Williamson County, Texas

Commissioner Cook Gave Out Laminated Senior Fraud Prevention Placemats As Shown In Photos

Between 2010 and 2017, Texas experienced the largest senior population increase nationwide, both in number and percentage change, with an addition of 3.1 million seniors—up 12.6 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Williamson County saw an even more dramatic increase in the senior population between 2010 and 2016, with a gain of 24,405 people, or a 65 percent increase in the number of people at or above the age of 65, according to the census.

In 2017, it was reported that older Americans lose $36.5B each year to financial scams and abuse, and this number continues to rise.

Financial scams and abuse are done through numerous ways. This is not an exhaustive list:

Telemarketing scams “You’ve won a ‘free’ gift, vacation, or prize.” But you have to pay for “postage and handling” or other charges. Or “You must act now.”

IRS scams “There was a problem with your taxes, and you still owe. Pay now or police will come to your door.” Frequently, these calls look like they are coming from inside the United States. In fact, they are large foreign operations trying to steal your money. The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information.

A family member is in jail A person posing as a grandchild says that they are in jail and need bond money.

When a scammer uses fraudulent emails or texts, or copycat websites to get you to share valuable personal information – such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, or your login IDs and passwords. Scammers also use phishing emails to get access to your computer or network then they install programs like ransomware that can lock you out of important files on your computer. Phishing scammers lure their targets into a false sense of security by spoofing the familiar, trusted logos of established, legitimate companies. Or they pretend to be a friend or family member. 

Unfortunately, The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that 90 percent of the perpetrators are family members or people the victims know well, such as neighbors, friends or caregivers.

We have brought 4 organizations that will give you important information and tips on what you should do to ensure you are not a victim of fraud and what to do if you do become

The Williamson County and Cities Health District has provided public health services to Williamson County since 1943. Public Health Centers and offices are located in Cedar Park, Georgetown, Round Rock, and Taylor. 

Public health departments play an extremely important role in improving and protecting the health of individuals and communities.

The WCCHD offers essential public health services to the public, such as preventing disease, ensuring access to safe food and water, immunizations, and preparing for and responding to health emergencies.

For more information, please visit http://www.wcchd.org/about_us/index.php

Please click on READ MORE for Commissioner Cook's speech.

Commissioner Cook spoke to the 2018 Round Rock Leadership Class at the Historic Williamson County Courthouse on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. She explained her role as a County Commissioner and the responsibilities of the Commissioners Court regarding the budget, transportation and roads.

Commissioner Cook is shown chatting with local officials and friends at the Kalahari Resort and Convention groundbreaking in Round Rock on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. The African-themed water park and convention center is family-owned and scheduled to open in 2020. Kalahari Resorts Round Rock is a $550 million, 350-acre complex that will be located on U.S. 79 across from the Dell Diamond and Old Settlers Park.

For more information about Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, please  visit http://www.kalahariresorts.com/ or http://Facebook.com/KalahariResorts or email http://kalahari@roundrocktexas.gov

                                                               PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, El Amistad Club of Round Rock is a non-profit, civic organization with the goal of inspiring the leaders of tomorrow; and

WHEREAS, El Amistad Club was founded in 1968 by civic leaders with dedicated commitment to Education, Community Service, Recognition of Veterans, and the Promotion of Hispanic Cultural Awareness; and

WHEREAS, over the last 50 years, El Amistad Club has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships to thousands of graduating high school students desiring to further their education; and

WHEREAS, in 2017 alone, El Amistad Club awarded over $90,000 in scholarships to deserving students in the Round Rock and surrounding school districts; and

WHEREAS, this year El Amistad Club was recently recognized as a Round Rock Community Legend and will proudly celebrate "50 Years of Giving"; and

WHEREAS, El Amistad Club lives up to its motto:  El amistad es mas que oro! Friendship is worth more than gold. 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAMED, that the Williamson County Commissioners Court hereby congratulates El Amistad Club of Round Rock on their first 50 years of achievement and wishes them continued success on their next 50 years.

Commissioner Cook pictured with Brigido Mireles at El Amistad Scholarship Gala on April 20.