A leading credit union serving Greater Lansing and beyond continues to offer seminars to members and nonmembers on topics ranging from identity theft and fraud to home buying. In late August, about 100 people attended a LAFCU seminar to hear Eaton County detectives and credit union managers speak about spotting and preventing identity theft. The seminar also featured an individual who had been a victim of the growing crime.
Marketing and Communications Specialist Alyssa Sliger says that more than 15 million American were affected by identity theft and fraud in 2016. Personal finance crimes are on the rise as more consumers use online and mobile platforms to do their banking, finances or shopping. She added that consumers who are familiar with the signs of fraud can spot things more quickly, and minimize the damage.
"We see the need for more education, especially with the increase in fraud every year," says Sliger. "Our goal is to provide resources to the community and help people understand a variety of topics that affect their finances."
The recent identity theft seminar was part of LAFCU's ongoing Cyber Scout program launched more than a year ago. The program is designed to decrease the incident of fraud and identity theft among LAFCU members, and to provide general education to interested residents of nearly a dozen counties in Mid-Michigan.
The 81-year-old credit union offers seminars year-round on a variety of topics, including mortgage and home buying, financial planning, and Medicare and long-term care. Seminars are free and open to the public.
"Finances can be scary for some people," says Sliger. "We want to be a source of reference, and set people up with the education and information they need to understand their finances, regardless of their age."
Source: Alyssa Sliger, Marketing and Communications Specialist, LAFCU
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
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