SPARTA, ILL. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Illinois, Southern), published as received.
SPARTA, Ill. – To educate seniors in southern Illinois on the latest scams targeting them online and over the phone, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with the Sparta Senior Center to present a fraud prevention seminar.
“Fraudsters inundate us with calls, texts, and emails making deceitful claims—like posing as federal agents—to manipulate individuals into handing over their money,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Unfortunately, we have prosecuted cases where scammers have defrauded seniors out of most of their life savings. To educate the public on the current fraud schemes and tips to avoid becoming a victim, our office will be in Sparta to give an interactive and informational presentation.”
The presentation highlights information on online scams, fraud schemes targeting seniors and details on federal cases prosecuted in the Southern District of Illinois. The event will start at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at the Sparta Senior Center, located at 500 W. 2nd St. in Sparta.
Attendees will receive tips to help detect scams and advice on how to contact law enforcement if they think they may have been victimized by a scam.
The event is free and open to the public.
