Free Conference To Address Fraud and Scams Slated For Casper

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The Conference to Defeat Fraud and Scams, sponsored by AARP Wyoming’s Casper Action Team, is set for Feb. 21 from 1-4:30 p.m. at the Lyric in downtown Casper.

The event is free to attend, but AARP does ask that you register online at: https://aarp.cvent.com/events/aarp-wy-defeat-fraud-and-scams-casper-wy-2-21-20/event-summary-26e5ee1cceef41ab85cd961b22bccfb0.aspxhttps://aarp.cvent.com/Defeat_Fraud_Casper, or by calling 1-877-926-8300, and asking for Defeat Fraud and Scams in Casper, WY.

Fighting Fraud among Central Wyoming’s 50+ has been a priority for the Casper Action Team, and got its start in the summer of 2018 when the group hosted AARP Fraud Ambassador Frank Abagnale, the inspiration behind the movie “Catch Me If You Can.”

This month, the Casper Action Team will follow-up that effort with presentations on fraud prevention from a strong line-up of law enforcement and scam fighters. Headlining the line-up of speakers will be Eric Heimann, an assistant US Attorney in The US Department of Justice and the elder fraud and financial exploitation contact for the state. In addition to prosecuting fraud and scams in federal court, he also offers presentations to help prevent fraud among the age 50+.

In addition to Heimann, the conference has confirmed tremendous speakers, including Christine Wolfe, Senior Vice President of Compliance and Risk Management for Hilltop National Bank,

who will discuss local scams of note and ways to keep yourself safe. Paul Fritzler of The Wyoming Department of Family Services will present on its obligation in the area of elder exploitation and abuse through its Adult Protective Services Division. Marjorie Anderson and Eric Salveggio of CyberWyoming will wrap up the conference by presenting on cybersecurity.

A large amount of resources and handouts on the subject of fighting scams and fraud will also be available at no cost.

Barbara Summers, AARP Casper Team Leader, says, “Our senior citizens get bits and pieces of information about fraud and scams from various areas, like friends, neighbors, and several media and social interaction sources. In one afternoon, our conference provides an opportunity for citizens in Casper to hear how to deal with scams and fraud from the experts. Please join us at no cost. We’d love to see you there.”

The AARP Fraud Watch Network launched in 2013 as a free resource for people of all ages. Consumers may sign up for “Watchdog Alert” emails that deliver information about scams, or call a free helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to speak with volunteers trained in fraud counseling. The Fraud Watch Network website provides information about fraud and scams, prevention tips from experts, an interactive scam-tracking map, fun educational quizzes, and video presentations featuring Fraud Watch Network Ambassador Frank Abagnale.