Oak Harbor Police Department Sargent Justin Smith will lead the Avoiding Scams and Financial Exploitation event on March 15.

OAK HARBOR – The Oak Harbor Police Department invites residents to a free educational event on Saturday, March 15, at 10 a.m., at the Oak Harbor Public Library located at 147 W. Main St. in Oak Harbor to discuss “Avoiding Scams and Financial Exploitation.” The session, led by Oak Harbor Police Sergeant Justin Smith, will provide insight into the latest scams targeting local residents and offer practical strategies to protect against financial fraud.

Scams have been on the rise in the area, with fraudsters using various tactics such as impersonating law enforcement or government officials, requesting payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and attempting to gain remote access to personal devices. This event aims to equip community members with the knowledge to recognize red flags and take action to safeguard their financial security.

Residents are encouraged to attend and learn more about common fraud schemes and how to respond safely. The Oak Harbor Police Department remains available 24/7 to assess suspicious correspondence or activity.

For more information on fraud prevention, visit the FBI’s scam awareness resource at https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams.