Banking and Securities Announces February 2022 Outreach Events

Harrisburg, PA – Education and outreach staff from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) will be hosting and participating in numerous virtual and in-person presentations for groups of senior citizens, service providers, and the public throughout the month of February to promote financial capability as part of Governor Tom Wolf’s Consumer Financial Protection Initiative.

Most February outreach events will be held virtually and are open to the public, unless otherwise noted, and in partnership with the listed organizations.

For General Audiences

Avoiding ID Theft – Identity theft is a crime that can happen to anyone. Prevention is critical. Learn how it occurs, how to protect yourself, and steps to take if it happens to you with this program at the Cleve J Fredricksen Library at 100 N 19th Street in Camp Hill (Cumberland County) on February 22 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For additional information contact: Judy Kenny, [email protected].

Cybersecurity – Using the Internet Safely – Learn how to create strong passwords, keep systems up to date, and shop online in the safest way possible with this program offered at PA CareerLink Bucks County at 1260 Veterans Hwy in Bristol (Bucks County) on February 2 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Open to networking group.

Avoiding Scams for Small Business Owners – outlining different types of fraud and schemes that target small businesses and what to do if you become a victim – will be presented in partnership with Bucks County SCORE in Doylestown (Bucks County) on February 22 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Register: https://buckscounty.score.org/

Spending Plans – A Roadmap for Financial Success – discussing setting SMART goals, creating an actionable spending plan, reviewing goals and spending plans, and achieving financial success – will be presented with the Lancaster County PA CareerLink at 1046 Manheim Pike in Lancaster (Lancaster County) on February 23 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For additional information contact: Judy Wechter (she/her), Site Administrator, [email protected] or 717-509-5613 ext. 349.

America Saves Week: Banking in the 21st Century – looking at how financial technology has evolved for retail banking customers – will be presented in partnership with the Pennsylvania Treasury in recognition of America Saves Week (February 21-25) on February 24 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. To register or for more information visit https://www.patreasury.gov

Saving and Investing – an introduction to the difference between the two terms, types of investments, compound interest, and investigating before you invest – will be presented through the Phoenixville Library in Phoenixville (Chester County) on February 24 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Register: https://ccls.libcal.com/calendar/Phoenixville/saving-investing  

Financial Security for Crime Survivors – in partnership with the PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence, PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency, PA Office of Victim Advocate, and the PA Commission for Women, this program will discuss the impact of financial abuse on survivors, financial security for survivors and families, access to victims’ compensation, the importance of pay equity, and resources available to help survivors recover from financial abuse on February 25 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM via Facebook Live. For additional information contact [email protected] or call 717-787-5825.

For Senior Citizens

Cybersecurity – Tips for Online Shopping – providing tips to protect your personal information while shopping safely online – will be presented in person at the Jewish Community Center Senior Adult Club in Harrisburg (Dauphin County) on February 24 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. For additional information contact: Cheryl Yablon, Director, 717-236-9555 ext. 3115.

“Fraud BINGO” will be offered in person at the Nativity BVM Senior Center at 3255 Belgrade Street in Philadelphia (Philadelphia County) on February 28 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For additional information contact the center at 215-423-2772.

For Organizations and Service Providers

Cybersecurity – Keeping Yourself Safe Online will be presented to:

• Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) employees at 1171 S. Cameron Street in Harrisburg (Dauphin County) on February 2 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Open to BWC employees.
• National Federation of the Blind PA at 1500 Walnut Street, #200 in Philadelphia(Philadelphia County) on February 16 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Open to members.

Banking and Budgeting Basics will be presented to participants of Community Care Connection at 114 Skyline Drive in Butler (Butler County) on February 2 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Contact Nicole Panichelle for more information at [email protected]. Open to program participants.

DoBS staff and the Nurse Family Partnership of Lehigh Valley Hospital – Pocono (Monroe, Pike, and Carbon Counties) will launch a nine-session series looking at financial security for new families beginning February 8. The first session will cover Planning and Preparing Your and Your Family’s Financial Future on February 8 and will run from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The second session will cover Spending Plans and Building Savings for Long Term Goals on February 22 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The program is open to partnership participants.

DoBS staff will present Investing in Women – a presentation focusing on the unique financial challenges women face when it comes to banking and budgeting, credit, and investments – to Oaks of Central PA at 4500 Marketplace Way in Enola (Cumberland County) on February 17 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Contact Christine at [email protected] for more information.

DoBS Investor Education and Consumer Outreach staff work with state and local government agencies, service providers, community and trade organizations, the General Assembly, the military community, schools, and other partners to help Pennsylvanians across the commonwealth become well-informed about the financial marketplace.

Learn more about the free, non-commercial programs and presentations available or contact us to request a program tailored to your specific needs.

Visit the department’s calendar of events to find an event near you. Consumers and community groups can call 1-800-PA-BANKS or email [email protected] for more information. To learn more about the Consumer Financial Protection Initiative, follow the department on Twitter and Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACT: Virginia Lucy – 717.214.6036, [email protected]

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