Nationally Known Consumer Fraud Expert to Keynote ‘Stop the Heist’ Program in Grand Island, Lincoln and Ralston

AARP Nebraska and Better Business Bureau (BBB) Foundation will host a special program featuring identity theft and consumer fraud expert Eva Velasquez in Grand Island and Lincoln April 10 and in Ralston April 11.

The program, “ Stop the Heist: Protect Your Identity from Thieves,” is free and open to the public. See registration details below.

Velasquez is president of the San Diego-based Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) and a leading authority on consumer protection, identity theft, privacy, scams and fraud. During the program, she will discuss identity theft, data breaches, cybersecurity and privacy along with essential steps that everyone can take to safeguard their personal information.

ITRC is a national, non-profit organization established to support victims of identity theft in resolving their cases, and to broaden public education and awareness of identity theft and related issues.

“BBB is well aware of the enormity of the problem of identity theft and other types of fraud.  CNBC claims scammers were responsible for losses totaling over $16 billion in 2016.  Other estimates exceed $50 billion in yearly losses. It’s not a matter of if you will be targeted by a scammer, but when,” said BBB President Jim Hegarty. “Everyone is at risk, but each of us can take strong measures to avoid falling victim to con artists.”

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), imposter scams and identity theft were the top two categories of fraud reported by Nebraskans in 2017. Credit card fraud and employment or tax-related fraud comprised the majority of identity theft incidents in the state.

“Fraud knows no age limit,” said Devorah Lanner, communications director for AARP Nebraska. “The FTC finds that people under 50 are more likely to be bilked but older victims lose more money, on average. Because everyone is susceptible to scams, education is your best defense. We hope consumers will join us for this program.”

Register today, space is limited!

Grand Island

Tuesday, April 10, 2018 – 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
A boxed lunch is included at no cost.
Bosselman Conference Center (inside Heartland Events Center)
Fonner Park Complex - 700 E. Stolley Park Road
*Parking just across from glass door entry to conference center

RSVP by March 27. Register at aarp.cvent.com/IDTheft_Grand Island_41018 or call 1-877-926-8300 toll free.

Lincoln, Nebraska

Tuesday, April 10, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A “Sweet Treat” is included
Cornhusker Bank - 8310 O St.
(Entrance and parking on the north side of the building)
RSVP by April 3. Register at aarp.cvent.com/IDTheft_Lincoln_41018 or call 1-877-926-8300 toll free.

Ralston

Wednesday, April 11, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A “Sweet Treat” with Q & A included
Ralston Arena  - 7300 Q St.

RSVP by April 4. Register at aarp.cvent.com/IDTheft_Ralston_41118 or call 1-877-926-8300 toll free.

Other event sponsors are Cornhusker Bank, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, McKinnis and Great Western Bank.