Fraud Expert To Tell How to Avoid Scams

Sadoti, Alexis (TMP)

Fraud prevention expert Frank Abagnale will offer tips on how to avoid identity theft on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m., at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. The event is sponsored by AARP Louisiana.

Louisianans reported more than 36,000 complaints of fraud and identity theft in 2016. Older people are particularly at risk because scammers often target those who are likely to have a nest egg.

Abagnale—who has advised the FBI on how to outsmart con artists for more than 40 years—was a successful scammer in his youth. The 2002 movie Catch Me If You Can was based on his best-selling book of the same name. He is now a corporate consultant on cybercrime and AARP Fraud Watch Network ambassador.

The event is free, but registration is required. Go to aarp.cvent.com/abagnaleLA or call 877-926-8300 toll-free to register.