AG’s “Scam Jam Alliance” aims to reduce fraud

Have crooks scammed their last in Idaho? Maybe not, but the Idaho Attorney General’s Office is cracking down on scams, last week forming the Scam Jam Alliance.

It’s a coalition of 12 non-profits and state agencies which plan to travel the state, educating people about the various scams that exist and how to avoid falling victim to them.

“We are essentially an education clearing house,” said Randy Simon, a spokesperson for Scam Jam Alliance member AARP Idaho.

Jerilynn Mecham, general manager of the Senior Activity Center in Pocatello, said she’s seen her share of scams – especially those targeting the elderly.

“These people prey on them that way because they aren’t as informed and as knowledgable,” said Mecham.

Most recently, Mecham said she’s heard about a scam involving fake websites that purport to offer assisted living.

“People would sign in and then they’d say, ‘Oh well, we need a down deposit. We need your credit card,'” said Mecham.

Mecham said the Scam Jam Alliance is a step in the right direction, and she said she hopes those who attend its seminars will spread the word to their friends.

AARP Idaho said it will be holding two Scam Jam seminars in eastern Idaho this year. One at the Marriott in Idaho Falls on Sept. 30 and another at the Shoshone-Bannock Hotel and Events Center in Fort Hall on Oct. 1.