SAN JUAN – On Friday, the Puerto Rico Department of Justice and the Public Corporation for the Oversight and Insurance of Cooperatives (COSSEC) announced a partnership aimed at preventing financial exploitation of older adults. The agreement will focus on educational campaigns, guidance on fraud tactics, and coordinated efforts between the two agencies. Lourdes Gómez Torres, Secretary of Justice, said the initiative “protects the economic resources of older adults, safeguarding their independence and peace of mind.” She added that the alliance will provide tools for recognizing fraud signals and strengthen coordination to address financial exploitation. The plan includes activities to identify telephone, electronic, and in‑person fraud schemes, as well as situations involving manipulation, coercion, or intimidation to obtain money or property from seniors. Workshops, talks, and practical guides will target older adults, their families, caregivers, and support networks. Planned venues include cooperatives, community centers, multi‑activity centers, and municipal offices. Mabel Jiménez Miranda, President of COSSEC, highlighted the preventive role cooperatives can play due to their direct community ties. “With this agreement, we combine knowledge and capabilities so that older adults and their support networks have clear information to identify risks and protect their assets,” she said. The collaboration also establishes that representatives from Justice and COSSEC will maintain ongoing communication, identify new fraud modalities, and coordinate public warnings. Any information exchange will comply with legal confidentiality provisions, limiting disclosure to circumstances permitted by law. Liza Alfaro, Commissioner of Cooperative Development and Chair of COSSEC’s Board of Directors, noted that the cooperative sector will participate in orientation initiatives to help seniors make informed financial decisions. The Secretary of Justice emphasized that the measures aim to enable older adults and their caregivers to promptly recognize attempts at deception or undue pressure on their economic choices.