Oklahoma FraudSafe Program Launches November 10 to Prevent Scams
Oklahoma FraudSafe Program Launches November 10 to Protect Residents From Financial Scams
The Oklahoma FraudSafe program officially launches Tuesday, November 10, 2026, as the Oklahoma Department of Securities introduces a statewide initiative to help residents recognize financial scams, protect personal information and prevent financial exploitation. The free educational program comes after reports that Oklahomans aged 60 and older lost $151 million to fraud in 2025, highlighting the growing financial risks facing older adults and families across the state.
Developed by Tara Hardin, outreach coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Securities, FraudSafe combines monthly educational classes, online training, community presentations and a twice-monthly podcast. The initiative is designed to reach residents in both urban and rural Oklahoma, including individuals who may have limited access to financial education or technology.
Oklahoma FraudSafe Program Offers Free Monthly Scam Prevention Classes
Beginning November 10, FraudSafe will offer free, one-hour educational sessions on the second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. Each class will address a different type of financial fraud, including emerging scams targeting Oklahoma residents.
Participants can attend virtually through Microsoft Teams or join in-person sessions at participating Oklahoma CareerTech centers. Recorded presentations will also be available through YouTube, allowing residents to review information when convenient.
The program's opening event takes place at Western Technology Center in Elk City, with a public session scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon on November 10. An afternoon training session will focus on helping bank tellers, financial professionals and law enforcement officers recognize potential financial exploitation.
The Oklahoma Department of Securities oversees investor protection and securities regulation, making fraud prevention and public education important components of its work across the state.
FraudSafe Teaches Oklahomans to Recognize Common Financial Scams
The program emphasizes practical strategies for identifying suspicious activity before money or personal information is compromised. Participants will learn to recognize phishing emails, fraudulent text messages, impersonation calls and investment scams involving criminals posing as government agencies, financial institutions or trusted businesses.
One major warning involves high-pressure tactics, including demands for immediate payment, threats of legal action or promises of unexpected prizes. Scammers frequently attempt to create urgency so victims respond before verifying the information.
Another focus involves suspicious payment requests, particularly those involving gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers and payment applications. The Federal Trade Commission's consumer fraud guidance identifies these payment methods and demands for immediate action as common warning signs of financial scams.
For older Oklahomans, recognizing these tactics can be especially important when criminals exploit retirement savings, personal relationships or concerns about financial security.
FraudSafe Podcast and CareerTech Partnerships Expand Statewide Access
Beyond monthly classes, the FraudSafe Podcast will release two episodes each month through Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. Episodes will feature cybersecurity specialists, law enforcement officers and community partners discussing current fraud schemes and prevention strategies.
Community organizations, senior centers and professional groups can also request customized presentations through Tara Hardin at Tara.Hardin@securities.ok.gov, allowing fraud prevention training to reach residents who may not attend regularly scheduled classes.
The FraudSafe program information and registration guide, distributed through the Oklahoma Bankers Association, outlines the educational initiative, participation options and opportunities for organizations to schedule additional training.
By partnering with CareerTech centers and financial professionals, the program aims to make fraud education available in smaller communities where residents may otherwise have limited access to specialized consumer protection resources.
The Oklahoma FraudSafe program launches November 10 with a goal of helping residents recognize financial scams before they become victims. Through free classes, community partnerships and ongoing educational resources, the initiative provides Oklahoma families with practical tools to protect their money, personal information and financial independence.
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