Free Seminar Offers Phishing Prevention Tips For Older Adults

CHICAGO — Phishing scams, especially those generated by AI, are on the rise. To spot fraudsters and learn how they trick you so they can steal your identity and empty your bank account, Sen. Bill Cunningham (18th District), Rep. Mary Gill (35th District) and Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th) are hosting a free seminar for seniors Tuesday, April 1. The seminar starts at 10:30 a.m., at Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Place, Chicago.

According to FTC data, Americans lost over $12.5 billion to various forms of fraud last year, up a staggering 25 percent from 2023, Axios reported. Globally, research from Global Anti-Scam Alliance found global victims lost over $1 trillion to scams in 2024. That’s a lot of fraud.

Katherine Walsh, the community senior services specialist for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, will review the various phishing (phone, voice mail or VoIP calls), smishing (texts) and pharming (malicious virus planted in email/texts) scams, including:

• Calls or texts from the IRS, Social Security Administration, and the Illinois Tollway smishing scheme that has recently resurfaced again;
• Solicit a donation for a charity or to help a stranger;
• A call from your grandchild crying or texting you to wire bail money because they’re in jail but instructing you not to tell anyone else;
• Sell products, repairs or services, such as extended car warranties or vinyl siding, you did not request.

Participants will leave with a better understanding of how criminals use email, texts, phone calls, social media postings and online dating sites to rip people off.

The seminar is free, but RSVPs are required. For more information or to register, call the 19th Ward Service Office at 773-238-8766. Free valet parking and refreshments will be provided.