A representative from the Indiana attorney general’s office will be in Lafayette, giving tips on how to avoid being a victim of scams and identity theft.
Amy Wardlow works in the consumer protection division. She says everyone should be leery of email or phone solicitations for money, because you can’t see if the person or group is who they claim to be.
"If someone asks you to wire money - be very suspicious. Once you wire money to someone, it's untraceable. It can go anywhere in the world and very often, there's no way to get it back."
Wardlow says despite many people’s horror stories and increased awareness, identity theft is still a widespread problem.
"We really encourage people to be careful with their Social Security number and other personal information. Be careful who you give out information about your banking account and things like that."
She says checking your credit report regularly is one way to fight identity theft.
The consumer protection events are at the Tippecanoe County Library’s downtown branch Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday at 10 a.m. at the Hanna Community Center. Both events are free and open to the public.