The Carroll Chamber of Commerce and Availa Bank are partnering with community agencies in an effort to help people protect themselves from the many different types of fraud that exist in today’s world. Lisa Irlbeck, Availa’s community education and outreach director, says nobody ever expects to become a victim, but anybody is a potential mark for a fraudster.
Scammers will often use high-pressure tactics and make an emotional appeal to convince the victim to give up money, gift cards, bank account details, or personal information. Often, older people are primary targets, but Irlbeck says everyone from business owners to high school students is a potential victim.
This led to the creation of the Carroll County Fraud Coalition, which consists of local law enforcement, businesses, and other community partners. They are hosting an educational seminar on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the St. Anthony Regional Hospital Conference Room. The program includes presentations from fraud specialists, including Assistant U.S Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa Rachel Scherle and Carroll Police Captain Ethan Kathol. Lunch will be provided during the seminar courtesy of St. Anthony. Irlbeck says anybody in the county is welcome to join, but they ask attendees to RSVP first. Registration can be completed by contacting Availa Bank at 712-792-3567, the Chamber of Commerce at 712-792-4383, or using the QR code included with this story on our website. The deadline to RSVP is Thursday, Oct. 5. This is the Carroll County Fraud Coalition’s first seminar, but Irlbeck says there is much more to come in the future.
