FISH of Sanibel-Captiva and the Lee County Sheriff\u2019s Office (LCSO) will host a community workshop on Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Sanibel.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrauds, Scams & Identity Theft\u201d will be led by LCSO Crime Prevention Practitioner Chelsea Long. She will walk attendees through examples showing how quickly criminals can access personal information and drain bank accounts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is something we\u2019re hearing about more and more \u2014 people of all ages are being targeted,\u201d FISH Community Outreach and Resiliency Director Simon Robson said. \u201cOur goal is to give residents the information they need to protect themselves and to feel confident recognizing red flags before harm is done.\u201d<\/p>\n
FISH reported that cybercrime continues to skyrocket nationwide, with scammers \u2014 many operating from overseas \u2014 costing Americans billions of dollars each year. Residents across Lee County are reporting a steady rise in attempted scams, suspicious calls and identity-theft schemes.<\/p>\n
The workshop will cover the following topics:<\/p>\n
\u2013 How to safeguard your identity and personal information<\/p>\n
\u2013 What to do if you become a victim<\/p>\n
\u2013 Current trends, scams and emerging cons<\/p>\n
\u2013 Q&A with the LCSO<\/p>\n
\u201cOur community partners make workshops like this possible,\u201d he added. \u201cWe\u2019re thankful to the Lee County Sheriff\u2019s Office for sharing their expertise and to Saint Michael and All Angels for welcoming us into their space. Working together like this helps keep our neighbors informed, supported and safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
The program is free and open to the community.<\/p>\n
Snacks and water will be available.<\/p>\n
RSVPs are required by Jan. 19.<\/p>\n