Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Houston Educational Foundation

The Texas senior medicare patrol program (smp) is funded throudh a federal grant from the administration on aging. This program uses volunteers to train medicare beneficiaries about medicare fraud, abuse and waste and the importance of reporting incidents to medicare. 1,531 presentations were made to medicare beneficiaries and professionals reaching 65,353 people.

The bbb awards for excellence recognizes businesses and non profits for their achievements and commitment to overall excellence and quality in the workplace. Proceeds from the event help fund the bbb Educational Foundation which educates consumers about scams and fraudulent Business practices in the greater Houston area. Fundraising expenses of $86,971 were incurred in connection with the event, of which $8,000 were in-kind donations.

Silver sleuth program-educating older adults about schemes and scams targeting this vulnerable population and providing information on how to protect themselves and providing one-on-one assistance in resolving problems due to fraudulent Business activities. 73 presentations were made reaching more than 587 older adults. Young consumer advocate program (ycap)-youth aged 16 to 22 are educated on their consumer rights, obligations and fraudulent schemes, with an emphasis on gaining the skills necessary to become contributing members of the community. 3 presentations were made to young consumers reaching over 61 students.