HARRISBURG, PA — AARP Pennsylvania on Thursday recognized Attorney General Michelle Henry with the Community Fraud Fighter award. The honor acknowledges individuals dedicated to combating scams and fraud that target Pennsylvanians.
AARP offices nationwide are recognizing law enforcement officers, lawmakers, state officials, and community nonprofits for their efforts to protect people and their finances.
“No matter your age or income, Pennsylvanians face daily threats from criminals. They need strong allies like Attorney General Henry,” said Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director.
Henry expressed her commitment to safeguarding the community. “Protecting the vulnerable has been a guiding principle of my career. Scammers relentlessly seek easy money without regard for the harm they cause,” she said. “I am proud of my team for working tirelessly to fight these threats, whether by arresting scammers or holding predatory companies accountable.”
Appointed in March 2023, Henry serves as Pennsylvania’s top lawyer and chief law enforcement officer. She previously worked as First Deputy Attorney General under former Attorney General and now Governor Josh Shapiro, overseeing legal matters including criminal and public protection cases.
In her 15 months as Attorney General, Henry has partnered with Pennsylvania State Police to arrest scammers in two schemes targeting older residents. She has also filed lawsuits against companies that misled patients and failed to inform them of their rights.
Under Henry’s leadership, the Senior Protection Unit continues to investigate and prosecute those who exploit older Pennsylvanians. The Senior Scam Program offers educational resources to help older adults and their families recognize and report scams.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, Pennsylvanians lost $224.2 million to scams in 2023, with the average victim losing $440. However, these figures likely represent only a fraction of total losses, as such crimes are often underreported. AARP Pennsylvania remains focused on providing tools to help people of all ages spot and avoid scams through its Consumer Issues Taskforce.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.