Scam Jams to Help Residents Spot Fraud Before it Happens

Maui Now graphic by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

AARP Hawaiʻi and state agencies leading the fight against fraud will offer free public awareness Scam Jam workshops in Kīhei and Kahului on Saturday, May 30.

The events are intended to protect Maui residents from the threat of identity theft, investment fraud and related scams by shining a light on the tactics scam artists use to separate people from billions of dollars nationwide each year.

The events are free and open to the public.

The Scam Jam event in Kahului will be held at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center on the main stage from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration is not necessary to attend this event.

The Kīhei Scam Jam will be held at St. Theresa Church from 2 to 4 p.m. Attendees are asked to preregister online.

A recent survey of Hawaiʻi adults shows that many consumers put themselves at risk of identity theft, investment fraud and other financial scams by ignoring basic prevention measures.

The report, Risky Behavior: Assessing the Fraud Risk and Avoidance Among Hawaiʻi Adults 18+, suggests the extent to which island residents leave themselves vulnerable to fraud by ignoring time-tested consumer protection tips that help thwart identity thieves and investment fraudsters.

The survey is available for review online.

Go online to join AARP’s Fraud Watch Network to receive scam alerts and fraud-related resources.

The Scam Jam workshops are co-sponsored by the State Office of the Securities Commissioner, the Better Business Bureau of Hawaiʻi and the state Department of Attorney General.