WAILUKU – When it comes to scams, knowledge is power. Con artists are finding new ways to take your money, so consumers need to keep up with the latest scams and learn how to protect themselves and their families.

That’s why AARP Hawaii, the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and other partners are presenting a Scam Jam event in Wailuku on Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the J. Walter Cameron Center Auditorium at 95 Mahalani St. in Wailuku.

The seminar is free and open to anyone. You don’t have to be an AARP member, but participants should pre-register at aarp.cvent.com/scam8-9 or by calling 1-877-926-8300.

“Education and vigilance are the top weapons to fight scammers,” said Barbara Kim Stanton, the AARP Hawaii state director.

“These fraud education events can empower you to protect yourself and your family from fraud and scams. You have the power to stop fraud before it happens.”

Surveys show one in ten Americans are victimized just by phone scams.

Online scammers and financial con artists steal from millions more. Estimated losses nationwide are about $16 billion.

The prime targets of scammers are kupuna. While younger people are more likely to fall victim to scammers, people 60 and older, when they are taken, lose the most money and are less able to recover from their loss.

People who come to the Scam Jams will learn about the psychology of money, the top scams that con artists use in Hawaii, and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

You’ll also find out about personality traits that typical fraud victims share. If you recognize the traits in yourself or family members, you should be more vigilant about fraud.

Susan Arthur from the FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) Investor Education Foundation is the featured speaker. Other partners include the Better Business Bureau of Hawaii and the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Office of the Securities Commissioner.