AARP Montana Presents Series of Consumer Forums to Fight Investment Fraud

 

In its ongoing efforts to fight the problem of investment fraud, AARP Montana is partnering with a coalition of crime prevention agencies to sponsor a series of forums around Montana entitled “How to Outsmart Investment Fraud.”

AARP will present the forums along with a host of experts from the Montana Attorney General’s Office, the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Montana State Office of Banking and Financial Institutions, The Montana Crime Prevention Association, SaveandInvest.org, FINRA, The Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Crime Prevention Council.

The consumer protection forums will focus on educating attendees about fraud and scams that frequently target boomers and older Montanans. Topics covered will include investment fraud, fake insurance, Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes, identity theft, internet scams, health care fraud, telemarketing fraud, how to investigate one’s broker and steps to recovery after being victimized.  The forums will explore these topics during three-hour sessions and will be open for questions from the audience

In addition to presentations aimed at the general public, the fraud forum will target the law enforcement and legal communities as well.  Recognizing the importance of training those on the front lines, AARP Montana designed a program to teach law enforcement professionals, government officials and city, county and state attorneys how to crack down on fraud. Participants will learn how to recognize fraud and what to do if fraudulent activity appears to be taking place.

“Many Montanans are unaware of the threat posed by the latest scams or investment schemes.  Anyone, regardless of income, education, profession or age, can become a victim when unscrupulous individuals target unsuspecting consumers to line their own pockets,” said Joy Bruck, AARP Montana State President.  “Information is a consumer’s best defense against becoming a victim.  These fraud forums are a great opportunity for folks to learn about their rights as consumers, have their questions answered by experts in the field, and learn strategies for overcoming these challenges.”

To find out more about prevention of scams and fraud or to sign up for “Watchdog Alerts” log onto the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork.
Quick Glance Details:

  WHAT:            “How to Outsmart Investment Fraud” Consumer Fraud Forums sponsored by AARP

  WHO:              AARP

Office of the Montana State Auditor
Office of the Montana Attorney General
Montana State Office of Banking and Financial Institutions
The Montana Crime Prevention Association
SaveandInvest.org
FINRA
The Securities and Exchange Commission
The National Crime Prevention Council

WHEN & WHERE:

CLICK ON THE DATES TO REGISTER!

Monday, March 31^st – Helena
4:30 – 7:30 pm
Helena College Univ. of MT
Student Ctr., 1115 N Roberts
Free hearty soup dinner served!

Monday, April 7^th – Billings
4:30 – 7:30 pm
Elks Club
934 Lewis Ave
Free hearty soup dinner served!

Tuesday, April 8^th – Bozeman
4:30 – 7:30 pm
Bozeman Senior Center
807 No. Tracy
Free hearty soup dinner served!

Wednesday, April 9^th – Butte
4:30 – 7:30 pm
The Butte Depot
818 So. Arizona Avenue
Free hearty soup dinner served!

  Monday, May 19^th – Kalispell
4:30 – 7:30 pm
Museum at Central School
124 2 ^nd Avenue East
Free hearty soup dinner served!

Tuesday, May 20^th – Missoula
4:30 – 7:30 pm
St. Patrick Hospital, Conference Center 1 & 2,
500 West Broadway
Free hearty soup dinner served!

Wednesday, May 21^st – Great Falls
4:30 – 7:30 pm
Great Falls College MSU
2100 16th Ave S
Free hearty soup dinner served!
DETAILS:         The forums are free and open to the public and a free hearty soup dinner will be served. At each event, a crosscut document shredder will be given away.  Due to limited seating, an RSVP is kindly requested.  Please call toll free at 1-877-926-8300 or click on the event dates above for registration and details.

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Media Contact:
Stacia Dahl
Communications Director
AARP Montana
406-457-4704
sdahl@aarp.org