HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania consumer protection officials are taking their fight against scams on the road in January, rolling out a statewide series of free, in-person and virtual presentations aimed at helping seniors and the general public spot fraud, avoid identity theft, and protect their money.
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities said its Investor Education and Consumer Outreach staff will host and participate in public events throughout January 2026, partnering with libraries, senior centers, and area agencies on aging to deliver hands-on guidance as financial scams continue to evolve.
The sessions are free, non-commercial, and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Officials say the goal is simple: arm Pennsylvanians with practical tools to recognize warning signs before scammers strike.
Residents interested in learning more about the department’s financial education programs or requesting a customized presentation can visit the DoBS Events Calendar, call 1-800-PA-BANKS, email informed@pa.gov, or go online at pa.gov/dobs. Pennsylvanians can also subscribe to the department’s newsletter or follow DoBS on Facebook, X, or LinkedIn.
Consumers who believe they have been targeted by a scam or need help resolving financial or insurance issues are encouraged to call 1-866-PACOMPLAINT, visit pa.gov/consumer, or email consumer@pa.gov.
Among the January offerings is “Fraud BINGO,” an interactive presentation that teaches consumers how to protect themselves from investment fraud through a familiar game format. The program will be hosted virtually by the Friends Memorial Public Library in Kane, McKean County, on January 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Additional information is available from Patty Kunicki at 814-837-7010 or friendslibrarykanepa@gmail.com.
Several sessions are geared specifically toward older adults. On January 5, the Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne and Wyoming counties will host “Cybersecurity – Tips for Online Shopping” at the Charles T. Adams Active Adult Center, 5 East Market Street in Wilkes-Barre, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. The event is open to members only. Information is available from Maria Linso at 570-825-3484 or maria.linso@luzernecounty.org.
Blair Senior Services, Inc. will host “Cybersecurity – Keeping Yourself Safe Online” on January 14 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Southern Blair Senior Center, 15229 Dunnings Highway in East Freedom, Blair County. The session is open to members only. Contact Karen Kelley at 814-317-5181 or KKelley@blairsenior.org for details.
Additional Fraud BINGO sessions for older adults are scheduled at the McAlisterville Community Senior Center, 158 Lions Den Drive in McAlisterville, Juniata County, on January 12 from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Information is available from Carrie Noss at 717-463-3588 or mcalistervillectr@mymjrsc.com.
The Middletown Senior Citizens Association, 2142 Trenton Road in Levittown, Bucks County, will host a session on January 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Contact Elisabeth Ginder at 215-945-2920 or Dir.msca@gmail.com.
The Coopersburg Senior Center, 538 Thomas Street in Coopersburg, Lehigh County, will host a presentation on January 22 from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Additional information is available from Nan Beitel-Vessels at 610-282-2330 or nancybv13@icloud.com.
State officials say the January outreach push reflects growing concern about increasingly sophisticated scams targeting Pennsylvanians of all ages, with older residents often facing the highest risk.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.