Scam Awareness Series

    Presented by Vision Bank

    Join us for a free educational series designed to help you recognize and avoid common scams. Led by Heartland Board member, Rhonda Whitney, along with Trish Anderson and Shauna Walther from Vision Bank, each session will focus on a different type of scam, with practical tips and real-life examples to help you stay protected.

    • When: 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays of the month, June – September 2025 | 2:00–3:00 p.m.
    • Where: Sixty Forward Center – Beran Multipurpose Room, 205 S. Walnut Street, Ames, IA | Program & Parking Info
    • Refreshments: Light snacks provided by Vision Bank from The Bistro

    Session Topics

    June 4 – Contractor/Home Improvement Scams
    • Beware of unsolicited offers for home repairs or improvements.
    • Always verify the contractor’s credentials and references.
    • Avoid paying the full amount upfront; establish a payment schedule.
    • Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics or limited-time offers.
    • Check for proper licensing and insurance before hiring.
    June 18 – IRS/Government Agency Impersonation Scams
    • The IRS will never initiate contact via phone, email, or text demanding immediate payment.
    • Scammers may threaten arrest or legal action to instill fear.
    • Be wary of requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
    • Always verify the legitimacy of the caller by contacting the agency directly.
    • Do not share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers.
    July 2 – Romance Scams (Date subject to confirmation)
    • Scammers often create fake profiles on dating sites to build trust.
    • They may profess love quickly and fabricate stories to elicit money.
    • Be cautious if someone you’ve never met in person asks for financial assistance.
    • Avoid sharing personal or financial information with online acquaintances.
    • Report suspicious profiles to the dating platform and authorities.
    July 16 – Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Scams
    • Be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities promising high returns.
    • Scammers may impersonate legitimate companies or celebrities to gain trust.
    • Never share your cryptocurrency wallet keys or passwords.
    • Research thoroughly before investing in any cryptocurrency platform.
    • Be wary of pressure to act quickly or secrecy requirements.
    July 30 – Charity Scams
    • Verify the legitimacy of a charity before donating.
    • Be cautious of high-pressure solicitations, especially after natural disasters.
    • Avoid donating via wire transfer or gift cards.
    • Use official websites or trusted platforms to make donations.
    • Request detailed information about the charity’s mission and how funds are used.
    August 6 – Fake Check Overpayment Scams
    • Scammers may send a check for more than the agreed amount and ask you to refund the difference.
    • The original check is fake and will bounce, leaving you responsible for the entire amount.
    • Be wary of transactions involving overpayments, especially from unknown parties.
    • Wait for checks to clear before using the funds.
    • Avoid sharing personal banking information with strangers.
    August 20 – Lottery and Prize-Based Scams
    • You cannot win a lottery or prize you didn’t enter.
    • Scammers may ask for fees or taxes upfront to release winnings.
    • Be cautious of notifications from free email accounts claiming you’ve won.
    • Legitimate lotteries do not require winners to pay fees in advance.
    • Never share personal or financial information to claim a prize.
    September 3 – Social Media Scams
    • Be cautious of messages from unknown individuals or compromised accounts.
    • Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments.
    • Regularly update your privacy settings and passwords.
    • Report and block suspicious accounts or content.
    • Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
    September 17 – Holiday Scams
    • Scammers exploit the holiday season with fake promotions and charities.
    • Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages with holiday deals.
    • Verify the legitimacy of online retailers before making purchases.
    • Avoid sharing sensitive information on unsecured websites.
    • Monitor your accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions.