‘Fraud Fighters’ plan Ames event to help protect seniors

May 20--A program designed to educate and empower Iowans on how to protect themselves against investment and insurance fraud will come to Ames next month.

"Iowa Fraud Fighters -- Shield Your Savings" is a program put on by the Iowa Insurance Division, in partnership with the Iowa Attorney General's office and the Iowa Department of Aging. The program will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13, at the Quality Inn Starlite Village, 2601 E. 13th St., in Ames. The doors will open for registration at 11:30 a.m. on the day of the event.

Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said that many types of fraud is targeted at Americans ages 60 and older and those scams lead to more than seven million Americans losing nearly $3 billion each year.

Ommen stopped in Ames on Friday to discuss the program and ways to fight back against fraud. He said the program is open to anyone, but nearly 10,000 people a day reach retirement age in America, and that is the population Ommen said is the most at risk for potential scams.

"Those are the folks that we're really trying to appeal to in this Fraud Fighters effort," Ommen said. "As they move into retirement, that's when they do become susceptible to the kind of fraud that we prosecute. It ends up being our job in part to make sure they know about what we're doing in enforcement but to also give them some resources and tools to better protect themselves."

The forum is meant to help Iowans learn about what new scams are circulating in the area, how to prevent becoming a victim of fraud and why it is important to report fraud. The program will consist of a discussion with experts in the area, followed by a question and answer portion that will give audience members a chance to speak directly with the panel. There will also be booths set up around and participants who do not wish to speak during the meeting will have a chance to talk with the panelists individually following the forum.

"Its an opportunity for them to come and participate by asking questions," Ommen said.

He added that in past events, some members of the crowd shared stories that later led to criminals being prosecuted for their crimes.

Chance McElhaney, communications director for the Iowa Insurance Division, said many people who have been victimized by scams or fraud are often too embarrassed to come forward and report the crime or share their story, but it's a necessary step to protect others from having the same issues.

"Even if you were a victim, reporting it may allow it to not happen to your neighbor or your friends to folks at your church or in your coffee circle," McElhaney said. "The money may be gone from you but you may be able to help others."

Other victims of fraud just don't know where to turn and that is another thing this program is designed to change, Ommen said.

"By putting us in the same place, we can help them better see what our roles are so that if they do hear about somebody that's been scammed, they know where to call," Ommen said.

While the program focuses largely on helping the aging population in Iowa avoid being scammed, the program is open to anyone who wishes to attend.

To RSVP for the complimentary lunch program, call toll-free at (866) 559-7114, or fill out the online form at www.IowaFraudFighters.gov by June 6.

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