Consumers reported losing $1.7 billion to scams and frauds in 2014, according to an annual review released by the Federal Trade Commission. That figure is likely a fraction of actual losses, since many people never report their victimization. For the 15th consecutive year, identity theft was the top complaint in the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, accounting for 13 percent of the total 2.5 million filed complaints. That’s the same percentage as in 2013, but with more people reporting last year, the federal watchdog logged more than 42,500 additional ID theft reports. Learn to protect yourself at SCAM JAM EUGENE, on Monday, April 27th, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Scam Jam is an educational and entertaining program designed to allow the audience to learn about today’s scams and schemes, such as Medicare fraud, insurance and investment fraud, online and door-to-door scams, identity theft and other scams that target consumers. Confirmed speakers at the event include: Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, Consumer Correspondent for ABC’s Good Morning America and AARP The Magazine (and Lane County resident) Ron Burley, and leading local consumer fraud experts. In addition to the speakers, there will be representatives from Federal Trade Commission, FBI, USPS, Consumer’s Union, SHIBA, Long Term Care Ombudsman program, Better Business Bureau, Lane County Legal Aid, Senior Medicare Patrol, Eugene Police, Lane County Sheriff’s office, Retired Senior Providers of Lane County, Office of Adult Abuse Prevention & Investigation, and the Oregon Construction Contractors Board offering even more information about how to protect themselves. Registration for Scam Jam is now open at www.ScamJamOregon.com or call 1-877-926-8300. This is a free event; however, space is limited so register today to secure your seat at this event. Please join us on April 27th, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hult Center in Eugene. Scam Jam is sponsored by AARP-Oregon, the Oregon Attorney General, and the Oregon Division of Consumer and Business Services.
