March 16, 2024

Protecting savings and assets becomes increasingly important as people age, and unfortunately, older adults can be attractive targets for fraudsters.

To help protect local citizens from fraud, Robey Memorial Library is partnering with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to host “Stay Independent: Spot, Stop and Avoid Fraud,” as part of Live & Learn: enriching lives through monthly learning series on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 5:30 pm in the lower level Community Room.

“’Stay Independent: Spot, Stop and Avoid Fraud’ is designed to raise awareness among older adults and their caregivers on how to prevent financial exploitation and fraud,” said Jeannette Mukayisire, a Family Wellbeing Specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “We update the curriculum often to reflect new information on frauds and scams, and how to prevent them.”

Spot, Stop and Avoid Fraud, is a part of the Stay Independent Health Aging series focusing on:

•   Frauds and Scams – what they are, and which ones are common in Iowa

•   Why the older population is a target for frauds and scams

•   The warning signs of common frauds and scams

•   Ways to protect yourself from frauds and scams

The Stay Independent program is geared towards adults 60+ and/or their caregivers. The program focuses on identifying warning signs of common scams and reviewing ways to protect a person’s finances. “Everyone, regardless of age, is a potential victim of theft and other fraud, swindles, or scams– known as financial crimes. There are over 50 million Americans aged 62 and older, which puts older Americans at greater risk than the general population. In fact, elder financial fraud is the most common form of elder abuse,” says Jeannette.

Attendance is FREE but registration is required. Contact the Front Desk or reserve your spot online at (563) 568-4424 or www.waukon.lib.ia.us!