For immediate release: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT:
Multnomah County Communications, pressoffice@multco.us
Multnomah County Aging, Disability, and Veterans Services, advsd.communications@multco.us
Community members are encouraged to safely dispose of sensitive documents to help prevent fraud
Multnomah County, Ore. (May 26, 2026) — Financial exploitation of older adults is the most common form of elder abuse. Every year, fraud costs Medicare beneficiaries time, stress, their identities and potentially their health.
Helping a loved one recover from fraud can take an immense toll on families, friends and caregivers, leading to lost time, unforeseen work and feelings of worry. Fraud also costs Medicare an estimated $60 billion per year nationally.
One key tactic for protecting yourself and your loved ones from fraud is the safe and secure disposal of sensitive documents.
On Saturday, May 30, community members are invited to participate in a personal document shredding event, organized by Multnomah County’s Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Division and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).
Community members will have the opportunity to safely dispose of any personal documents and will also be able to learn more about Medicare fraud prevention — just in time for Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 1 - 5, 2026).
What: Free personal document shredding and information about Medicare, in honor of Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30 (or until the shred truck is filled)
Where: 11982 N.E. Glisan St., Portland OR 97220 (in the parking lot of the Multnomah County Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Division’s Mid-County branch)
“Medicare fraud has a devastating impact on both the community and the Medicare program. Disposing of sensitive documents is a great way to avoid Medicare fraud,” said John Henry Crippen, program supervisor for Multnomah County Senior Medicare Patrol. “By preventing fraud from happening, we help protect beneficiaries and keep taxpayer funds from reaching the hands of fraudsters.”
Senior Medicare Patrol, a nationwide, federally funded program, works to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud. The program promotes Medicare Fraud Prevention Week each year on the week of June 5, or “6/5,” because most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. Multnomah County’s Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Division operates the Senior Medicare Patrol program locally and will be available to answer questions community members may have about Medicare and how to prevent fraud.
Medicare beneficiaries and their loved ones should look out for unsolicited phone calls asking for personal information, unfamiliar companies offering products and services, or shipments of supplies that are not needed. Common scams include fraudulent companies reaching out to offer durable medical equipment or genetic testing that has not been ordered by the recipient’s regular providers.
Beneficiaries should also check their mailed Medicare statements or access them online at Medicare.gov to review the products and services that are billed to Medicare and report fraudulent activity right away.
To connect with Senior Medicare Patrol by phone or to learn about other resources available to older adults, veterans and people with disabilities in your area, call the 24/7 Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) Helpline at 1-855-673-2372.
Multnomah County’s Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Division operates 31 programs that help connect seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and caregivers to resources, programs and services. Community members can access services through the 24/7 ADRC Helpline or by getting in touch with a partner senior center or service organization.
May is also Older Americans Month, a time to recognize, celebrate and support older adults. This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” underscores prevention and wellness as cornerstones of healthy aging.
WATCH: “A community that values seniors and gives support when it matters most.”
####