Webinars In Family and Consumer Sciences Topics Provide Education                                                         For Extension Agents in Kentucky

In the midst of the pandemic, scams have become more of a problem for Kentuckians. Many unwitting consumers have fallen victim to scammers promising access to Covid-19 testing, vaccines and other cures. Though many believe that the elderly are the only victims of scams, often younger consumers between the ages of 18-35 are also scam victims. Younger scam victims can be attributed to their use of social media and online shopping and financial transactions. In an effort to address issues associated with pandemic scams a webinar was held to address consumer protection with an emphasis on financial scams. The webinar included representatives from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Kentucky chapter of American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), in addition to Dr. Allison Young Family and Consumer Sciences Program Leader.  The subject matter for the presentation included security of personal data, Covid-19 scams, unemployment scams and other topics related to consumer rights. 

Extension personnel, including those in Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H, and Family and Consumer Sciences attended this 1 ½ hour webinar. The extension personnel were able to learn about the types of scams on consumers in the Covid-19 pandemic. The webinar participants were able to learn concrete steps to take to avoid falling victim to scams. The extension professionals attending this webinar were able to learn about their rights as a consumer and how to seek redress for consumer issues. Therefore, the extension professionals have been armed with valuable information to share with their county clientele.

As a result of the webinars, the participants indicated that they had gained valuable information that could be included in their programming efforts. An evaluation was sent to the participants to gauge their level of understanding of the materials presented.