According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft and imposter scams accounted for the largest categories of fraud reports in Kentucky and across the United States during 2021. Credit card fraud was among the highest categories of identity theft reported nationwide. The FTC received 26,065 fraud reports in Kentucky during 2021, resulting in an estimated $31.3 million dollars loss for Kentuckians.

To address these issues, a three-week webinar series on retirement planning was hosted by Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Service through its larger Big Blue Book Club initiative. The State Extension Specialist for Family Finance and Resource Management served as the moderator and main educator for the series that featured the book, “The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity,” by Dr. Axton Betz-Hamilton, Assistant Professor at South Dakota State University. Dr. Betz-Hamilton joined Dr. Huff for a question-and-answer session during the third week. 

Kentucky FCS purchased 200 copies of “The Less People Know About Us” and distributed them through county Extension offices to participants who preregistered for the Book Club. Participants were emailed a reading guide and invited to attend three, one-hour weekly sessions on Zoom organized by the book’s three parts.

Participation in the book club ranged from 63-106 per week, with an average live attendee count of 79 per session. The webinars were recorded with an additional average of 92 additional views per session. Total unique viewers/participants for the series were 146. Participants were also invited to join a private Facebook group where they could engage more with specialists and peers on consumer protection and fraud-related topics discussed each session. Reach for the series is estimated at 2,988 including online user engagement.

The purpose of the book club was to find a novel way to educate clientele about consumer protection and fraud. 63 participants representing 32 Kentucky counties completed the post-program evaluation. 98% of participants reported finding the topic of identity theft and consumer protection to be useful. 89% of participants reported discussing the material with someone outside of the webinars or Facebook group, suggesting a social multiplier effect may exist. Numerous participants reiterated the importance of the topic and their appreciation of the program: 

“Familial identity theft is a problem in all age brackets. We tend to think of elderly people being targeted but this proves anyone can be at risk.” 

“Fraud is so common. We must be vigilant so that we don't become victims.” 

“Identity theft can happen to anyone.” 

“How many people have known someone who has been or has known someone who has been affected by identity theft. It is amazing how it affects every aspect of your life.”

“I liked getting information on how to check credit and protect self in the future.”

“Identity theft and fraud are not entirely in our control to prevent, but there are steps we can take to minimize our risk.”

“I loved the book. Sometimes I forgot that I was reading a true story! Lol. I am enjoying the book club!”

“It was my first time participating in any [FCS] book club. I really enjoyed the book, participating with a group, and the way the Zoom was presented. I plan to do another one.”

Further, 95% of respondents indicated they gained knowledge/skills about the topics presented and are likely to apply the material/knowledge gained. 92% indicated they plan to take steps to better protect themself from fraud and identity theft. 89% plan to check their credit report as a result of participating in the program.