9.9 million Americans had their identities stolen last year Consumers lose $40 billion a year to telemarketing fraud.
U.S. citizens send over $100 million each year to Canadian con-artists.
2/3 of financial abusers of the elderly are family members or trusted advisors.
Circuit Attorney JENNIFER M. JOYCE’s FRAUD PREVENTION TASKFORCE helps the citizens of St. Louis protect themselves against fraud, theft, and scams. The Taskforce provides regular communication and education for the public. The Fraud Assistance line is 314-612-1412.
The following Fraud Prevention Seminars are available for your organization free of charge:
POWER AGAINST FRAUD SEMINAR
This seminar provides an overview of seven areas of fraud: Identity Theft, Mail and Internet Fraud, Telemarketing and Charity Fraud, Caregiver Exploitation, Predatory Lending Scams, Financial Adviser and Investment Fraud, and Home Improvement Fraud In each seminar, you will learn simple but effective steps to help you protect yourself. Attendees get a free Power Against Fraud Handbook, loaded with helpful prevention tips.
CAN IDENTITY THEFT HAPPEN TO ME?
Identity Theft is the fastest-growing crime in the country. In this seminar you will learn your personal identity theft probability theft score, and receive a Power Against Identity Theft Handbook. This Handbook is packed with proven prevention tips, an analysis of your rights if you are the victim of identity theft, and a list of resources to get on the road to recovery and regain your good financial standing.
IT LOOKED REAL TO ME . . .
Mail and Internet Frauds account for 20-30% of all scams committed in America today. The number of these scams has exploded in recent years. In this seminar, you will learn the safest ways to use the Internet, and the importance of using security software. You’ll learn why sweepstakes are risky, and how to reduce the amount of junk mail, or “spam,” flooding your mailbox.
I DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO SAY NO
Con-artists posing as telemarketers or charity representatives are as dangerous as other criminals. These professional liars prey on your good intentions. In the Telemarketing and Charitable Contributions Fraud seminar you will get concrete strategies for ending these phone calls and preventing future ones.
I TRUST MY CAREGIVER
Many frauds against the elderly are committed by someone known to the victim, often, sadly, someone within the victim’s family. In this seminar, you will explore the crime of theft by trusted caregivers. We give you insights into vulnerabilities of older adults, characteristics of perpetrators, and warning signs of exploitation. You will learn steps you can use to protect yourself or those you care about. The Caregiver Exploitation seminar is ideal for family caregivers, pastoral care providers, and senior care managers.
HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU!
Predatory Lending scams can result in devastating personal debt, and even the loss of your home. They are also some of the most popular forms of financial crime in St. Louis. Professional con-artists and unscrupulous companies perpetrate these scams, but many people are also ripped off by trusted friends or family members. This seminar explains how to protect yourself from mortgage fraud and quit-claim deed scams. You will receive a free Predatory Lending Handbook.
HE TOLD ME IT WAS A SURE THING
Investment Fraud can wipe out a lifetime of hard work in an instant. This seminar discusses ways to check out potential investments and financial advisors, as well as warning signs of potential fraud. During the seminar, you will receive a free Investment Fraud Handbook.
KEEPING YOUR HOME YOUR CASTLE
How do you find a reliable contractor? What are the most common mistakes homeowners make when they contract for work on their home? The Home Improvement Fraud seminar answers these questions. You will receive a free Home Improvement Fraud Handbook during the course of the lecture.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is there a cost for a seminar?
Seminars, including all published materials which come with them, are completely free. However, your group or organization must lie within the borders of St. Louis City to request a session. If you wish to support the cost of the seminars, voluntary contributions will be accepted. If your business would like to partner with the Fraud Prevention Taskforce, please contact us using the information given below.
Can we host more than one seminar?
Absolutely! There are no restrictions on the number of seminars any organization may request.
How do I get more information make a reservation for a seminar?
Contact the Fraud Prevention Taskforce Coordinator at 314-612-1412.
What is the phone number of the Fraud Assistance Line?
314-612-1412
