Letterman speaks to DAR on scams and fraud prevention

Lt. Todd Letterman with the Hendersonville Police Department was the October speaker for the Joseph McDowell Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Letterman's presentation on “Scams and Fraud Prevention” offered helpful tips and proactive information. Nationally, 2.7 million frauds are reported each year, but many incidents go undocumented due to victim embarrassment.

Social media and the internet have made it easier for con artists to obtain personal contact information. Common scams include phone solicitation, US mail fraud, and email phishing. Lt.

Letterman urged the audience to be alert to fraud by refusing to converse with a phone solicitor, never give personal information to the caller, and never reply to suspicious emails. Protect your identity and your wallet, before falling prey, call the company or charity directly to verify the authenticity of the scheme.