Join us on Friday, October 23, 2026, for our monthly morning program.
Program Title: Don't Take the Bait! Recognizing, Stopping, and Reporting Today’s Scams
Event Description: How do you know if an unexpected call, text, email, or knock at the door is real or a scam? Fraud is more common and more convincing than ever. Scammers pose as government agencies, banks, utility companies, tech support, contractors, and even loved ones in distress. They use urgency, fear, and secrecy to pressure people into acting before they have time to think. Common schemes include grandparent and family-emergency scams, impostor calls claiming to be from Social Security, the IRS, or law enforcement, romance scams, fake prize and lottery notices, phishing texts and emails, home-repair and contractor fraud, identity theft, and fraudulent investment offers. Anyone can be targeted, but older adults are often singled out because of their savings and their trust in others.
Learn how to spot the warning signs at the Citizens Club of Springfield morning panel on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 8:00 AM at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Hear directly from AARP Illinois, the Springfield Police Department, and the Illinois Attorney General's Office as they share the types of fraud cases they see most often, explain how scammers manipulate their victims, and offer practical steps you can take to protect your money and personal information. You will also learn where to turn and how to report it if you or someone you know encounters fraud. Bring your questions, and bring a friend. The more people who know the signs, the fewer who fall victim.
Our presenters are:
Courtney Hedderman, AARP Senior Associate State Director, Advocacy
and Outreach
Biography: Courtney joined AARP Illinois in 2005 and is responsible for advocacy efforts and grassroots outreach in support of federal and state advocacy specifically for health care policy and fraud policy; development and implementation of community education and outreach programs; building relationships with other community presentation partners; and chapter management. In addition, she has led national campaigns: Stop Rx Greed; Protect Medicare; Divided We Fail; the Affordable Care Act; and Protect Seniors. Prior to AARP, Courtney was employed as a Public Policy Director for Health & Disability Advocates, a national policy and advocacy organization working on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. Courtney holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ball State University. She currently lives in Oak Lawn with her husband James and daughters Catherine, Nora and Mary.
Detective Jen Wallace, Springfield Police Department
Biography: Detective Jen Wallace has dedicated 25 years to the Springfield Police Department, serving as a patrol officer, K9 officer, Boat Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, Mobile Field Force team medic, and Detective. For the past seven years, she has served as the department's financial crimes detective, investigating cases ranging from identity theft and embezzlement to bank fraud and the financial exploitation of the elderly— work that earned her the 2025 Investigator of the Year award. A combat veteran, Detective Wallace previously served as a Military Police Officer in the U.S. Army National Guard, which included a deployment to Iraq. She is dedicated to public education on scam prevention and fraud awareness. Outside of her public service, she is a proud wife and mother, who enjoys riding her motorcycle, riding horses, and relaxing on a beach whenever possible.
Cassandra Halm, Deputy Bureau Chief, Consumer Fraud
Bureau, Illinois Attorney General’s Office
Biography: Cassandra Halm has been with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office since 2004 as an Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Fraud Bureau. From 2007 to 2019, she managed the Franchise Bureau in addition to handling consumer fraud cases. In 2019, she became the Assistant Bureau Chief of the Consumer Fraud Bureau, Southern Region. She handles a wide array of matters under the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act including automobile, advertising, negative option, products safety and dietary supplements cases. Before this she practiced environmental law with the Springfield, Illinois firm, Hodge Dwyer Zeman, after graduating from Southern Illinois University School of Law in May 2000. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family including her cats, time in nature and yoga.
Coffee and Connections: 7:30 am (Coffee sponsored by Dave Steward & Gina Kovach)
Program Begins: 8:00 am
Program Concludes: 9:00 am