IJA/AARP Webinar: Preventing Fraud and Scams Targeted at Indigenous Communities

AARP to discuss recent research, level of crisis in communities and opportunities for journalists to reframe reporting on victims

The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) and AARP (formerly called the American Association of Retired Persons) will co-host “Preventing fraud and scams targeted at Indigenous communities” webinar via Zoom on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023 from 12-1 p.m. CT / 1-2 p.m. ET.

Kathy Stokes, AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Programs and Mashell Sourjohn (Muscogee), AARP Associate State Director of Community Outreach for Oklahoma will be panelists for the discussion. IJA board member and Arizona Mirror Indigenous Communities Reporter Shondiin Silversmith (Diné) will moderate the discussion and Q&A.

Scams and fraud are a major problem in the U.S. New AARP-sponsored research illuminates the vulnerability of Indigenous American (IA) communities to fraudulent activities, pointing toward means of addressing the issue. This crisis is especially fraught within IA communities and emphasizes the need for us all to work together to reframe how we talk about and respond to fraud victimization.

Through a series of focus groups and in-depth interviews, the researchers found that American Indian and Alaska Native communities report having had experiences with a wide range of financial scams, both targeted and not targeted to their communities, with their older adults being particularly vulnerable. The research offered valuable insights for empowering American Indian and Alaska Native communities to recognize and prevent fraud within their communities.

Presenters will examine the problem in further detail, including in depth insights on the issue and tips for how to report on it.

Details and registration.