Indiana Seniors Lose Nearly $38 Million to Elder Fraud
Free Local Workshop Being Offered to Help Curb the Problem
Indianapolis, Indiana – September 29, 2024 – A recent FBI report shows that Indiana seniors lost $37,812,966 to elder fraud schemes in 2023. Indiana ranked 25th on the FBI’s list of 57 scammed states and U.S. territories.
"Elder fraud schemes exploit the trust and goodwill of older Americans, preying on their vulnerabilities. Common scams include lottery scams, romance scams, and phishing schemes that can lead to significant financial losses,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “Fraudsters constantly evolve their tactics so staying informed about the latest scams through events such as this workshop can help protect seniors."
On October 8, 2024, the Indianapolis FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBIICAAA) will present - AI Isn’t Sci-Fi: Free Fraud Workshop - a community outreach and education event to help curb fraud in Indiana.
“Elder fraud is on the rise, impacting our communities, neighbors, and families. This is one of our organization's main community outreach priorities for 2024,” said Scott Hainey, FBIICAAA president. “Our goal for this event is to help educate and empower older adults in Central Indiana and their families on how to prevent becoming a victim to a fraud scheme.”
The program’s keynote presenters will be Christopher Knight, forensic accountant with the FBI Indianapolis Field Office, a renowned expert in elder fraud; and Scott Barnhart, director and chief council of consumer protection with the Office of the Indiana Attorney General. A panel of experts representing the FBI, Indiana Attorney General Office, Secretary of State Office, Medicaid, and the IRS will address audience questions.
The workshop will be held at Emmanual Church located at 1640 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, IN, 46143.
AI Isn’t Sci-Fi: Free Fraud Workshop and Luncheon is presented by the FBI Indianapolis Citizens Academy Alumni Association; a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI. Workshop partners included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Alpha Mu Omega Chapter, Indiana Council Against Senior Exploitation (INCASE), Emmanuel Church, and Indiana Real Estate Experts.
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FBI Indianapolis CAAA Receives Gold Star Designation
Dear FBI Indianapolis Citizens Academy Alumni Association,
On behalf of FBI National CAAA, we extend heartfelt congratulations to you and your Chapter for achieving the prestigious new 2024 Gold Star Chapter designation. This remarkable accomplishment symbolizes your outstanding proficiency in operations and serves as a testament to your unwavering commitment to excellence in community outreach and partnership with your FBI Field Office.
Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. The Gold Star Chapter designation is a well-deserved recognition of your chapter’s exceptional efforts in upholding the highest standards and fulfilling the mission and objectives of the FBINCAAA. It is a tribute to your leadership, teamwork, and passion for making a positive impact in your community.
As a token of this achievement, your Chapter will receive a distinctive digital asset designed for website and social media use. This virtual badge of honor will highlight your commitment to excellence and serve as a reminder of the significant contributions your Chapter makes to the FBINCAAA, FBI and the Community. You will receive the virtual badge template after the National Leadership Conference.
We look forward to celebrating your success and highlighting your accomplishments at the upcoming National Leadership Conference. Your Chapter’s dedication to excellence is an inspiration to us all, and we are proud of your efforts.
Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved honor. We wish you continued success in all of your future endeavors.
Best Regards,
Richard Schwalberg – President, FBINCAAA
Pam Connell – Director Chapter Resources, FBINCAAA
FBIICAAA Opening Day at the Track
May 2024 - Another exciting Indianapolis 500 and month of May are now in the rearview mirror! This year, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway welcomed the FBIICAAA out to the track for opening day.
Mike Bates, senior director of safety and security for IMS, gave us a peak behind the curtain at what goes into security during the month of May and keeping hundreds of thousands of fans safe during the world's largest single-day sporting event.
Even though rain kept the cars in the garage, several adventurous attendees ventured trackside. Others kept dry and continued networking and conversations during lunch at a nearby Speedway restaurant.
Welcome 2024 Fort Wayne Graduates
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APRIL 2024 - Congratulations to our spring 2024 graduating class! After several years hiatus and a pandemic, the Citizens Academy returns to Fort Wayne, Indiana. “Over three days, the class delved into the FBI's mission and explored various threats investigated by the FBI. Their final day included hands-on experience at the range and insights into the Evidence Response Team,” said Sukhvir Kaur, FBI Indianapolis Community Outreach Specialist. “A huge thank you to our Citizens Academy Alumni Association for their support!” |
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FBIICAAA Helps Honor Local Heroes
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APRIL 2024 - Thanks to our alumni who represented the FBIICAAA and helped honor local law enforcement heroes at the 56th Annual Fire, Police & Deputy Sheriff’s Community Recognition Luncheon. IMPD Chief Christopher Bailey, IFD Chief Ernest Malone and Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal presented more than 35 awards honoring those on the front lines who bravely serve and protect our community every day. Awards ranged from Rookies of the Year to Sheriff’s Deputy, Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year. |
Indianapolis Collegiate Academy Inaugural Class a Success
MARCH 2024 - Congratulations to the graduates of the inaugural Collegiate Academy! 30 students from around the state spent three weeks getting a behind the scenes look at the FBI from case work to SWAT to physical fitness and much more! "Our students delved into the world of FBI evidence recovery, bomb tech, and gained valuable insights into the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit," said Sukhvir Kaur, FBI Indianapolis Community Outreach Specialist. "It was incredible to see their enthusiasm and dedication to learning in action."
