Every day, someone in America becomes a victim of fraud. Fraud comes in many forms — from investment fraud like Ponzi schemes to consumer fraud like identity theft.

A 2015 True Link report on elder financial abuse estimated 1 in 3 Americans ages 65 and older are scammed, losing $36.5 billion annually to financial exploitation, criminal fraud and caregiver abuse.

In this digital age, it is important to recognize that everyone can get scammed — even those running top-flight investment firms.

I encourage you to attend the Iowa Fraud Fighters program hosted at Marshalltown Senior Citizens Center, 207 E. Church St., Marshalltown on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. All are welcome at 1:00 pm for the one-hour program.

The Iowa Fraud Fighters public education program is developed and administered by the Iowa Insurance Division (IID) with the assistance of other government agencies and programs, including the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, Iowa Department on Aging, SHIIP and Senior Medicare Patrol.

In partnership with IID and the Marshalltown Senior Citizens Center, Central Iowa RSVP is presenting the Iowa Fraud Fighters program locally.

By understanding different types of scams and knowing what questions to ask, you will be better equipped to help protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud.