Don’t Let Scammers Win: Georgia Officials Empower Seniors to Fight Back
By Carol A. Gasser Moore
GEORGIA – As part of his continuing efforts to champion financial literacy and protect vulnerable populations, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger will host an important FIN FIT webinar titled “Shielding Yourself: Smart Tips to Prevent Senior Fraud” on Wednesday, June 18 at 6:00 PM. This virtual event is free and open to all Georgians, offering practical, accessible tools to recognize and prevent financial exploitation targeting seniors.
“Every year, thousands of Georgia seniors fall victim to predatory schemes,” said Secretary Raffensperger. “That’s why our Securities Division is working overtime to educate and empower all parts of the state to protect their finances and secure their future.”
Why It Matters: Understanding the Growing Threat of Senior Fraud
Senior fraud is one of the most rapidly growing forms of financial crime in the United States. Fraudsters often exploit older adults through phishing calls, romance scams, fake charities, and deceptive investment schemes. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans over 60 reported nearly $1.6 billion in fraud losses in 2023 alone—a stark reminder of the scale of the problem.
Beyond the monetary loss, fraud can have devastating emotional effects—triggering anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Seniors may feel ashamed or reluctant to report these crimes, making prevention and education all the more crucial.
What You’ll Learn: Expert Advice and Actionable Strategies
The upcoming webinar will be moderated by award-winning journalist Donna Lowry and will feature a panel of high-level experts from federal and state agencies. Together, they will shed light on how scammers operate, highlight red flags to watch for, and offer clear, proactive strategies to prevent victimization.
Featured Speakers:
- Sean Deitricks, Counsel, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Division of Enforcement – Atlanta
- Melanie T. Devoe, Director, Office of Customer Education and Outreach, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
- Aaron Seres, Supervisory Special Agent and Assistant Inspector, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Noula Zaharis, Assistant Commissioner of Securities and Division Director, Georgia Secretary of State’s Securities & Charities Division
Attendees Can Expect:
- Real-life scam scenarios and how to respond
- Key tips for seniors and caregivers
- Direct Q&A with federal enforcement and consumer protection professionals
- Simple methods for verifying the legitimacy of investment offers and solicitations
Participants can join online or by phone, ensuring accessibility for all, regardless of technical experience.
About FIN FIT: A Lifeline for Financial Empowerment
The webinar is part of the FIN FIT (Financially Fit) initiative—launched by Secretary Raffensperger to promote financial literacy across Georgia. FIN FIT focuses on practical financial education covering topics such as budgeting, saving, retirement planning, and fraud prevention. The program is run through the Securities and Charities Divisions of the Secretary of State’s office and has reached thousands of Georgians through workshops, webinars, and community events.
Each FIN FIT session brings together trusted voices in finance, regulation, and law enforcement to deliver knowledge that helps Georgians make better financial decisions and stay safe in today’s digital and complex economy.
🔗 Get Involved and Stay Protected
📅 Register now for the free June 18 webinar:
Register for the free webinar here
📘 Learn more about FIN FIT:
Learn more about FIN FIT
▶️ Watch past financial literacy webinars:
Watch previous financial literacy webinars
📅 Explore upcoming events:
View our financial literacy events calendar
📲 Stay updated on financial safety and other important news from the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office by following @GASecretaryOfState on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
