Channel 3000: Steil hosts identity theft prevention workshop

Republican Rep. Bryan Steil hosted an event in Janesville Thursday to help people learn about preventing identity theft and fraud.

The free event included representatives from the Federal Trade Commission, Wisconsin Better Business Bureau and the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, among other agencies. Messages included hanging up when suspicious of a caller’s intentions and avoiding giving personal information over the phone.

“We need to one, stop people from calling us in the first place, but until we’re successful in preventing these calls in the first place, I want people to know the tools and the toolkit before becoming victims of these scams,” Steil said.

Panelists also encouraged attendees to report scams to local authorities not only to help themselves but to also prevent scammers from targeting others.