The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBs) will be hosting and participating in virtual presentations to help consumers understand their rights and make well-informed decisions about money.

“An important part of the department’s mission is to ensure consumers and business are well-informed about the financial marketplace,” said Tim Arthun, Deputy Secretary for Financial Services. “The department remains committed to consumer protection each and every day and this special line-up of events serves to promote financial capability and increase consumer awareness about scams and how to protect themselves.”  

The scheduled events are being offered as part of National Consumer Protection Week (February 28 – March 6). All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Midweek Money Matters will feature special webinar presentations each day of NCPW:

• Top 3 Scams:  March 1 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
• Red Flags of Scams:  March 2 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
• Steps to Take If You Are A Victim:  March 3 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
• Basic Scam Prevention:  March 4 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
• Consumer Fraud BINGO:  March 5 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Register for Midweek Money Matters online.

Tuesday – March 2

Reverse Mortgages – What Can You Expect? will be presented to employees of the Department of Labor and Industry Bureau of Workers’ Compensation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Wednesday – March 3

Cybersecurity: Keeping Yourself Safe Online – a presentation covering key topics like using secure websites, creating strong passwords, being aware of what you put on social media, and even tips for shopping online safely – will be presented to the Mohler Senior Center in Hershey (Dauphin County) from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. For more information and to attend this virtual meeting contact: Melissa Weigle, Executive Director at 717-533-2002

 Thursday – March 4

Avoiding Scams and ID Theft – a presentation taking a look at ways people’s identities are stolen or compromised, what you can do if you find you have had your identity stolen, and how to stop theft from occurring – will be presented to the Windy Hill on the Campus Senior Center in Spring Grove (York County) from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Gift Card Scams: Training for Convenience Store Management and Staff – a presentation to members of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) that outlines assorted scams that involve the purchase of gift cards and how staff can help spot potential victims of scams – will occur from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.

DoBS Investor Education and Consumer Outreach staff work 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 presentations available or contact DoBs 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.