That is why the two volunteers with the Central Iowa Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) are on a mission to prevent fellow retirees from becoming the victims of fraud.

Kramer, Sheldon, and Linda Von Holten, RSVP Volunteer Coordinator, are “fraud fighters.”

They work in partnership with the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services (IDIFS) and Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).

The trio presented a compelling and thought-provoking program — open to the public and free-of-charge — about how vicious scammers prey upon retirees, the elderly, those living alone and others on Thursday afternoon at the Marshalltown Arts and Civic Center (MACC).

Shown is the Iowa Fraud Fighters “Learn, Prevent, & Protect” booklet distributed Thursday afternoon to attendees at an anti-fraud program sponsored by the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services and Central Iowa Retired Senior Volunteer Program at the MACC.

One victim in the Fort Dodge area gave more than $500,000 in cash to scammers. The victim was warned by her local bank about the potential fraud but persisted in withdrawing the cash. The perpetrators did not leave a paper trail so prosecution was impossible. A woman in the Marion area lost $30,000 in a fraudulent scheme. Again, no paper trail was evident, and the perpetrators escaped prosecution.

The former victim had received $500,000 – her share from a farm sale – and the thieves were aware of the sale, she said.

Both women voluntarily gave testimonials about how they were lured into the scams as part of a video prepared by IDIFS.

Sadly, it is during “the most wonderful time of the year” that incidents of attempted fraud and fraud increase, said Von Holten, of rural Marshall County.

Though not retired, she is passionate and resolute about preventing fraud.

“People are in a frame of mind to give during the holiday season and are vulnerable,” she said.

Sheldon — who retired after years of service to Iowa State University Extension – Marshall County — said a common fraudulent scheme is scammers masquerading as grandchildren.

“The thieves use emails, texts and other means to contact grandparents,” said Sheldon. “The scammers claim their grandchildren are in trouble with law enforcement and need cash or gift cards to be released.”

Sheldon said she is concerned that advances in artificial intelligence will enable scammers to replicate grandchildren’s voices, adding credence to the effort.

Kramer said another common scam is thieves posing as Medicare officials demanding reimbursement for services.

“Medicare notifies recipients of plan expenses by mail only,” she said. “They do not ‘cold call’ recipients demanding reimbursement for services”

Another common type of fraud used is “affinity fraud,” which targets religious or ethnic groups using trusted relationships with influential or respected members of the group to attract investors to a pyramid or “Ponzi” scheme.

Importantly, the trio offered common-sense ideas on how to stop fraud. Some of the pointers include:

• Don’t answer your telephone to unknown numbers, let them leave a voicemail. Add your number to hen National Do Not Call Registry by contacting 888-382-1222 or visit www.DoNotCall.gov

• Don’t respond to urgent pleas for money by phone, even if the caller sounds like a family member. Phone that relative at a number you know to verify his or her situation.

• Be wary of people who show up at one’s residence and seek upfront payment.

• Don’t send money to someone you’ve never met in person, no matter how well you think you know him or her.

• Don’t carry your Medicare card on your person – unless you are going to the doctor’s office it is best to leave your card at home in a safe place.

Attendee Jo Elyn Hersom of Marshalltown said the program made her aware of various kinds of fraud and how to prevent the same.

Von Holton said Central Iowa RSVP will give the Iowa Fraud Fighters presentations free-of-charge to the public, religious and service groups and others. To report attempted fraud or fraud, contact 877-955-1212 or IowaFraudFighters.gov.