Fraud can happen to anyone. According to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging 2019 Fraud Book, it is estimated that older Americans lose at least $2.9 billion per year to financial exploitation schemes and scams. Other groups pose estimates that are even higher, and many agree that fraud is underreported. The best way to protect yourself from financial fraud and scams is to be aware of the tactics con artists use and learn to recognize red flags so you can avoid being tricked.

To increase consumer knowledge on fraud and fraud prevention, the Nicholas County Extension Office hosted a workshop titled Fraud Prevention 101 on November 13, 2023 as November is recognized as Fraud Prevention Month. Evaluations placed an educational emphasis on:

1. Reducing the Risk of Identity Theft
2. Scam Red Flags and How to Avoid Them
3. Types of Scams

A total of 8 consumers participated in the workshop. Following the class, 100 percent of respondents indicated an increased knowledge in the following areas:

1. Understanding the tricks and tactics a con artist might use.
2. Naming “red flag” promises.
3. Knowing how to protect against fraud.
4. Knowing where to report potential fraud.
5. Being able to name at least three types of imposter scams,
6. Being able to name at least two types of advance fee scams, and
7. Listing at least one organization to which to report potential fraud.
8. Understanding identity theft,
9. Knowing three ways to protect yourself from identity theft, and
10. Listing steps to resolving identity theft if it happens.

As a result of the program, one participant noted how she wished she had handled an incident where she was scammed out money through a computer virus scam with the information in the program, and as a result of the programming thought she was better equipped to handle future fraud. Another participant mentioned the first thing she would do when she was home at her computer was make her computer passwords more secure.