Senior citizens are most often the wisest ones among us. But unfortunately, they are also popular targets of criminals.

A free seminar will be held Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Alabama Power Conference Center to help seniors and their caregivers learn how to better safeguard themselves and their identity.

The seminar is sponsored by the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging (M4A) and will be held from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Scheduled guest speakers are Chilton County Sheriff Kevin Davis, attorney Jan Neal and Sharon Gilbert of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

“[Senior citizens] were raised and grew up in a different time and a different world than we live in today,” Davis said. “Trusting the human nature was a lot easier to do back years ago. In the world we live in today, that’s not the same.”

Topics will include identify theft, Medicare fraud and similar forms of deception. Davis said identify theft is a big issue because of new technology.

“They are a lot more susceptible to their information being taken or stolen because of the Internet,” he said.

The seminar is free, but registration is required due to limited seating. Lunch will be provided.

“Our agency did this in the spring in Blount County, and the seniors really enjoyed it,” said Kelly Flick, director of programs for M4A. “We really encourage the community to come. We want to educate them so they can protect themselves.”

To register or for more information, call (205) 670-5770.