Knowledge is Power: Helping Our Students Spot and Avoid Scams

At READ RVA, we’re committed not only to literacy but to helping our students build the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate everyday life safely. That’s why we were so pleased to welcome Shawn Smith, State Director of the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), for a special presentation on consumer fraud prevention.

The session, held at READ RVA, focused on how to recognize and avoid common scams — including fraudulent text messages, phone calls, emails, and more. While SMP’s mission is to empower older adults, caregivers, and families to prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, the information shared was relevant to everyone. In today’s digital world, scams are more sophisticated than ever, and no one is immune to being targeted.

Shawn's presentation offered practical tips and real-life examples that helped our adult learners better understand the warning signs of fraud. Students learned how to spot red flags in unsolicited messages, how to protect their personal information, and what steps to take if they suspect they’ve been targeted.

One of the most valuable takeaways? You don’t have to handle these situations alone. The Virginia SMP is a trusted resource working across the state to educate and empower individuals to stay informed and protected.

We’re grateful to Shawn and the Virginia SMP for taking the time to share this important information with our students and supporting our mission to build stronger, more confident communities.

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