ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Cupid spread love at Senior Suites at St. Clair Commons Friday afternoon.

The ninth annual Valentine’s Day event saw Senior Suites staff distributing candy to the residents.

Administrative assistant Leeann Main dressed as Cupid and handed out candy while taking pictures with the residents. St. Clairsville Police Officer Greg Clark was also in attendance providing information to the seniors about fraud.

“We’ve seen an increase in schemes here lately. So I’m here just to educate the public, especially the older people in the community because they’re the most vulnerable,” Clark said. “Some older people get a little confused, but if they ask for a gift card, no, don’t send them it, don’t send them money and don’t have anybody come to your house and pick money up.”

He added that if a resident is unsure if a potential scam is occurring to call the police department and it will be investigated.

“That’s our job – to serve and protect,” Clark said.

He added that many times people will feel embarrassed after they get scammed and won’t report it but Clark stressed that it is nothing to be embarrassed by and asked those who believe they may have been scammed to contact the department.

Clark distributed hand flyers provided by Walmart that details several different types of scams and fraud.

He believes that if residents become more vigilant when it comes to scams, it will cut down on the amount of scams happening in the area.

“Anywhere from saying that they’re the IRS or that your granddaughter got in the wreck, we need this much money, send gift cards to us,” Clark said. “Also, such as this time of year, Valentine’s Day relationship schemes. You know, lonely people reach out to say ‘Hey, I’d like to meet you, but I don’t have any money. Can you send me some money to get to you or to come to visit you? And you’d be surprised how many people fall for that.”

Senior Suites Executive Director Heather Moran added that scammers often target the aging population.

“A lot of the older people are easily taken advantage of and don’t always recognize scams because they’re through the internet or social media, which they’re not as familiar with as the younger generation,” Moran said.

She added that hosting events like the Valentine’s Day event helps keep morale high with the residents.

“We just try to keep everyone active and try to keep everyone happy,” Moran said. “Later on today we’ll be having a special Valentine’s Happy Hour and then tomorrow [Friday] we’ll be having a special Valentine’s Day dinner with some Valentine’s Day treats.”

As Clark spoke to the residents, food, drinks, cookies and other various sweets served by Senior Suites staff members.