Scammers may try to trick us by appearing in disguise. This makes it difficult to know when something is “too good to be true.” The Federal Trade Commission received 2.9 million fraud reports in 2021. Of those reports, about a quarter of them resulted in a loss, equaling a total of $6.1 billion. The best way to avoid joining those statistics is to learn more about different types of scams to avoid falling victim.

 To increase consumer knowledge on scam and fraud prevention, the Daviess County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent hosted a Homemaker lesson leader training titled “A Bad Deal in Disguise: Types of Scams” for the Green River Area Homemaker leaders. Evaluations placed educational emphasis on: 

• Being able to name at least three types of imposter scams, 

• Being able to name at least two types of advance fee scams, and 

• Listing at least one organization to which to report potential fraud. 

At least ten consumers participated in the workshop, who then shared the information with their club members, reaching over one hundred homemaker members. After the class, 100% of respondents indicated they were able to name at least three types of imposter scams; 100% could name at least two types of advance fee scams; and 100% can list at least one organization to which they can report fraud. Of those who responded, 100% indicated they plan to report potential fraud and scams. In addition, 100% of respondents plan to research financial opportunities before participating and 100% plan to verify online businesses. As a result of the program, participants noted: “Be aware at all times about scams,” “Question Everything,” “The workshop was very informative about the numerous scams out there. A nice presentation to learn, Katie did an excellent job,” “Be more careful when answering the phone,” “The so many ways a person can get scammed, I personally do not answer any phone calls unless I know the phone number.”