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We’re excited to invite the community to a free Scam Prevention Seminar on January 22nd at 6:30 PM at the Jacob Edwards Library in Southbridge, MA!
In today’s world, scams are becoming more sophisticated, more frequent, and harder to spot. From deceptive online marketplaces to fake government calls, romance scams, investment fraud, and phishing attempts, scammers are constantly developing new tactics to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. This seminar is designed to help protect you, your family, and your finances by giving you the tools you need to stay one step ahead.
During this session, you’ll learn:
How modern scammers operate
We’ll break down the most common scam types happening right now—online scams, phone scams, impostor schemes, AI-powered fraud, social media scams, and more—so you understand exactly how criminals target their victims.
Warning signs to watch for
Using guidance from the Better Business Bureau’s trusted resource, BBB.org/All/ScamTips, we’ll walk through red flags like:
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Pressure to act immediately
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Requests for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, Zelle, or cryptocurrency
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Unexpected messages asking for personal or financial information
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Offers that seem “too good to be true”
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Imposter messages pretending to be the IRS, utility companies, tech support, or even loved ones
️ Practical steps to keep yourself safe
We will share actionable protection tips recommended by the BBB, including:
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How to verify legitimacy before engaging with a business or individual
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Ways to secure your devices and online accounts
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What to do if you think you’re being targeted
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How to report scams to help protect others
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Tools like the BBB Scam Tracker, which allows you to look up scams happening in real time in your area
Real examples & live discussion
You’ll see real scams submitted to BBB Scam Tracker and learn how victims were targeted—empowering you to recognize the warning signs in your own life and avoid falling into the same traps.
Why attending matters
Education is one of the most powerful tools in preventing fraud. Scam tactics evolve constantly, and community events like this ensure you’re informed, vigilant, and confident when navigating digital and everyday interactions. By attending, you’re not only protecting yourself but helping strengthen awareness throughout our community.
This seminar is completely free, but registration is appreciated to ensure we have enough seating and materials.
Register here:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/BBBForms/January22ndScamSeminar
We would love to see you there as we work together to build a safer, more informed community!
