Seniors Learn to Avoid Scams at Event Hosted by Assemblywoman Hayashi

Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) of the 18th District stopped by at the on Wednesday to host one of two Senior Scam Stopper seminars for her constituents.

From identity theft to home repair scams, a panel of experts spoke to a packed room with more than 100 seniors.

For an hour and a half, speakers gave 15-minute presentations involving tips on how seniors can better recognize potential scams.

Seniors were told to "be more mean" to avoid being taken advantage of, always request contractors to provide licenses and never sign anything they don't understand.

"Always make sure someone you trust is around to analyze what's being said," said Peter Meza of the Department of Insurance.

Marcie Silverstein was one of several attendees who scribbled away throughout the seminar, listening intently as the panel of experts spoke.

She told Patch she was grateful for the event but wish she had learned about the tips prior to renovating her bathroom a few years back.

"I never checked if the contractor was licensed," she said. "But that's something I will look for from now on."

Though he did a decent job, according to Silverstein, she said it never occurred to her that he may not be a legitimate contractor.

Despite due to having to attend an engagement in Washington D.C., Hayashi briefly appeared at the Castro Valley event.

She introduced the panel of speakers, then stepped out of the Chabot room of the library. District Director Chris Parman told Patch she had to go back to Sacramento.

Since Hayashi's plea of no contest to the , many of her constituents have wondered if she would continue her term or resign. Parman referred back to Hayashi's written statement, where she in October 2011.

The scam stopper event was the first Hayashi has hosted since her plea. She has refused to do interviews with media since the case, but during a field trip they took to the Capitol last week.

For more information on the different agencies willing to aid seniors in getting through particular scams call the District Office at 510-583-8818.