AARP Montana Announces 2016 “Outsmarting Con Artists” Workshops across Montana - Register Below

 AARP and host of experts conduct “how-to” workshops on keeping sharp, spotting scams, avoiding fraud; Montana Attorney General Tim Fox slated to speak at first event in Bozeman

Free and Open to the Public – Free Lunch Served!

Helena, Mont., March 30, 2016 -- In its ongoing efforts to fight fraud, AARP Montana is partnering with a coalition of crime prevention agencies to sponsor “how-to” workshops entitled “Outsmarting Con Artists” with a special focus on keeping sharp. The 2016 series of workshops will be held in Bozeman, Butte, Missoula and Havre. The first event is set for April 27 in Bozeman at 10 am. Montana Attorney General Tim Fox is confirmed to speak at that event.

“AARP surveys reveal the top two key concerns among Montana members are keeping their brains agile and avoiding financial exploitation,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director. “This is why we are sponsoring the Outsmarting Con Artist workshops. We are bringing these two important topics together into one informative presentation delivered by the experts in the field.”

AARP will present the forums together with a host of experts, including the Office of Consumer Protection under the Montana Attorney General’s Office, the Office of the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, the Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions and the Montana Crime Prevention Association. 

“The prevalence of these types of crimes has already reached epidemic proportions,” said Summers.  “And this type of criminal activity will continue to grow as the Baby Boomers age. Financial exploitation of older Americans — from telemarketing scams to identity theft, fake check scams and home repair fraud — costs these vulnerable consumers an estimated $3 billion annually -- a 12% increase from 2008.”

The 2016 consumer protection workshops 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 and telemarketing fraud.  It will also explain how to investigate your broker and steps to take if you have been victimized.  Presenters will explore these topics during a four-hour session, which includes lunch and materials.  The session will also be open for questions from the audience.

In addition to discussions aimed at preventing frauds and scams, the event will include a practical workshop with tips that will help keep one’s mind sharp, healthy, and vibrant.

New research suggests age-related changes in the brain make it harder to detect suspicious body language and other warning signs that help alert consumers that people may be untrustworthy.

The new brain research, published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, concluded that older people, more than younger adults, may fail to interpret an untrustworthy face as potentially dishonest. The study, led by Shelley Taylor, a professor of psychology at UCLA, was funded by the National Institute on Aging.

“Many people think this problem exists because the post-war generation is more trusting than other generations,” says Taylor. “That may be true, but we've also discovered is that the problem is more serious because of neurological changes. Every generation – including the Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials, are all going to face this issue as they age.”

“Folks are becoming more aware of the threat posed by clever scams or investment schemes. Anyone, regardless of income, education, profession or age, can become a victim when unscrupulous individuals target unsuspecting consumers in an effort to line their own pockets,” said Summers.  “Information is a consumer’s best defense against becoming a victim.  This fraud forum is a great opportunity for folks to learn about their rights as consumers, have their questions answered by experts in the field, and learn strategies that will help them overcome these challenges.”

The AARP “How-to” workshop is free and open to the public and includes complimentary lunch and materials. Due to limited seating, an RSVP is kindly requested.  Please call toll free at 1-877-926-8300 or log onto   www.aarp.org/MT for registration link and details.

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.

Registration and Quick Glance Details:

WHAT: “Outsmarting Con Artists” 2016 How-to Workshops sponsored by AARP Montana 

WHO: AARP Montana, Office of the Montana State Auditor's Office, of the Montana Attorney General, Montana State Office of Banking and Financial Institutions, The Montana Crime Prevention Association, The Federal Trade Commission, Brain Health Presentation by Nanette Whitman-Holmes

WHEN & WHERE:

Wednesday, April 27 -- Bozeman 10 am -- 2 pm Hilton Garden Inn2023 Commerce Way Bozeman, MT 59715Free lunch served!

Tuesday, May 17 -- Butte10 am -- 2 pm Butte Country Club3400 Elizabeth Warren Avenue Butte, MT 59701Free lunch served!

Wednesday, June 22 -- Havre10 am -- 2 pm Best Western Plus Havre Inn and Suites1425 Highway 2 NW Havre, MT 59501Free lunch served!

Wednesday, August 17 -- Missoula10 am -- 2 pm Holiday Inn Downtown Missoula200 S Pattee Street Missoula, MT 59802Free lunch served!