Scam And Fraud Prevention Seminars Offered By Palos Park Police

PALOS HILLS, IL — Older Americans have been swindled out of millions and millions of dollars due to various types of scams. According to the FBI’s annual internet crime report, seniors lost $5 billion in online scams in 2024 alone.

Further, the number of Americans age 60 and older who lost $100,000 or more to fraud each year has more than tripled since 2020, the FTC reports. Older adults most commonly lose such large sums of money to investment scams like those involving cryptocurrency, as well as romance and imposter scams, the FTC said.

Palos Park Police Officers Bob Kotsiana and Scott Van Wagner will lead two seminars focused on how to avoid becoming a victim of emerging crime trends, fraudulent tax schemes and identify theft on Tuesday, Aug. 5. One will take place 2 p.m., the other at 6:30 p.m. at the Kaptur Administration Center, 8999 W. 123rd St. Both are open to residents of all ages.

Offices Van Wagner and Kotsianis are 20-plus year policing veterans who have worked many scam and fraud cases. They are eager to share their experience, knowledge and wisdom to help deter anyone from falling victim to ever present scam artists.