With financial-service fraud on the rise around the nation, the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) is dedicating July 22 to July 28 as Fraud Awareness Week in its ongoing fight against fraud.
“The District of Columbia faces new challenges all the time in the effort to detect, deter and investigate fraud. This is especially true among some of the largest parts of our population who are particularly at risk for abuse, such as seniors,” said Commissioner Thomas E. Hampton. “This year’s Fraud Awareness Week in the District is dedicated to providing all of our residents the tools to identify and protect themselves against fraud.”
- WHEN: During the week of July 22 to 28
- WHAT: DISB is launching its campaign with a proclamation from Mayor Adrian Fenty to declare the fight against fraud by increasing consumer awareness and reducing risk. DISB will send out daily information and tips on different types of fraud, to recognize fraud, and how to fight against it. DISB is offering media appearances to talk about fraud, and DISB staff will be giving away information on fraud in select areas in the District of Columbia.
Because of their high risk for fraud, there will be a special focus on seniors this year, culminating in a town hall meeting* on July 26, 10 am-12:30 pm at the UPO/Washington Seniors Wellness Center (WSWC), 3001 Alabama Avenue, SE, in Ward 7.
Each weekday of Fraud Awareness Week, DISB will be publishing a newsletter on fraud awareness issues:
Any District resident needing more information on Fraud Awareness Week or to report suspected fraud, should contact DISB at (202) 727-8000 or its Enforcement and Investigation Bureau at (202) 727-1563. For more information on fighting fraud, visit DISB’s website at disb.dc.gov.