An Educational Jackpot

With prizes and competition, Bingo is especially popular in senior living communities and apartments that focus on serving older Americans. But for residents of some Midlands-area senior communities, there's a unique twist on the fun. First Community transforms a rousing game into lessons about identifying scams that target this specific age group.

For more than 18 years, First Community has partnered with the Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation. The organization works to protect and enhance the quality of life for vulnerable senior housing residents. In 2022, with senior fraud skyrocketing, the bank began taking fraud education bingo to residents in senior living housing such as Columbia's Finlay House and Pruitt Health, Irmo's Lakeside Apartments, Camden's Palmer Place, and Nance Forest in Newberry.

During the game, residents learn about a specific topic like phone spoofing, social media fraud or mail fraud and they can ask any questions on the subject. Rather than a slideshow presentation about trending scams, First Community has found that learning is more meaningful and memorable if it's gamified.

Another benefit of talking about an issue that affects millions of seniors each year? Taking the stigma out of getting help. Seniors are often seen as easy prey due to their trusting, polite nature. They're also less inclined to report fraud because they don't know how, or they're ashamed they've been scammed. Some may even fear losing control over their financial affairs.

First Community's work in senior fraud education does more than help stem a growing problem. It's a lifeline for many older Americans facing the deep and complicated waters of financial fraud.