Senior Fraud Prevention Workshop aims to equip people to spot scams

Every year, scammers con senior citizens out of $3 billion, according to the FBI.

But with a few simple tips, seniors can avoid falling prey to these scams.

Senior citizens can learn to protect themselves during a Senior Fraud Prevention Workshop, set for Fri., June 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bay County Community Center, 800 John F. Kennedy Drive.

Seniors and their family members are invited to attend. Registration is not required. 

The United Way of Bay County, Huntington Bank, City of Bay City, Bay City Department of Public Safety, Bay County Department on Aging, and the Area Agency on Aging Region 7 are working together to produce the workshop aimed at protecting older adults from financial scams and exploitation.

During the workshop, seniors will learn: 

• How to protect themselves from fraud and scams
• How to recognize common scam tactics
• What to do if you suspect fraud
• Professional financial advice

The first 200 attendees will receive a gift bag and are eligible to receive a free box of food by completing the workshop. 

Photo courtesy of the United Way of Bay CountyHuntington Bank granted $30,000 to the United Way of Bay County for programs such as an upcoming Senior Fraud Prevention Workshop.The workshop is one of several that Huntington Bank is sponsoring through the United Way of Bay County. Huntington gave the United Way a $30,000 grant to support a range of programs.

”The long-standing partnership we have with Huntington Bank is critical to moving United Way’s mission forward,” says Nicole Luczak, President and CEO of United Way of Bay County. 

“This support equates to life-changing impact to thousands of Bay County residents’ lives by alleviating the financial burden of things like the holidays, back-to-school shopping or typical unanticipated expenses like medical bills or a vehicle repair. We are consistently working with Huntington’s leaders to bring new initiatives, like the fraud workshop, to help protect our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Misty BarronVolunteers from LiUNA 1098 and the United Way of Bay County faced the cold to distribute food in Pinconning in March 2025. In addition to the fraud workshop, the grant will be used to support initiatives and programs such as food distributions and financial assistance.

These initiatives are designed to create long-term, positive change by tackling root causes, and supporting ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) individuals and families on their path to success.

“Strengthening the communities we serve is an essential part of what we do every day,” says Seth Perigo, Regional President for Huntington. “The United Way of Bay County is an incredible asset to everyone in Bay County, as they share our commitment to looking out for people.”