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FBI Indianapolis Citizens Academy Class of 2023 Graduation
OCTOBER 2023 - Congratulations to the graduates of the 2023 FBI Indianapolis Citizens Academy. The group gathered for Range Night and a graduation ceremony on October 17, 2023 in Pendleton. 
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Fall Alumni ReceptionNOVEMBER 2023 - Thank you to Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert Stapleton and featured speaker Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alex Middleton who shared a fascinating story about a National Security – Espionage case on which he worked. Appreciation to outgoing board member Courtney Rissman for arranging our venue at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and giving us an after-hours view of its beautiful new ice skating rink! |
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New Officers and Board Members Elected
NOVEMBER 2023 - The new slate of FBI Indianapolis Citizens Academy Alumni Association board members and officers were elected on November 30, 2023. Their new term begins on January 1, 2024.
NEW OFFICERS
Scott Hainey – President Class of 2007
Chuck Dunlap – President Elect Class of 2010
Marilyn Smith – Secretary Class of 2016
Greg Wiles – Treasurer Class of 2003
Danielle Coulter – Assistant Secretary Class of 2013
Susan Baughman – Immediate Past President Class of 2010
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Paul Burch Class of 2014
Linda Clemons Class of 2022
Lynda Goeke Class of 2018
Anita Harden Class of 2005
Eric Hoots Class of 2023
Joyce Hertko Class of 2015
Shelley Klingerman Class of 2021
Kent Paradis Class of 2021
Jennifer Rufatto Class of 2019
Jeffrey Terp Class of 2014
We're looking forward to an exciting year of learning, outreach, and public service!
The FBI Youth Leadership Academy
JUNE 2023 - The Youth Leadership Academy, which is supported by the FBI Indianapolis Citizens Academy Alumni Association, took place June 6 & 7, 2023, had 19 students who were competitively selected, rising seniors who traveled from all over the state. The students learned about the FBI Core values, FBI SWAT, leadership and team building.
Day One consisted of students learning about the FBI’s investigative threats, multiple supervisors and agents presented on sextortion, civil rights and Domestic Terrorism. Students also spent two hours with the swat team, practiced cuffing and took part in the FBI fit test. They also cleared a house and conducted evidence collection.
Day Two had the students learning about leadership and team building and participating in rock climbing and other team building exercises. The also cleared a house and conducted evidence collection. President of the FBIICAAA, Susan Baughman, discussed the importance of goal setting. The day concluded with an FBI panel discussion and students receiving completion certificates from SAC Stapleton.
FBIICAAA Summer Luncheon
JUNE 2023 - This year's luncheon was held at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and welcomed SAC Stapleton and special guest speaker, Amy S. Hess,
Ms. Hess was appointed to the position of Executive Advisor to the Secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear in January 2023. Prior to this, she served as Chief of Public Safety and Services for Louisville Metro Government, overseeing the police and fire departments, corrections, emergency services, emergency management, and other components. She played a key role in the city’s response to both the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest after the Breonna Taylor shooting in 2020, while leading many of its police reform efforts.
For 29 years before that, Ms. Hess was a Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with assignments in Kansas City, Louisville, Tucson, Afghanistan, Memphis, Quantico, and Washington, DC. Her FBI career culminated with promotion to Executive Assistant Director—one of the agency’s highest positions—on two different occasions. In this capacity, her oversight responsibilities included the FBI’s criminal and cyber investigations, science and technology capabilities, and worldwide response to crisis events. She is a native of Jeffersonville, Indiana, and graduated from Purdue University’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics where, as a co-op student, she worked for IBM Space Systems Division supporting NASA’s space shuttle program.
FBI Citizens Academy National Conference
JUNE 2023 - Chuck Dunlap, FBIICAAA Treasurer, and Marilyn Smith, Communications Committee Chair, attended this year's national FBI Citizens Academy in Boston, MA. FBIICAAA Board President Susan Baughman and Vice President Scott Hainey had their Boston flights cancelled for two days in a row and were sorely missed at the conference. Chuck and Marilyn networked with FBI Citizens Academy members across the country, learned about innovative community service projects, and returned with lots of great material for the FBIICAAA.