Indiana Securities Division Rolls Out “Shielding the Community” Program to Prevent Investment Fraud Victimization

INDIANAPOLIS (July 26, 2024) - Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales launches a new consumer outreach and education initiative by the Indiana Securities Division to combat investment fraud.

The Secretary of State Securities Division's "Shielding the Community" program is designed to empower Hoosiers with knowledge to recognize red flags of investment fraud. The program is a collaborative effort between the Indiana Securities Division and local law enforcement agencies. The program will feature live, interactive community presentations with representatives from the Securities Division and local law enforcement agencies. Attendees will learn about common fraudulent schemes, how to recognize signs of fraud, and learn about law enforcement investigations and consumer protection resources. Presentations begin on July 30^th and will continue at locations across the state through September. See dates, locations, and times below. Additional events are planned.

"My office continues to search for ways to engage and educate the public. Hard-working Hoosiers of all ages, the elderly in particular, are victims of fraudulent investment schemes all too often. Recognizing the warning signs is key to protecting yourself and loved ones. We continue to build strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies throughout the state. "Shielding the Community" is an exciting partnership and opportunity to benefit Hoosiers," said Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State.

"If we can stop the fraud from happening in the first place, the bad actors are stopped before the harm is done. A great deal of scams are initiated in other countries, which makes it very difficult to hold bad actors accountable and retrieve the money stolen from victims. Therefore, the best way to combat these scams is to ward it off before victims hand over their money," said Marie Castetter, Indiana Securities Commissioner.

Secretary of State Diego Morales and Securities Commissioner Marie Castetter,invite Hoosiers to the following "Shielding the Community" presentations:

• New Palestine: July 30^th from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at the New Palestine Library
• Greenfield: August 28^th from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm at the Greenfield Library
• Noblesville: September 3^rd from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at the Noblesville Library
• Zionsville: September 16^th from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at the Zionsville Town Hall

For information on hosting a presentation in your community, please contact the Indiana Securities Division at 317-232-6681.

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Media Contact - Lindsey Eaton 317.775.8909 or [email protected]