You can learn to spot investment fraud red flags

Indiana Securities Division rolls out “Shielding the Community” program

Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales is ready to launch a new consumer outreach and education initiative by the Indiana Securities Division to combat investment fraud.

The Secretary of State Securities Division’s “Shielding the Community” program is designed to empower Hoosiers with knowledge to recognize red flags of investment fraud. The program is a collaborative effort between the Indiana Securities Division and local law enforcement agencies.

Morales

Secretary of State Diego Morales and Securities Commissioner Marie Castetter, invite Hoosiers to the following “Shielding the Community” presentations:

• Noblesville: 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 3 at the Noblesville branch of the Hamilton East Public Library, 1 Library Plaza
• Zionsville: 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 16 at the Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St.

“My office continues to search for ways to engage and educate the public,” Morales said. “Hard-working Hoosiers of all ages, the elderly in particular, are victims of fraudulent investment schemes all too often. Recognizing the warning signs is key to protecting yourself and loved ones. We continue to build strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies throughout the state. ‘Shielding the Community’ is an exciting partnership and opportunity to benefit Hoosiers.”

The program will feature live, interactive community presentations with representatives from the Securities Division and local law enforcement agencies. Attendees will learn about common fraudulent schemes, how to recognize signs of fraud, and learn about law enforcement investigations and consumer protection resources.

“If we can stop the fraud from happening in the first place, the bad actors are stopped before the harm is done,” Castetter said. “A great deal of scams are initiated in other countries, which makes it very difficult to hold bad actors accountable and retrieve the money stolen from victims. Therefore, the best way to combat these scams is to ward it off before victims hand over their money.”

For information on hosting a presentation in your community, please call the Indiana Securities Division at (317) 232-6681.