November 6, 2002

People's Bank Hosts "Gift of Holiday Safety" Consumer University At Mohegan Sun

Attorney General Blumenthal to Speak at Free Senior Safety Event

BRIDGEPORT, CONN.
Senior citizens across Connecticut will learn about protecting themselves and their money from People's Bank, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Lisa Bull of the Federal Bureau of Investigation at "The Gift of Holiday Safety" Consumer University on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 8 a.m. to 1p.m., at Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd.

The free program features:
•remarks by Blumenthal;
•current consumer scams:
•telemarketing and cross-border fraud;
•perspectives on elder abuse and neglect;
•medical bills and consumer collection practices;
•Angela DeLeon, coordinator, People's Bank Masters Program, speaking about personal financial safety and awareness.

The program is scheduled just prior to the holidays because, historically, this is a time when unscrupulous individuals prey on the kindness and generosity of older adults. A portion of this Consumer University will focus on how modern technology can be used against unsuspecting people.

People's Masters Program is recognized nationally for its leadership in initiating crime prevention and awareness programs for senior citizens. People's Bank is the only financial services organization in the country to provide crime prevention and awareness training to seniors across the state.

DeLeon is a member of the board of directors of the Crime Prevention Association of Connecticut (CPAC). She is the only person in Connecticut certified to teach senior sensitivity and senior crime prevention to police officers.

Seniors throughout the state interested in registering for the program can do so by contacting Agatha Zichichi-Evans of the Connecticut Department of Social Services at 860-424-5248 by Friday, Nov. 15.

People's (peoples.com) is a diversified financial services company providing commercial, consumer, insurance and investment services. Founded in 1842, it is the largest state-chartered bank in Connecticut with managed assets of $13 billion, 153 branches and 230 ATMs. People's is a leader in consumer and commercial banking, residential lending, insurance sales, supermarket banking and is the nation's 16th-largest issuer of MasterCard and Visa credit cards. People's subsidiaries offer brokerage services, asset management, equipment financing and leasing, and insurance services.