AARP CT & CCSU to Host Leading Identity Theft Expert Frank Abagnale for Free Scam Awareness Event

Best-selling Author & Subject of Movie Catch Me If You Can to Present September 27

In a joint collaboration, AARP Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) Office of Continuing Education will host a free fraud prevention event featuring Frank W. Abagnale – one of the world’s most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement and secure documents – on Wednesday, Sept. 27, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with an informational fair, followed by the main event at 7p.m.

Abagnale, who has advised the FBI on how to outsmart con artists for over four decades, will be in Connecticut as part an AARP Fraud Watch Network ambassador to help people learn how to spot and avoid scams.

Between the ages of 16 and 21, he successfully posed as an airline pilot, an attorney, and a doctor and cashed millions in fraudulent checks. Eventually caught, his exploits were depicted in the feature film Catch Me If You Can, which was based on his book by the same name, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.  Today, Abagnale is an expert on the subject of identity theft, has written three books on the subject and serves as a consultant to some of the largest companies in the world on the subject of cybercrime.

"Frank’s personal experiences will provide an invaluable insight into the mind of a con artist, and provide attendees with firsthand understanding of how easily people of all backgrounds can be caught in the net of the scammer,” said Byron Peterson, AARP Connecticut Fraud Watch Network lead volunteer. “This free event gives the community an opportunity to experience the AARP Fraud Watch Network mission to empower citizens with the tools and information they need to protect themselves and their loved ones from scams.”

Christa Sterling, director of continuing education at CCSU, added, “Continuing Education is thrilled to host another AARP series on campus this fall. Our relationship began in 2016 and has deepened with each event. Our upcoming Fraud event brings together generations on an issue so vital to our financial security. Collaborating with AARP has offered CCSU – an Age-Friendly University – an opportunity to provide educational workshops from a trusted source and create an age-friendly environment for our university experience.”

Registration for the free event is required online ( aarp.cvent.com/AbagnaleCT2017) or by calling 1-877-926-8300.

DATE:
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017

TIME: 
5:30 to 7 p.m.: Fraud Prevention Fair
7 to 8 p.m.: Main Event - AARP Ambassador Frank Abagnale Presentation

LOCATION:
Central Connecticut State University
Herbert D. Welte Hall
1615 Stanley Street
New Britain, CT 06053

About AARP Fraud Watch Network
AARP’s history of safeguarding American’s financial security began more than 50 years ago and fighting identity theft and fraud is part of that core mission. AARP’s Fraud Watch Network (FWN), a national initiative, arms Americans with the tools they need to spot and avoid fraud and scams so they can protect themselves and their families. The FWN was launched in 2013 as a free resource for people of all ages. The FWN website provides information about fraud and scams, prevention tips from experts, fun educational quizzes, and video presentations featuring Frank Abagnale. Users may sign up for “Watchdog Alert” emails that deliver breaking scam information, or call a free helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with trained volunteers.

Last year, FWN launched an online Scam-Tracking Map (powered by Google) which allows consumers nationwide to report instances of fraud schemes, by way of sharing the information with others in their community who may become targeted. The free interactive tool also includes alerts from law enforcement and other public agencies, listed state-by-state.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit http://www.aarp.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.