Learn how to protect your savings from scams and fraud

Posted: Tue, Jan 14, 2020 10:22 AM

Con artists target people age 60 and older swindling more than 7 million Americans out of almost $3 billion each year. In an effort to prevent these losses, Northeast Iowa Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (NEI RSVP) and the Iowa Insurance Division will be presenting "Iowa Fraud Fighters" seminars throughout northeast Iowa.

Director of NEI RSVP Deana Hageman says, "We are pleased to present this important fraud-prevention message to people in Northeast Iowa. We hope these presentations will help educate Iowans on common scams and arm them with tools and tips to prevent fraud."

The seminars teach consumers how to shield their savings from scammers and fraudulent investment offers. Presenters will share tips on recognizing and reporting fraud, explain how to use the "Double-check before you invest" program, and share stories of people who have lost their life savings to fraud.

Upcoming seminars will be held at various times and locations around the Decorah area:

Monday, January 27th: 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Fort Atkinson Community Center in Fort Atkinson

Monday, February 3rd: 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the Arlin Falck Assisted Living, Barthell Eastern Star in Decorah

Wednesday, February 19th: 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Decorah Bank and Trust in Decorah

Thursday, February 27th: 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at the Decorah Senior Center in Decorah, and also 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Decorah Public Library in Decorah

Wednesday, March 4th: 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Cresco Bank & Trust in Cresco

Wednesday, March 18th: 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Viking State Bank in Decorah

Monday, March 23rd: 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Cresco Public Library in Cresco

Thursday, April 30th: 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Robey Memorial Library in Waukon

Iowa Fraud Fighter seminars are being presented by NEI RSVP volunteers with assistance from local sponsors. Visit www.decorah.lib.ia.us/RSVP for more information about the seminars and links to fraud fighting resources.

If your business or organization would like to host a Fraud Fighters seminar, please contact Deana Hageman at 563-382-5181 or rsvp@decorah.lib.ia.us