Crime Victim Services partners with banks to combat fraud

Nov. 22—LIMA — One organization is combating fraud this holiday season. Crime Victim Services Director of Elder Victim Ministry Katie Campbell spoke at the Mayor's Press Conference on Wednesday morning to discuss crime and how to protect against scams.

"Crime Victim Services elder victim ministry has a long history of supporting elders through many types of victimization," Director of Elder Victim Ministry Katie Campbell said. "We continue to see significant changes and increases in identity theft, fraud and scams targeting elders and people of all ages."

The organization has partnered with local banks to aid in financial protection. Participating banks will provide free and personal credit checks.

"The holiday season sees increased consumer spending as well as increased risk of financial crimes so it is important to take steps to protect your finances," Campbell said. "Along with credit checks, it's important to review your banking and financial statements on a regular basis for any kinds of suspicious activity and to report that activity to your bank and local law enforcement."

Local banks participating banks include:

—Citizens Bank (in Bluffton, Elida and Lima)

—First National Bank (in Bluffton, Ottawa, Pandora and Lima (Eastown Rd.)

—Premier Bank (in Ottawa)

—Superior Credit Union (in Lima on Elida, Allentown Rd., Kibby St., Northwest St., Blue Jacket, Delphos, Ottawa and Wapakoneta)

—Top Mark (in Lima on Northwest St. and Allentown Rd.)