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Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and sadly, our senior community is often their target. That's why the Knox County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) recently partnered with Mynatt Funeral Home in Powell to deliver a vital “Scam Smart” class. The goal? To equip older adults with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves from increasingly common technology-based scams.

“We’re seeing more and more technology-based scams,” explained Sergeant [Insert Sergeant's Name & Title if available, otherwise remove this], during the class. “These aren't your grandma’s phone calls pretending to be the IRS. These are complex schemes leveraging social media, email, and even sophisticated fake websites to trick people into handing over their money or personal information.”

What Did the Class Cover?

The “Scam Smart” class wasn't just a lecture; it was an interactive session packed with practical advice. Here's a glimpse of what attendees learned:

• Recognizing Common Scams: Participants were educated on prevalent scams targeting seniors, including romance scams, tech support scams (where scammers pretend to be from Microsoft or Apple), grandparent scams, lottery scams, and IRS impersonation scams.
• Spotting Red Flags: The KCSO highlighted key warning signs to look out for, such as unsolicited calls or emails, requests for immediate payment, pressure tactics, and requests for sensitive information like bank account details or social security numbers.
• Protecting Your Devices: The class emphasized the importance of strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping software updated, and being cautious about clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
• Social Media Safety: Seniors were advised on how to safeguard their privacy on social media platforms, avoid sharing personal information publicly, and be wary of friend requests from people they don’t know.
• Reporting Scams: Attendees learned how to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and local law enforcement agencies.

Why This Matters

The impact of scams on seniors can be devastating, both financially and emotionally. Many victims feel embarrassed and ashamed to report being scammed, which allows these criminals to continue their operations. By raising awareness and providing practical preventative measures, the KCSO hopes to empower seniors to confidently navigate the digital world and protect themselves from falling victim to these schemes.

“Education is our best defense,” Sergeant [Sergeant's Name/Title] added. “We want our seniors to feel confident and informed so they can spot a scam before it’s too late.”

Looking Ahead

The KCSO plans to continue offering “Scam Smart” classes throughout the year. Stay tuned to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office website and social media pages for upcoming dates and locations. Don’t wait until you or a loved one becomes a target – take proactive steps to protect yourself today!

Resources:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): https://www.ftc.gov/
• Knox County Sheriff's Office: [Insert KCSO Website Link Here]