Baldwin County residents will have two chances later this month to learn how scammers operate and how to keep from becoming their next target. State Reps. Jennifer Fidler and Donna Givens are teaming up with the Alabama Securities Commission and other state and local agencies to host free fraud prevention seminars in Magnolia Springs on Oct. 29 and in Loxley on Oct. 30.
The seminars are aimed at residents of the two lawmakers’ House districts, but organizers say anyone interested in protecting themselves and their families from fraud, scams and financial exploitation is welcome to attend.
Two seminars, two communities
Fidler, R-Silverhill, will host the first session for residents of House District 94. It is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Magnolia Springs Town Hall, 12191 Magnolia Springs Highway. The evening start time is designed to make it easier for working residents to attend.
Givens, R-Loxley, will host the second session for residents of House District 64 at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Loxley Civic Center, 4198 Municipal Park Drive. The late-morning time may be especially convenient for retirees and others with flexible daytime schedules.
Both lawmakers are urging residents to bring along family members, friends, neighbors or anyone else who could benefit from the information.
What attendees will learn
Each seminar is built around practical advice that residents can put to use right away. Presenters will cover how to spot common warning signs, how scammers typically work and what to do if someone becomes the target of a scam. Topics on the agenda include:
- Common scams targeting Alabamians
- Financial fraud
- Identity theft
- Scams aimed at seniors
- Online and telephone scams
- Other forms of fraud and financial exploitation
Attendees will also be able to ask questions and find out where to turn for help if they suspect fraudulent activity. As scams grow more sophisticated, Fidler and Givens said, knowing the warning signs ahead of time is one of the best defenses.
Who the Alabama Securities Commission is
The Alabama Securities Commission is the state agency that regulates the securities industry in Alabama. It registers and oversees securities offerings, brokers and investment advisers doing business in the state, investigates securities and investment fraud, and works with prosecutors to bring cases against people who steal from investors.
The commission also runs public education programs to help Alabamians recognize investment scams and financial exploitation before they lose money. Community seminars like these are part of that outreach, bringing investigators and education staff directly to residents rather than waiting for victims to come forward after the damage is done.
Why seniors are a focus
Older adults are frequent targets of fraud. Many have retirement savings, home equity and good credit, and scammers often count on them being polite, trusting or reluctant to report a loss out of embarrassment. Common schemes include fake government or utility callers, grandparent scams in which a caller pretends to be a relative in trouble, romance scams, tech-support scams and phony investment opportunities.
Baldwin County is one of Alabama’s most popular retirement destinations, which makes education aimed at older residents and the family members who look out for them especially relevant. Lawmakers and organizers are encouraging adult children and caregivers to attend with older relatives so everyone hears the same advice.
Scam warnings after Hurricane Isaias
The seminars come as South Alabama recovers from Hurricane Isaias, which knocked out power and damaged homes across the region earlier this month. Consumer advocates have warned that disasters bring a wave of scams, including storm chasers offering repairs, fake charities and people posing as federal disaster workers.
The Better Business Bureau has urged homeowners to be wary of unsolicited contractors who knock on the door, to get estimates in writing, to avoid large upfront payments and to be suspicious of anyone who insists on cash or payment through money-transfer apps. Donors have also been urged to check out any organization or crowdfunding campaign before giving to storm relief.
Common red flags
While the seminars will go into more detail, consumer protection agencies point to a few warning signs that show up in many scams:
- Pressure to act immediately or keep the conversation secret
- Requests for payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or payment app
- Unexpected calls, texts or emails asking you to confirm personal or banking information
- Promises of guaranteed investment returns with little or no risk
- Callers who claim to be from a government agency and threaten arrest or fines
Anyone who believes they have been targeted can contact local law enforcement, the Alabama Securities Commission or the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, which handles consumer complaints. Reports can also be filed with the Federal Trade Commission.
Speed matters when money or personal information has been lost. Victims are generally advised to call their bank or card company right away, change any compromised passwords, and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three national credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. People dealing with identity theft can also use the federal IdentityTheft.gov website to report the theft and build a recovery plan.
If you go
- House District 94 seminar (Rep. Jennifer Fidler): 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, Magnolia Springs Town Hall, 12191 Magnolia Springs Highway, Magnolia Springs
- House District 64 seminar (Rep. Donna Givens): 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, Loxley Civic Center, 4198 Municipal Park Drive, Loxley
- Cost: Free
- Who should attend: Residents of House Districts 94 and 64, plus anyone interested in fraud prevention; family members and caregivers are encouraged to come
- Partners: Alabama Securities Commission and other state and local agencies
