Friday's Scam Jam will teach how to protect from scammers

Carla Slavey, Commonwealth Journal, Somerset, Ky.
·2 min read

Apr. 23—Is it possible to make learning about how to protect yourself from scams fun? The Scram Jam may prove that it is.

The Center for Rural Development will host the Somerset Scam Jam and Shredding Day this Friday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Knowledge is power when it comes to protecting yourself against scams. This free community event will arm attendees with the tools needed to spot and avoid scams, including identity theft, investment fraud, cybercrime, and mail fraud," said Tasha Stewart, information officer for the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.

The Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission, the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce and AARP Kentucky will join forces to bring information to seniors — and all community members — on how to keep scammers at bay.

Several other partners will be on hand to provide information, including the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, Somerset Police Department and the Kentucky Office of Attorney General.

"This event is aimed toward all adults in the Somerset and surrounding communities. We know from the data that senior citizens are frequent targets for scammers, so we especially welcome seniors to our event. Even if you can only commit to an hour, you will leave with helpful information," Stewart said.

Plus, by registering with the event, attendees can receive lunch and enter to be eligible for door prizes.

There will also be free, secure document shredding provided for anyone who has sensitive documents that they are afraid of throwing away without being shredded first. Shredding will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Attendees will spend the day learning from and having open, judgement-free conversations with scam experts. While there, they can visit with exhibitors and securely shred documents at the shredding truck. We will have free lunch, door prizes, and fun games such as Fraud Bingo," Stewart said.

This is the first event held in the Somerset area, but Stewart said there have been other similar events held throughout Kentucky.

For more information or to pre-register for the event, visit https://events.aarp.org/KYScamJamSomerset. Registration is required to access some aspects of the event.

Carla Slavey can be reached at cslavey@somerset-kentucky.com