"Scam Jams" Coming To Central And Lower Bucks Co. This Week

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Two free "Scam Jam" information sessions will take place this week, one in Lower Bucks and the other in Central Bucks, to give residents the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves from scams and identity theft.

Presented by State Senator Steve Santarsiero, the Lower Bucks Scam Jam will be held at the Lower Makefield Township building on Wednesday with State Rep. Perry Warren. The second session in Central Bucks will take place on Thursday at the Central Bucks Senior Center in Doylestown with State Rep. Tim Brennan.

State officials and local police will provide information on:

• How and why to freeze your credit report
• Avoiding ID Theft and Popular Scams
• Cybersecurity
• When to report ID theft and scams to the police

In addition to local police, speakers will include representatives from the PA Department of Banking and Securities, the PA Attorney General’s office, and the Bucks County District Attorney’s office.

“New technologies have provided new opportunities for criminals and left residents more vulnerable to scams,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I’m proud to work with our state partners and local police departments to offer this event so residents can get the latest information from our experts. Knowledge is most definitely power and is the best way to protect yourself from criminal scams and ID theft.”

“Fake loan approvals, phishing emails, fraudulent bills, by phone, email, text, and sometimes even in person, we are inundated daily with a barrage of scams,” said Representative Warren. “This event will provide information on how to recognize and protect yourself from the seemingly endless attempts by scammers to separate you from your money, and what to do if you are a victim of a scam. Join local and state law enforcement officials on May 20.”

“Scams have gotten more sophisticated, and, unfortunately, more common, especially through text messages that seem to echo the language real entities like PennDOT typically use,” said Representative Brennan. “Our Scam Jam is designed to be an easy way for people to identify the popular tactics fraudsters are using these days. We try to add a little fun, too – if some Fraud Bingo helps people remember the warning signs, all the better.”

“Today’s criminals don’t need to break into your home — they can victimize you through a phone call, text message, or fake email in minutes,” said Lower Makefield Township Chief of Police Joseph D. Kelly III. “Raising awareness is increasing prevention. The more residents know about scams, the harder it becomes for criminals to succeed.”

"With the increased ability of technology, scams have become more prevalent than ever before,” said Doylestown Township Chief of Police Charles Zeigler. “Education about the various types of scams is the best way to protect yourself."

Scam Jam Lower Makefield

May 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Lower Makefield Township Community Center, 1550 Oxford Valley Road, Yardley 19067. Click here to register.

Scam Jam Doylestown

May 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Central Bucks Senior Center, 700 N Shady Retreat Road, Doylestown 18901. Click here to register.