AARP Hawai‘i to Host Scam Jam to Help Prevent Fraud, Aug. 9

AARP Hawai‘i is hosting a Scam Jam event in Wailuku on Aug. 9, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the J. Walter Cameron Center Auditorium to inform Maui residents on the latest scams and how to keep families safe.

Scam Computer Keys Showing Swindles And Fraud. PC: AARP Hawai‘i

AARP says con artists are finding new ways to take money and consumers need to know how to recognize the scams.

“Education and vigilance are the top weapons to fight scammers,” said Barbara Kim Stanton, the AARP Hawai‘i State Director, “These fraud education events can empower you to protect yourself and your family from fraud and scams. You have the power to stop fraud before it happens.”

Surveys show that one in 10 Americans are victimized by phone scams and reports show that online scammers and financial con artists steal from millions more. AARP estimates losses nationwide are about $16 billion.

AARP says the prime targets of scammers are kupuna, and while younger people are more likely to fall victim to scammers, people 60 and older, lose the most money and are less able to recover from their loss.

Scam Jam attendees will learn about the psychology of money, the top scams that con artists use in Hawai‘i and how to avoid becoming a victim. Participants will also find out about personality traits that typical fraud victims share.

Susan Arthur from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Investor Education Foundation will be the featured speaker. Other partners at the event will include the Better Business Bureau of Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of the Securities Commissioner.

The seminar is free and open to the public. Participants are asked to pre-register here or by calling 1-877-926-8300.

The J. Walter Cameron Center Auditorium is located at 95 Mahalani St in Wailuku.