First workshop on April 5 will focus on how to prevent identity theft and avoid becoming a victim of scams and fraud.
Did you know that millennials are falling victim to scams more often than their grandparents? Millennials reported 40% of money lost to fraud versus 18% for ages 70 and above. Only nine percent of those who reported fraud actually lost money, “but that 9% reported an aggregate loss of $290 million and a $720 median loss,” according to the “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2017,” a new report released this month from the Federal Trade Commission. While older Americans did not fall victim as often they lost more per incident than millenials, reporting higher median losses than any other age group.
What steps can you take to prevent falling victim to a scam or identity theft? With news like last year’s breach of Experian data, identity theft is truly on the rise and it’s more important than ever to be cautious when receiving requests for information. But how can you best to determine what is real and what is not? What should you do when you’re approached and are suspicious? What recourses do you have if you are a victim of fraud?
Rhinebeck Bank and United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region will be co-presenting a Financial Literacy Workshop to answer these and other questions on Thursday, April 5th at the Boardman Road Library (Green Room, 141 Boardman Road, Poughkeepsie). In addition, they will be presenting two more workshops in fall 2018 and one in January 2019 (locations, dates and times to be announced). Topics to be addressed include “Basic Budgeting for Youth,” “Information for First Time Homebuyers,” and “How to Have a ‘Second Chance’ with Poor/No Credit or Bankruptcy.” All of the Financial Literacy Workshops are free and open to the public with pre-registration requested. To register for the April 5th workshop, go to www.uwdor.org/register-april52018.
“We’re proud to partner with United Way in order to help educate our community. Understanding your personal finances can provide for a better future for you and your family,” Jamie Bloom, Chief Operating Officer for Rhinebeck Bank, explained. “It’s our goal to make sure everyone in our community has the information they need to make informed financial decisions.”
“We are delighted that Rhinebeck Bank is partnering with us in this important endeavor to increase financial literacy throughout our community,” stated United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region President & CEO Jeannie Montano. “We hope that people will take advantage of these free presentations to learn more about how to protect themselves, build credit and manage their finances. Together with Rhinebeck Bank, through these Financial Literacy Workshops, United Way is continuing its fight for financial stability for every person in our community.”
The first workshop on how not to become a victim of identity theft and scams will be presented by John F. Viola, United States Postal Inspector Team Leader. John is a supervisory federal agent with the US Postal Inspection Service with over 23 years experience investigating crimes involving the US Mails. John will be joined by Donna Harris, the Public Information Representative (PIR) for the US Postal Inspection Service in New York. Donna has been in her current position for over five years, and has worked at the United States Postal Service and its law enforcement agencies for over 32 years.
John Viola and Donna Harris will provide an overview of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and mail theft prevention as well as how to avoid falling a victim to identity theft, lottery and sweepstakes schemes, and work-at-home, investment and charity schemes.
Elizabeth Roger, Business Banking Officer for Rhinebeck Bank will be available to answer audience questions following the presentation.
The April 5th workshop will be held in the Green Room at the Boardman Road Library (141 Boardman Road) from 9:30 – 11:00am. Registration is from 9:00-9:30am. Light refreshments will be served. To register for this free workshop, go to: www.uwdor.org/register-april52018.
For additional information, please contact United Way’s Community Building VISTA Jazmin Awada at 845-471-1900 ext 3106 or jawada@uwdor.org.
