Henrico Times

Congressman Rob Wittman hosted a seminar at the Twin Hickory Area Library in Glen Allen, Virginia, focusing on fraud prevention for seniors. The event aimed to equip attendees with knowledge and tools to identify scams, protect personal information, and access victim assistance resources. Representatives from the Office of the Virginia Attorney General, AARP Virginia, and the Henrico Police Department’s Fraud & Economic Crime Unit participated in the panel.

"Fraud and scams are evolving at an alarming rate, and it is critical that we equip our citizens with the tools and knowledge to stay protected," said Congressman Wittman. "Whether it’s phone scams, phishing attempts, or identity theft, we must proactively safeguard our personal and financial information. As your representative in Congress, I will continue to advocate for stronger fraud prevention policies and ensure our constituents have the necessary resources to fight back against scammers. If you ever need assistance, my office is here to help."

The seminar addressed various types of frauds such as malware vs. spyware, phishing scams, and impersonation fraud. It provided practical advice on fraud prevention measures like accessing free annual credit reports and reporting suspicious activities to consumer protection agencies.

Speakers included Benjamin Bickel from the Office of the Virginia Attorney General, Katherine Jackson from AARP Virginia, and Detective Joe Wood from Henrico Police Department's Fraud & Economic Crime Unit.

Congressman Wittman also updated attendees on legislative actions aimed at combating fraud. He mentioned his role as a cosponsor of the Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion (VSAFE) Act (H.R. 1663), which aims to prevent scams targeting veterans by establishing a dedicated officer in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, he voted for the Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act (H.R. 825), which prevents individuals convicted of financial crimes related to COVID-19 relief from receiving future financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration.