Education and outreach staff from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) will be conducting a series of presentations throughout March to enhance financial literacy among Pennsylvanians.
These events, held in partnership with various organizations, are designed to provide practical information and tools for navigating personal finances and protecting against fraud. The presentations will cover a range of topics, including cybersecurity, identity theft prevention, and investment scam awareness.
Here’s a schedule of the upcoming outreach events:
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Cybersecurity – Staying Safe Online: This presentation addresses how to protect personal information online, covering topics such as secure websites, strong passwords, social media safety, and safe online shopping.
- March 11, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM: The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center, 4200 Wissahickon Ave., Philadelphia (Philadelphia County). Contact Veda Brown at 215-558-1531 or [email protected].
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Avoiding Identity Theft: This presentation focuses on how identities are stolen, what steps to take if identity theft occurs, and how to prevent it.
- March 3, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: WinnCompanies at the Fred B. Rooney Building, 4 East 4th St., Bethlehem (Northampton County). Open to residents only. Contact Sara Goldstein at 610-868-8101 or [email protected].
- March 19, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Columbia-Montour Aging Office, Inc. at the Benton Senior Center, 42 Community Drive, Benton (Columbia County). Open to members only. Contact Jinny Keifer at 570-925-6533 or [email protected].
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Fraud BINGO: This interactive presentation uses a fun game to teach consumers how to protect themselves from investment fraud.
- March 4, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Coopersburg Senior Community Center, 538 Thomas St., Coopersburg (Lehigh County). Open to members only. Contact Nan Beitel-Vessels at 610-282-2330 or [email protected].
- March 13, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging at the Plains Active Adult Center, 50 Second St., Plains (Luzerne County). Open to members only. Contact Alice Bohunko at 570-824-5542 or [email protected].
- March 20, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Schuylkill Haven Senior Center, 340 Haven St., Schuylkill Haven (Schuylkill County). Open to members only. Contact Debbie Herb at 570-628-3513 or [email protected].
- March 26, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Central PA Community Action, Inc. at the Houtzdale Center for Active Living Senior Center, 40 Terrace Drive, Apt. 3, Houtzdale (Clearfield County). Open to members only. Contact Gail Pennington at 814-378-5120 ext. 1400 or [email protected].
- March 26, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging at the Coalport Center for Active Living, 961 Forest St., Coalport (Clearfield County). Open to members only. Contact Doug Brink at 814-672-3574 ext. 474 or [email protected].
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Avoiding Investment Scams: This session addresses various investment scams, including Ponzi schemes and affinity fraud, and provides tips on identifying investment fraud red flags.
- March 21, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: St. Ephrem Catholic Church, 5400 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem (Bucks County). Open to St. Ephrem Senior Center members only.
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Budgeting for Your New Year Goals: This presentation highlights the importance of budgeting, setting financial goals, and creating a spending plan.
- March 21, 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM: Southern Blair Senior Center, 15229 Dunnings Highway, East Freedom (Blair County). Open to members only. Contact Karen Kelley at 814- 317-5181 or [email protected].
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Cybersecurity – Online Shopping Tips: This presentation offers tips for protecting personal information while shopping online.
- March 25, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Philadelphia Senior Center-Allegheny, 1900 West Allegheny Ave., Philadelphia (Philadelphia County). Open to residents only. Contact Barbara Jackson at 267-286-1455 or [email protected].
The DoBS encourages the public to take advantage of these free resources to enhance their financial skills and protect themselves from fraud. These events seek to equip consumers with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed financial decisions.
