AARP Hawaii and several state agencies leading the fight against fraud will offer free public awareness events in Kahului and Kihei on Saturday, May 30.

The events are intended to arm Maui residents against the threat of identity theft, investment fraud and related scams that rake in billions of dollars across the country each year.

The Scam Jam workshops – co-sponsored by the Hawaii Office of the Securities Commissioner, Better Business Bureau of Hawaii and the state Department of Attorney General – will help adults protect themselves from financial fraud by shining light on the tactics scam artists use to separate people from their money.

The events are free and open to the public at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center’s main stage from 10 a.m. to noon, and St. Theresa’s Church in Kihei from 2 to 4 p.m. (registration is requested at http://bit.ly/1ETkmff). ?

A new survey of Hawaii adults shows that many consumers put themselves at risk of identity theft, investment fraud and other financial scams by ignoring basic prevention measures.

The report, “Risky Behavior: Assessing the Fraud Risk and Avoidance Among Hawaii Adults 18+,” suggests the extent to which island residents leave themselves vulnerable to fraud by ignoring time-tested consumer protection tips that help thwart identity thieves and investment fraudsters. The survey is available for review at www.aarp.org/HIFraudSurvey.

Join AARP’s Fraud Watch Network to receive scam alerts and fraud-related resources at www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork.