Avoid Fraud By Attending Free 'Scaminars' At 5 Hartford Sites

HARTFORD, CT — Hartford-area residents can attend free seminars Thursday aimed at helping consumers recognize increasingly sophisticated scams and protect themselves from fraud.

Bank of America will hold hour-long “Scaminars,” or scam awareness and fraud prevention seminars, Sept. 17 at participating financial centers across Greater Hartford, including five locations in Hartford.

The events are free and open to the public, and attendees do not need to be Bank of America customers. Advance online registration, however, is required.

The interactive sessions will cover common fraud tactics and warning signs, emerging scams targeting individuals, families, and businesses, and steps financial institutions take to protect customers.

Attendees will also learn about tools and practices that can help prevent fraud and what they should do if they believe they have been scammed.

The seminars come as losses tied to scams originating on social media have risen sharply. Consumers reported $2.1 billion in losses from social media scams in 2025, eight times the amount reported in 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Hartford 'Scaminar' Schedule

• 8 to 9 a.m.: 919 Albany Ave.
• 8 to 9 a.m.: 30 State House Square, Suite 19.
• 5 to 6 p.m.: 790 Maple Ave.
• 5 to 6 p.m.: 147 Washington St.
• 5 to 6 p.m.: 550 Farmington Ave.

Bank of America is also holding Scaminars at additional financial centers in the Greater Hartford area.

Advance registration is required for each session. Residents can select a participating location and register through Bank of America's online Scaminar event page.

For more information on Bank of America 'Scaminars,' click on this link.