Request a Speaker

Need a Speaker?  

Department of Banking staff is available to give FREE, unbiased and informative presentations that focus on consumer protection and investor education topics.  If your library, club, school, or organization is looking for a speaker we are available to provide both in-person or virtual programs.

Please contact Kathleen Titsworth, Banking Outreach Coordinator, to arrange a speaker:
 
     E-mail:  kathleen.titsworth@ct.gov
     Telephone:  860-240-8176

Our Programs

FINANCIAL FRAUD / SCAMS:

Banking Scams (for Seniors/Caregivers) 

The Grandparent Scam - The Lottery Scam – The IRS Scam…  These all share a common goal:  to access your personal financial information and steal your hard-earned money.  Don't let con artists get the best of you.   Learn about common banking scams and tips to avoid being a victim.  Knowledge is your best defense!

Cryptocurrency

If you are looking for basic information on what cryptocurrency is and why you should understand the risks involved this is the program for you.  

Financial Fraud BINGO (for Seniors or Students)

Financial Fraud Bingo is played like regular Bingo, but each number is associated with a tip or bit of information on an array of consumer protection issues - banking scams, investment fraud, cyber security, credit and debt management, and more.  It is a fun, interactive way to learn about protecting our personal information and our finances.  

Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Personal Information (for Students)

What is Identity theft and how does it occur?  We discuss credit card skimming, email phishing, spoofing and text scams, as well as being safe while banking online or mobile banking.  We share information about digital wallets and person-to-person payment apps.  Bottom line, it is up to you to do your diligence and protection your personal information from being hacked or outright stolen.

Financial Exploitation:  Protect Yourself or Your Loved One

Nearly 1 in 5 seniors over the age of 65 have been affected by financial exploitation in some form to the tune of $36.5 billion annually. Learn to protect yourself or your loved one by understanding why seniors are targets and the difference between financial fraud and exploitation, and how to avoid both types of financial abuse.

Protecting Your Financial Information: Identity Theft

We live in a fast-paced, technological world.  Scammers are all around us, whose only goal is to steal your financial information to commit fraud.  Your best defense is awareness.  Learn important tips to help you understand the methods of identity theft; take action steps to reduce your risk; recognize signs that you may be a victim; choose your options in recovering from identity theft, including data security breaches; and exercise your consumer rights to shield your credit report from unauthorized use.

Avoiding Scams While Traveling

Taking a trip can be stressful, but ultimately should be fun and memorable.  The last thing you would expect is to have issues involving fraud or a scam.  We’ll discuss certain scams to avoid and share tips on keeping your personal and financial information safe when traveling.

Senior$afe Training (for Financial Professionals)

The Department of Banking is pleased to offer this training to help financial professionals - including banks, credit unions, and investment advisers - recognize and report possible elder financial exploitation.  We will share red flags and provide information on how to report suspected cases of financial abuse.  Read more information on the Senior$afe training program.

CREDIT / DEBT MANAGEMENT:

Debt Management and Credit Repair

Are you concerned about your credit?  Do you need help managing your budget?  Are you telling yourself, “I’ll worry about the bills later.”  If the answer to any of these questions is “yes” then it’s time to reassess your financial health.  If you are facing debt, it doesn’t have to go from bad to worse.  We will discuss ways to manage your debt and repair your credit the right way and avoid common mistakes.

Objective:
Participants will learn why good credit is important;  how to get a free copy of their credit report, and how to review it and check for errors; how to manage debt and learn some simple budgeting tips; and how to repair credit and avoid credit repair scams.

All About Credit – Money Management for Teens

What is credit and why do I need to establish good credit?  What is the difference between a credit and a debit card?  What is a credit report, and why do I need to know what is on mine?  These questions and more are addressed in a discussion aimed at helping teens understand the importance of establishing good credit.

Understanding Our Credit Reports

Most of us don’t think about our credit report or worry about what’s in it, but that information directly affects us in many ways. Any errors on that report may negatively affect our credit, and correcting those errors may be the first step in improving our credit.  Rebuilding credit is no simple task, but can be done with time and hard work.

INVESTING:

Investing in the Modern World

These days it is easier than ever to open an investment account and begin to watch your money grow.  But how do you know what is safe and what might not be a wise choice?  Did you know that investments, as well as people that sell investments, need to be registered?  Experts from the Department of Banking will discuss ways to properly vet investment offers, including cryptocurrency, and how to avoid investment fraud.

Avoid Banking Scams and Investment Fraud

Get the facts about the individual and the brokerage firm handling your investments.  Learn why you should investigate before you invest and how to protect yourself from investment fraud and scams.

How to Be an Informed Investor

Before you invest, take time to think about your overall financial situation and investment goals. During this interactive workshop we will discuss financial management basics to have in place before you invest, risk tolerance, types of financial professionals involved and licensing requirements, and briefly discuss some of the most common types of investment products.

Choosing a Financial Planner

In these tough economic times, how can you be sure your money is working for you?  Should you get money management help from a financial planner - and, if so, who do you choose? Find out important tips on selecting the right financial planner.  Learn how to check the planner's licensing status and disciplinary history and how to protect yourself from investment scams and fraud.

Objectives:
- Learn what to expect from your investment adviser.
- Understand the importance of checking the licensing status of an investment professional.
- Find out how to protect yourself from investment scams and fraud.