EDITORIAL: Arm them against this devastating threat

Put the political freak show on a shelf for a moment.

Wanna see something really scary?

Something that’s ruining lives every minute of every day, often targeting the most responsible and yet most vulnerable citizens?

The name of this horrifying game is consumer fraud. Consider two levels of fraud terror for a moment.

First, you have the reported incidents of consumer fraud, and they’re staggering. According to the most recent data from the Federal Trade Commission, American consumers reported losing almost $8.8 billion in 2022.

Despite increasing awareness of these often brazen tricks to screw people out of their hard-earned money, consumer fraud is only getting worse. That 2022 figure was a whopping 30% higher than the previous year’s.

And here’s the thing: $8.8 billion is only the reported amount. It’s entirely possible that figure is the tip of the fraud iceberg. Many people are too embarrassed to admit they’ve fallen for a fraudulent scheme, so they take their lumps and don’t report it. In fact, many don’t even tell their family members.

While wiping out consumer fraud is probably a pipe dream, the nightmare doesn’t have to be visited upon you. On Oct. 6, you can arm yourself with knowledge that should keep your loved ones and their bank accounts safe from these abhorrent villains.

The Idaho Department of Finance's Fraud and Senior Financial Exploitation and Prevention Roadshow will take place that Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center.

While it’s intended primarily for seniors, adult family members and caregivers, the free event to help protect people from financial crimes targeting vulnerable adults is open to anyone.

AARP Idaho and the Idaho Commission on Aging — Adult Protective Services will also share information and resources to help citizens prevent, identify and report financial crimes and abuse, and update state efforts to combat this plague.

To register or for more information: fraudpreventionroadshow.eventbrite.com

Let’s all get wiser about this devastating threat and effectively make North Idaho a consumer fraud-free zone.