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    November Consumer Financial Protection Events Announced

    October 25, 2024

    Harrisburg, PA – Education and outreach staff from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) will be hosting and participating in numerous presentations for groups of senior citizens, service providers and the public throughout the month of November to promote financial capability and provide investor education. 

    November outreach events, in partnership with the listed organizations, will be held in person and are open to the public unless otherwise noted.  

    EVENTS FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC

    Fraud BINGO: A fun and interactive presentation that teaches consumers how to protect themselves from investment fraud by playing a familiar game – BINGO! Every day people get “scammed” out of THOUSANDS of dollars. Many times, it’s those who can least afford to lose the money!

    • Jeannette Manor, 401 S. 4th St., Jeannette (Westmoreland County) on Nov. 1 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. For additional information contact Liz Hagan Kanche at 412-818-2328 or Liz@PathwaysWellnessProgram.com.

    Investing 101: Investing 101 is an introduction to saving and investing. Topics to be covered include: Why we need to save and invest, the difference between saving and investing, types of investments, the “power” of compound interest, investigating before you invest, technology and investing, and diversification.

    • Cleve J. Fredericksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill (Cumberland County) on Nov. 7 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. For additional information contact Amanda Scharrer at ascharrer@cumberlandcountylibraries.org.

    Investment Fraud Bingo: A fun and interactive presentation that teaches consumers about financial and investment related fraud by playing a familiar game: Bingo! Players learn how to detect financial fraud by identifying scams affecting their own city or town and learning techniques to protect themselves from this financial abuse.

    • Church of St. Benedict, 2020 Chestnut Hill Road, Mohnton (Berks County) on Nov. 26 from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM. For additional information contact Mark Schrum at 484-706-2215 or Mark.r.schrum@gmail.com.

     

    EVENTS FOR MILITARY, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

    Veteran $camJam: A fun and interactive event that brings experts in law enforcement and state agencies together to educate service members, veterans and their families on how to protect their money from financial fraud and abuse. Between key sessions attendees get to play Fraud BINGO – they may even win a prize! This program is in partnership with AARP Pennsylvania.

    • VFW Post 3448, 119 VFW Drive, Tobyhanna (Monroe County) on Nov. 7 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Seating is limited, registration is highly recommended. For additional information and to register contact Liz at 570-894-9043 (Option 1).
    • Senator Lindsey Williams is hosting the event at Allegheny Valley Marine Corps League, 838 Pittsburgh St., Springdale (Allegheny County) on Nov. 14 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Seating is limited, registration is highly recommended. For additional information and to register contact Marilyn Oberst-Horner at 724-224-2131 or Marilyn.oberst@pasenate.com.

    Veterans Resource Fair: Join us for a free Veterans Resource Fair dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans and their families. This event will feature a variety of services and resources tailored to veterans' needs, including financial education, employment opportunities, health and wellness programs, Veteran Affairs assistance, and more.

    • Schuylkill Community Action is hosting the event at Alvernia University Pottsville Collegetown, 500 Progress Ave., Pottsville (Schuylkill County) on Nov. 14 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided. For additional information and to register contact Lisa Grigalonis at 570-622-1995 or lgrigalonis@schuylkillcommunityaction.com.

     

    EVENTS FOR OLDER ADULTS 

    Cybersecurity – Staying Safe Online: Whatever your age, understanding how to keep your information safe and secure online is vitally important for everyone. This presentation covers key topics like using secure websites, creating strong passwords, being aware of what you put on social media, as well as tips for shopping online safely.

    • Seniors in Touch - True Light Fellowship Church, 6400 Ardleigh St., Philadelphia (Philadelphia County) on Nov. 12 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Open to members only. For additional information contact George Dillman at gdillman@pa.gov.

    Allegheny County Elder Abuse Prevention Symposium: Sharpen your skills in advocating for and protecting the financial resources, health, and safety of older adults. This half day symposium will focus on addressing these issues from different perspectives. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and make a difference in the lives of others.

