Iowa Fraud Fighters & DEL to Host Informative Event in Dubuque

Fraud and scams are on the rise, especially targeting seniors and retirees. To help protect your savings and stay informed, the DBQ Esports League is hosting a free Iowa Fraud Fighters – Shield Your Savings presentation, tomorrow, November 19th from 4 to 6 PM. The event will take place at DBQ Esports League, 3220 Dodge St, Suite 109, in Dubuque.

This program, created by the Iowa Insurance Division (IID), is designed to educate residents about identifying and avoiding fraud. Attendees will learn how to spot scams, protect personal information, and take action if they or someone they know becomes a victim. Topics will include investment and Medicare fraud, identity theft, and scams targeting grandparents or seniors through romance or imposter tactics.

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The event is open to residents of Dubuque County, Jones County, Jo Daviess County, and Grant County, but space is limited to the first 50 registrants. If interested in attending the event, register by emailing squinn@dbqesports.org.

Fraud doesn’t discriminate. Reports show that seniors, including those with advanced education and financial knowledge, are common targets for scammers. Fraudsters often use tactics that prey on fear, loneliness, or excitement, making even the most vigilant individuals vulnerable.

This presentation offers practical advice to safeguard your finances and guidance on who to contact if fraud occurs. It’s not just about protecting yourself; you’ll also learn how to help friends, family, and neighbors avoid common traps.

The Iowa Fraud Fighters program is backed by state organizations, including the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program), Senior Medicare Patrol, and the Iowa Department on Aging.

To explore additional fraud prevention tools and tips, visit www.IowaFraudFighters.gov. If you have specific questions about insurance or investments, you can contact IID directly at 877-955-1212 or visit their website at www.iid.iowa.gov.

Simple Fraud Prevention Tips, Provided by the Iowa Fraud Fighters

Fraud can happen to anyone, but staying informed is your best defense. Here are some easy-to-remember tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. They probably are.
• Don’t let anyone pressure you into acting immediately. Scammers use urgency to catch you off guard.
• Never send money upfront. Offers promising to send you more money later are a red flag.
• Verify before you invest. Contact the Iowa Insurance Division to ensure the agent and their offer are legitimate.
• Discuss offers with someone you trust. Scammers often try to isolate victims and manipulate emotions like fear, excitement, or loneliness.
• Keep your personal information private. Agencies like the IRS, Medicare, or your bank will never ask for sensitive details over the phone or email.
• Avoid unusual payment requests. If someone asks for gift cards, wire transfers, or prepaid cards, it’s likely a scam.
• Be cautious with unknown callers. Don’t answer calls from unfamiliar numbers; let them go to voicemail. Scammers often use fake caller IDs to appear local.
• Always check the fine print. Hidden fees and charges can be buried in agreements or online orders.

By following these steps, you can better protect yourself from becoming a victim. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more and connect with experts. Register now by emailing squinn@dbqesports.org and join the fight against fraud, tomorrow, November 19th, 2024 in Dubuque!