Stretching your dollar can be tricky as inflation keeps on rising. Adding to the difficulties are ever-changing policies and scammers looking to separate potential victims from their hard-earned money.
To help raise awareness, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) is hosting a series of fun-filled, in-person financial training events throughout the commonwealth. Courses will cover planning for retirement, fraud, cyber-security, and more.
According to a DoBS press release, here is a full list of June’s events they are hosting:
For General Audiences
$CAMJAM – an interactive and fun-filled presentation featuring bingo and information about protecting yourself from frauds and scams will be offered in person with the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, Irwin Police Department, and Office of State Representative George Dunbar at The Lamp Theatre at 222 Main Street in Irwin (Westmoreland County) on June 1 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. For additional information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scamjam-with-representative-george-dunbar-tickets-310747794017Opens In A New Window
Fraud Bingo – a fun and interactive presentation that teaches consumers how to protect themselves from investment fraud – will be presented in person at the West Hanover Parks and Recreation Building at 628 Walnut Avenue in Harrisburg (Dauphin County) on June 2 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. For additional information, contact: Keara Weltmer, District Office Manager, Office of Representative Andrew Lewis, 717-652-3721.
START (Start Today and Retire Tomorrow) – a program discussing retirement planning, goal setting and how to get there – will be presented virtually at the Cleve J. Fredricksen Library at 100 N. 19th Street in Camp Hill (Cumberland County) on June 14 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and June 28 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Visit https://www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/FREOpens In A New Window to register or contact Judy Kenny, jkenny@cumberlandcountylibraries.org for information.
Cybersecurity – Keeping Yourself Safe Online – a presentation covering key topics like using secure websites, creating strong passwords, being aware of what you put on social media, and even tips for shopping online safely – will be offered virtually at the Pike County Public Library at 119 E. Harford Street in Milford (Pike County) on June 29 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. For information contact: Michael Mele, Program Coordinator, 570-296-8211.
For Senior Citizens
Avoiding ID Theft – a presentation that looks at ways identities are stolen or compromised, what you can do if you find you have had your identity stolen, and how to stop theft from occurring – will be presented in person at:
- Montco SAAC Norristown at 536 George Street in Norristown (Montgomery County) on June 6 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. For additional information contact: Susan Edgren, Director of Health and Wellness, 610-275-1960 ext. 122. Open to members
- Montco SAAC Ambler at 45 Forest Avenue in Ambler (Montgomery County) on June 6 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. For additional information contact: Deidre Rhodes, Site Director, 215-619-8897. Open to members
Popular Scams and How to Avoid Them – a presentation that looks at some of the common scams and ways you can protect yourself from becoming a victim – will be offered virtually to:
- Souderton Mennonite Homes at 207 W. Summit Street in Souderton (Montgomery County) on June 13 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. For additional information contact: Sandra Currier, 215-723-9881. Open to members
- Wayne Senior Center (virtual) at 108 Station Road in Wayne (Chester County) on June 21 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. For additional information contact: Margo Fine-Gabbay, Program Director, 610-688-6246. Open to members
- Selinsgrove Senior Center at 8 North Water Street in Selinsgrove (Snyder County) on June 23 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. For additional information contact: Chris Erb or Eunice Troxell, 570-374-4170. Open to members
Cybersecurity – Keeping Yourself Safe Online – a presentation covering key topics like using secure websites, creating strong passwords, being aware of what you put on social media, and even tips for shopping online safely – will be offered in person at:
- Columbia Senior Center at 510 Walnut Street in Columbia (Lancaster County) on June 14 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. For information contact: Cindi Hammons, Senior Center Supervisor, 717-684-4850. Open to members
- Philadelphia Senior Center, Avenue of the Arts at 509 S. Broad Street in Philadelphia (Philadelphia County) on June 22 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. For information contact: Edwina Griggs, Activities Director, 215-546-5879 ext. 1625. Open to members
Fraud BINGO will be presented in person at:
- Slatington Senior Community Center at 425 Kuntz Street in Slatington (Lehigh County) on June 15 from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM. For additional information, contact the Center at 610-767-1250.
- Phoebe Senior Community Center at 1901 Linde Street in Allentown (Lehigh County) on June 15 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. For additional information, contact the Center at 610-794-6262.
- Coopersburg Senior Community Center at 538 Thomas Street in Coopersburg (Lehigh County) on June 16 from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM. For additional information, contact the Center at 610-282-2330.Fountain Hill Senior Community Center at 1101 Seneca Street in
- Fountain Hill Senior Community Center at 1101 Seneca Street in Bethlehem (Lehigh County) on June 22 from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM. For additional information, contact the Center at 610-861-0816.
- Cedar View Senior Community Center at 4230 Dorney Park Road in Allentown (Lehigh County) on June 22 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. For additional information, contact the Center at 610-398-1094.
- Gross Towers Senior Community Center at 1339 Allen Street in Allentown (Lehigh County) on June 23 from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM. For additional information contact the Center at 610-439-6643.
For Organizations and Service Providers
Scam and ID Theft Prevention through Online Safety – a presentation on keeping yourself safe online and what to do if you become a victim of scams and/or identity theft – will be offered virtually to staff, parents, and caregivers of disabled individuals in partnership with the Youth Advocate Program on June 4 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. For more information contact: Lori Burrus, lburrus@yapinc.org or 717-269-7969.
In partnership with the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania (GSHPA), Planning the Perfect Vacation – teaching money management portion of budgeting for the perfect vacation – will be presented as part of GSHPA’s STEAM Summer Kickoff on June 14 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at 350 Hale Avenue in Harrisburg (Dauphin County). For additional information: https://www.gshpa.org/en/Programs/STEAM_summer_kickoff.htmlOpens In A New Window
As part of the Office of Administration’s (OA) Financial Wellness Webinar series, Investing in Women – addressing the unique financial challenges experienced by many women and covering topics on finances and investing – will be presented virtually to state employees on June 14 and June 23 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. For additional information visit the Employee Resource Center – Financial WellnessOpens In A New Window page.
Fraud Bingo will be presented virtually to Special Olympics PA Athletes on June 21 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. For additional information contact: Jordan Schubert, 610-630-9450. Open to Special Olympics PA Athletes.
Legislative Expos and Conferences
Outreach staff will be available at the following legislative expos and conferences:
- Rep. Mary Jo Daley’s Senior Expo at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Cafeteria at 201 E Germantown Pike in Plymouth Meeting (Montgomery County) on June 16 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
- Rep. Joe Ciresi’s Senior Fair at Pottsgrove Middle School at 1351 N. Hanover Street in Pottstown (Montgomery County) on June 16 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
DoBS Investor Education and Consumer Outreach staff works with state and local government agencies, service providers, community and trade organizations, the General Assembly, the military community, schools, and other partners to help Pennsylvanians across the commonwealth become well-informed about the financial marketplace.
Learn more about the free, non-commercial programs and presentationsOpens In A New Window available or contact us to request a programOpens In A New Window tailored to your specific needs.
Visit the department’s calendar of events to find an event near youOpens In A New Window. Consumers and community groups can call 1-800-PA-BANKS or email informed@pa.gov for more information. To learn more about the Consumer Financial Protection Initiative, follow the department on TwitterOpens In A New Window and FacebookOpens In A New Window.
