July Consumer Outreach Schedule Announced

Harrisburg, PA – Education and outreach staff from the Department of Banking and Securities will be meeting with senior citizens and the public across Pennsylvania during the month of July to promote financial capability as part of Governor Tom Wolf’s Consumer Financial Protection Initiative.

For Senior Citizens

 Department staff will offer a presentation combining several different topics – “About the Department of Banking and Securities,” “Avoiding Scams and ID Theft,” and “Cybersecurity: Staying Safe Online” – at the following locations:

• LifeSpan in McKeesport (Allegheny County) on July 9 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. (Open to Senior Companions ONLY)
• Human Services Building in Pittsburgh (Allegheny County) on July 10 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. (Open to Senior Companions ONLY)
• Human Services in Pittsburgh (Allegheny County) on July 11 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. (Open to Senior Company program participants ONLY)

Outreach staff will be available at Sen. Mario Scavello’s Senior Expo, being co-hosted with Rep. Rosemary Brown and Rep. Jack Rader, at Pocono Mountain Swiftwater Elementary Center at 135 Academic Drive in Swiftwater (Monroe County) on July 16 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The presentation “Avoiding Scams and ID Theft” – which helps consumers protect themselves from financial scams as well as informs victims of scams on how to get help – will be offered at the following locations:

• The Williamsport Home, 1900 Ravine Road in Williamsport (Lycoming County)
  • July 19 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Open to residents of Building A ONLY)
  • July 19 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Open to residents of Building C ONLY)
  • July 20 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Open to residents of Building B ONLY)
• ​Hamlin Senior Center, 15 Township Building Road in Hamlin (Wyoming County) on July 31 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

For General Public

The department will attend the 2nd Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Symposium at The Inn at Reading in Wyomissing (Berks County) on July 13 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. (Open to invited guests ONLY)

The presentation “Cybersecurity – Staying Safe on the Internet” – covering key topics such as using secure websites, creating strong passwords, being aware of what you put on social media, and even tips for shopping online safely – will be offered at Lycoming County CareerLink, 329 Pine Street in Williamsport (Lycoming County) on July 18 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Registration is required by calling CareerLink at 570-601-5465.

The presentation “Cybersecurity – Staying Safe on the Internet” will be offered with “Consumer Fraud Bingo” – an interactive presentation to help participants learn ways to protect themselves from investment fraud and other financial scams – at Memorial Homes, 1609 Memorial Avenue in Williamsport (Lycoming County) on July 18 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The presentation “Investing 101” – an introduction to saving and investing for future goals with an emphasis on retirement – will be offered at PA CareerLink Bucks County at Bristol, 1260 Veterans Way in Bristol (Bucks County) on July 25 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

The department’s 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. There are a variety of free, non-commercial programs [PDF] and presentations [PDF] available, or a program can be tailored to a specific group’s needs.