    • Allegheny Valley Marine Corps League, 838 Pittsburgh St., Springdale (Allegheny County) on Nov. 14 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For additional information contact Brendan Hanley at 412-350-3446 or brendan.hanley@alleghenycounty.us.

    Fraud BINGO: A fun and interactive presentation that teaches consumers how to protect themselves from investment fraud by playing a familiar game – BINGO! Every day people get “scammed” out of THOUSANDS of dollars. Many times, it’s those who can least afford to lose the money!

    • St. Ann’s Prime Timers at Bethel Bible Fellowship Church, 418 Elm St., Emmaus (Lehigh County) on Nov. 12 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. For additional information contact Bernadette Eickhoff at 610-965-2682 or Baf714@hotmail.com.
    • Southern Blair Senior Center, 15229 Dunnings Highway, East Freedom (Blair County) on Nov. 15 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Open to members only. For additional information contact Karen Kelley at 814-317-5181 or KKelley@blairsenior.org.

    Cybersecurity – Tips for Online Shopping: Understanding how to keep your information safe and secure online is vitally important. This presentation covers key topics like using secure websites, creating strong passwords, and being aware of what you put on social media -- all with an emphasis on shopping online safely.

    • Blain Senior Center, 7 Blain Road, Blain (Perry County) on Nov. 20 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Open to members only. For additional information contact Alex Foley at 717-536-3630.

    How Much do I NEED to Retire and How do I Make it Last: Calculating what you need to retire can be difficult. Where do you start to come up with that magic number? As you enter the next season of your life, do you have a strategy to make it last? This session will help you understand how much you may need to live out your golden years with financial stability and outline several strategies to ensure that you can make that nest egg last.

    • Brookshire Age-Qualified Community, 563 Brookshire Ave., Manheim (Lancaster County) on Nov. 25 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Open to residents only. For additional information contact Karen Eck at 956-432-9215.

     

    EVENTS FOR LIMITED AUDIENCES

    Popular Scams and How to Avoid Them: Every day people are getting scammed out of THOUSANDS of dollars by so called “professionals” looking to separate them from their hard-earned money. This presentation introduces us to commonly used tactics, what to look for and how to avoid them.

    • Senior Possibilities Fair at the National Federation of the Blind - PA State Conference, Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center, 7794 Peach St., Erie (Erie County) on Nov. 7 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For conference attendees only. For additional information contact George Dillman at gdillman@pa.gov.

    Spending Plans – A Road to Financial Success: This presentation focuses on the need for a spending plan so that people can achieve their financial goals. We discuss the differences between wants and needs; setting SMART goals; creating a spending plan; putting the plan into action; as well as periodically reviewing goals and spending plans in order to ensure that you can stay on track.

    • National Federation of the Blind - PA State Conference, Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center, 7794 Peach St., Erie (Erie County) on Nov. 7 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. For conference attendees only. For additional information contact George Dillman at gdillman@pa.gov.

    Cybersecurity – Tips for Online Shopping: Understanding how to keep your information safe and secure online is vitally important. This presentation covers key topics like using secure websites, creating strong passwords, and being aware of what you put on social media -- all with an emphasis on shopping online safely.

    • PA Office of Administration, Bureau of Employee Benefits, Harrisburg (Dauphin County) on Nov. 13 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This is a VIRTUAL program for employees only. For additional information contact Tim Pucino at 717-787-9872 or tpucino@pa.gov.
    • PA Office of Administration, Bureau of Employee Benefits, Harrisburg (Dauphin County) on Nov. 21 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This is a VIRTUAL program for employees only. For additional information contact Tim Pucino at 717-787-9872 or tpucino@pa.gov.

    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 presentation available, or contact us to request a program tailored to your specific needs.

    Visit the department's calendar of events to find an event near you. Consumers and community groups can call 1-800-PA-BANKS or email informed@pa.gov for more information