Wittman Hosts Fraud Prevention Seminar to Empower Virginia's First District Seniors
Glen Allen, VA – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) hosted a fraud prevention seminar at the Twin Hickory Area Library in Glen Allen on Friday to provide seniors with actionable steps to recognize scams, safeguard personal information, and access victim assistance resources. The event featured a panel of representatives from the Office of the Virginia Attorney General, AARP Virginia, and the Henrico Police Department's Fraud & Economic Crime Unit.
"Fraud and scams are evolving at an alarming rate, and it is critical that we equip our citizens with the tools and knowledge to stay protected," said Congressman Wittman. "Whether it's phone scams, phishing attempts, or identity theft, we must proactively safeguard our personal and financial information. As your representative in Congress, I will continue to advocate for stronger fraud prevention policies and ensure our constituents have the necessary resources to fight back against scammers. If you ever need assistance, my office is here to help."
With fraud cases on the rise, the seminar covered key topics, including malware vs. spyware, phishing scams, and impersonation fraud, while offering practical guidance on fraud prevention, such as accessing free annual credit reports and reporting suspicious activity to consumer protection agencies.
Attendees heard from:
- Benjamin Bickel, Community Liaison Officer, Office of the Virginia Attorney General
- Katherine Jackson, AARP Virginia Volunteer
- Detective Joe Wood, Henrico Police Department, Fraud & Economic Crime Unit
Congressman Wittman also provided an update on legislative efforts to combat fraud, highlighting:
- Cosponsor of the Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion (VSAFE) Act (H.R. 1663): Established a dedicated officer in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to prevent scams targeting veterans.
- Voted for the Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act (H.R. 825): Ensures individuals convicted of financial crimes related to COVID-19 relief cannot receive future financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
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