(12/11/07) BROOKLYN ? Federal Trade Commission representatives and officials from two city agencies announced an initiative Tuesday designed to protect seniors from scams and identity theft.

As part of the program, called ?Senior Savvy,? representatives will visit senior centers offering information on how to prevent identity theft. First and foremost, experts say seniors should never pay any fees associated with a free gift. They say free should mean free.

Internet scams are also a major concern for program representatives. They say seniors are the fastest-growing group of Internet users, a fact scammers know all too well. Experts urge seniors to research sellers before making an Internet purchase. They say if a working phone number cannot be found for a Web merchant, than buyers should take their business elsewhere.

Related information: FTC Department for the Aging NYC Department of Consumer Affairs