Plan to attend a ‘Scam Awareness & Prevention’ Presentation Feb. 26 or Feb. 27

Naperville Police aim to alert and educate residents on recognizing scams. National trend shows more young people are falling victim to fraud, making the messages included in the presentations critical for all ages.

The Naperville Police Department will host two scam awareness and prevention presentations as part of the department’s commitment to make Naperville “A Safer Naper” through education.

1-2PM Tues., Feb. 26 at 95th St. Library / 6:30-7:30PM Wed., Feb. 27 at City Hall

Presentations will be held from 1 to 2PM on Tues., Feb. 26, at the 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive, and 6:30 to 7:30PM Wed., Feb. 27, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.

In 2017, Americans were defrauded of $905 million, according to the Federal Trade Commission. A national trend, however, indicates that more young people are falling victim to frauds and scams than older citizens. According to a Better Business Bureau report, Americans ages 18 to 34 were more susceptible to scams (43.7 percent were victims) than Americans 55 and older (27.6 percent were victims) in 2017.

Naperville Police urge scam awareness & prevention for all ages

In next week’s scam awareness and prevention presentations, Naperville Police will address various scams being reported in the Naperville area, and educate participants on the best ways to safeguard their personal information and reduce the risk of victimization.

Presenters will also be available to answer questions.

“Scammers can be very convincing and will often play on a victim’s emotions or fears to get them to pay. Educating yourself on what to look for is crucial,” said Deputy Chief Kathy Anderson. “Our detectives and crime prevention specialists are extremely knowledgeable on how thieves get their hands on people’s hard-earned money, and we’re eager to get this message out to residents so they can easily spot a scam and avoid being victimized.”

‘A Safer Naper’

“A Safer Naper” is a year-long campaign of the Naperville Police Department that features a new safety theme each month to educate residents on how to prevent crime and enhance their safety. For more information, visit www.naperville.il.us/asafernaper.

Submitted by Commander Mike Son, Public Information Officer, for the Naperville Police Department.

RELATED PN POSTS / Search “Scams” for stories written in recent years by NPD Education Specialist Julie Smith and the Better Business Bureau about the increase of scams via telemarketers, mail, email, and solicitors.

BEWARE! If it sounds too good to true, it’s too good to be true. Hang up! Tear Up! Delete! Don’t become a victim.