GARDINER (AP) — Maine securities regulators say the crime of financial abuse of seniors is escalating in Maine and throughout the country.

Hoping to address the problem, Maine’s Office of Securities and a coalition of government and non-profit agencies will hold a series of free educational sessions for the public, including seniors, caregivers and service providers.

Sessions will be offered in Hallowell, Scarborough, Lewiston, Bangor and Presque Isle Sept. 10-12. The session in Lewiston will be held at the Ramada Inn on Pleasant Street from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

Securities Administrator Judith Shaw encourages people to take advantage of the sessions, which will provide information necessary to spot and avoid investment fraud and scams.

___

More information is available by contacting the Office of Securities at 1-877-624-8551, or calling the Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging at 1-877-353-3771.