance,”it is likely a scam. You shouldn’t have to pay anything to win a free prize.

If you’re still not sure whether it's a scam, call our Scam Hotline at (858) 715-1648.

About Us

Senior Shield is a program of Elder Law & Advocacy (EL&A), a non-profit corporation serving California seniors since 1978. EL&A is the only legal services and Medicare counseling agency in the Southern California region, which devotes all of its resources to helping both rural and urban seniors through a community-based delivery system.  Our attorneys, staff and volunteers travel throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties to assist seniors. They visit senior centers, nutrition sites, senior living complexes, mobile home parks, nursing homes, hospitals, and the residences of ill, homebound individuals. EL&A is comprised of many programs, the newest of which is Senior Shield.

Senior Shield was born out of an awareness of a disturbing new trend: scams and frauds directed at seniors. Our mission at Senior Shield is to educate, to prevent, and, when necessary, to litigate on behalf of our clients.�  We seek to inform seniors, their caregivers and loved ones about the scams they should be aware of and how to protect themselves from becoming a victim. We are here to help determine what offers are “too good to be true” and to advise our clients when they feel they have been victimized.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, our team is here to help. Occasionally, legal action may be required to correct fraudulent activity. Our lead attorney, Shaun P. McGrady Esq., is dedicated to preventing the victimization of seniors.�  Supported by a paralegal and a small army of volunteers, Senior Shield has the resources to help you when the scammers strike.

Senior Shield is supported by a generous grant from the Gary and Mary West Foundation. Additional program support is provided by the S. Mark Taper Foundation and The Thursday Club.