AARP Montana Presents “Outsmarting Scam Artists”

AARP and host of experts conduct “how-to” workshop on staying sharp, spotting scams, avoiding fraud

Staying sharp segment to help Montanans avoid becoming victims of fraud -- New research suggests brain changes may increase risk

 Free and Open to the Public – Free Lunch Served!

In its ongoing efforts to fight investment fraud, AARP Montana is partnering with a coalition of crime prevention agencies to sponsor a “how-to” workshop entitled “Outsmarting Scam Artists” with a special focus on staying Sharp.

“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 Scam 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 forum together with a host of experts, including the Montana Attorney General’s Office, 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 consumer protection workshop 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 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 workshop is free and open to the public and includes complimentary lunch and materials. Due to limited seating, an RSVP is kindly requested.  For registration and details, please  click here or call toll free at 1-877-926-8300.

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.

WHAT:

“Outsmarting Scam Artists” How-to Workshop sponsored by AARP Montana

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

Brain Health Presentation by Nanette Whitman-Holmes

WHEN & WHERE:

Thursday, June 4^th -- Helena

10 am -- 2 pm

Best Western Great Northern Hotel

835 Great Northern Blvd

Helena, MT 59601

Open to the Public -- Free lunch served!

 DETAILS:

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 click button below for details and registration.