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First Annual Scams Against Seniors Symposium

Oct 18, 2018
Scam Symposium - Save the Date

Presented by the Michael Meitzler Award

Saturday, October 20th from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Scottish Rite Cathedral, 430 South 7th Ave in West Reading, PA

Join us this Saturday, October 20th as industry experts discuss what illegal scammer tactics are used to target senior citizens in our community. October is National Crime Prevention Month and Crime Prevention Begins with Education and Awareness….

“It Takes a Community to Raise Awareness!”

The event is FREE! Doors and registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; Opening Session is at 9 a.m.

Walk-ins are welcome! Pre-registration is available by calling 717-896-0876.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their phones, iPads and electronic devices along with them. Penn State Berks students will be available to provide one-on-one technical assistance to attendees to secure devices, troubleshoot issues and answer security-related IT questions.

West Reading Crime Watch will offer free transportation to the event to residents of West Reading. Contact Jim Livingood at 484-269-8318 or [email protected] to request a ride.

EVENT AGENDA

KEYNOTE: Pastor Ronald W. Costen, PhD. is Associate Pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church, Harrisburg, PA.  While utilizing his pastoral and educational expertise, Costen continues to share vital knowledge to members of the community who routinely interact with older adults, including how to assist older adults through their journeys of aging. His presentation will focus on understanding and preventing elder abuse, financial exploitation and crimes against seniors.

KEYNOTE: Mary Bach, a long-time independent Consumer Advocate, has been on the forefront of telemarketing issues from the consumer perspective for almost 20 years.  Her presentation “Are You Getting What You Pay For?” will share vital information to consumers about sales tax applications, merchandise selection, price hunting, checkout scanner issues and more! Your future shopping trips will never be the same after this entertaining, educational and informative presentation. 

WORKSHOPS

The Evolution of Bullying: Understanding the Past, Present and Future of Cyber Bullying in Modern Society” byPam Gockley, President, Founder and Executive Director of the Camel Project. Pam is a college graduate, author of numerous national magazine articles and 3 books, including Not All Camels Are In The Desert as well as a recipient of numerous awards for achievement and development. She is an internationally known speaker and advocate for Anti-Bullying education, and as someone who has experienced bullying and its effects in her own life, she hopes to share her amazing, life changing story to help inspire, motivate, educate others about bullying and its consequences.

“Protecting Your Finances: Procedures for Responsible Financial Conversations” by Jeffrey Bingham, Holistic Financial Advisor of First Financial Group. Jeffrey has worked in the financial services industry for 25 years.  For the past nine years, his holistic practice has focused on the elements of Financial Balance: Financial Security and Financial Freedom.   

“Identity Theft Awareness and Prevention” with Dave Shallcross from the Pennsylvania Crime Prevention Officers Association.  For over 30 years, David has worked to protect citizens and communities in the Commonwealth through his expertise in crime prevention, education, trainings, seminars and more. He is a certified instructor in Community Crime Prevention by The PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency and has been the recipient of awards that span Merit, Outstanding Service and Community Involvement – among others. 

“Phone Scams: Top 10 Scams Against Seniors” with Anthony Luker from the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Anthony is an Education and Outreach Specialist with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Office of Public Engagement.  His professional background includes extensive work as a legislative assistant with state government prior to becoming both a District Director and Community Relations Director with the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Michael Meitzler Awards is administered through Crime Alert Berks County. Additional Community partners include the Berks County Community Foundation, Pennsylvania Crime Prevention Officers’ Association, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Berks County Area Agency on Aging, Berks Encore, PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources, First Financial Group, The Camel Project, Brex Media, LLC., Reading Berks Conference of Churches, AARP, Penn State Berks, BCTV, Reading and Vicinity Ministerial Association, WEEU 830 AM, Centro Hispano, West Reading Crime Watch and Kutztown University Radio.

Special THANK YOU to the following area businesses for their support: AAA Reading-Berks, Berks County Living Magazine, Clover Farms Dairy, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Dunkin Donuts of Reading, Heck Bros. Florist, Isaac’s Deli and Restaurant, Reading Eagle, Redner’s Warehouse Markets, REP Commercial Printing, Restaurant Store of Wyomissing, Russo Food and Market, Inc., Sheetz of Reading, Tom Sturgis Pretzels, Inc., and Wyomissing Restaurant and Bakery

Check us out!

* Listen to us on Kutztown University Radio’s “Kutztown Live” HERE (aired 10/2)

* Watch our BC-TV broadcast program HERE (aired 9/27)

* Check out our ads in the Berks Encore October Newsletter, Berks County Living “Senior Edition” October magazine, and the Reading Eagle!

* Tune to WEEU 830 AM of Reading all this week to hear more information about our event!

* The Facebook Event page can be found HERE

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