Welcome to the (Scam) Jam

POST FALLS - Watch out, cons.

Scam Jam will empower citizens with how to fight fraud and exploitation.

The free event - the first of its kind in the area with speakers from several agencies - will be held Thursday, June 14, at the Post Falls Senior Center, 1215 E. Third Ave., from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

While Scam Jam is geared toward seniors - often considered the most vulnerable residents - it is open to anyone, including caregivers and relatives.

Registration is required and the deadline is Monday, June 11. RSVP by calling (877) 926-8300 or online at aarp.cvent.com/ID_ScamJamPostFalls.

"Our goal is to make sure seniors and others get the information they need to keep from being victimized by a scam artist or unscrupulous business person," said Alison McArthur, senior center executive director. "We have selected topics that are timely and relative to our residents such as sweepstakes scams and identity theft."

Other topics include investment, home repair, email, credit card and magazine sales scams and Medicare fraud.

Agencies that will have speakers or a booth include: Post Falls Police, AARP, state departments of Insurance and Finance, Area Agency on Aging, Better Business Bureau, the Office of Idaho Attorney General and Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA).

McArthur said fraud has always been a problem, but has been on the rise during the recession along with home invasions. She said she hears about local seniors getting scammed time and time again.

"We want to teach seniors to be front-door savvy," she said.

McArthur said the intent is to hold a Scam Jam every other year.

There will be a free continental breakfast during registration from 8-9 a.m. and a free hot lunch at noon. There will also be drawings for prizes at the end.

A shred truck will be on site from 8 a.m. to noon to shred documents for residents for free.

For more information, call the senior center at 773-9582.