2001 Speakers will include San Diego County District Attorney Paul Pfingst, network TV crime investigative reporter Chuck Whitlock and a panel of journalists including Don Bauder of the San Diego Union-Tribune, KFMB-News8's "Consumer" Bob Hansen, KGTV-10News' Troubleshooter Marti Emerald, Mike Turko of KUSI-TV and radio financial journalist George Chamberlin as moderator. "Our goal is to help consumers learn how to avoid becoming victims of new and old scams," said Gerry Wilson, BBB President/ CEO.

ScamJam 2000 was a very successful event with more than 1200 people in attendance. The 2000 event was sponsored by Pacific Bell and featured several speakers and a free Consumer Expo, featuring information and exhibits from more than 70 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and consumer protection organizations.

The District Attorney started the program with an informative presentation about scams over the Internet. Then, it was Whitlock's turn to take the stage. The audience heard many examples of often-used trickery, including his cons on camera." As Whitlock showed clips of his undercover scam reporting for various television programs, many gaped, shook their heads and muttered.

After Bauder warned the audience about Internet fraud, the TV news consumer reporters on the panel showed video about scams they had reported about. Beth Tornatore showed how BBB president Gerry Wilson's signature had been forged for fraudulent credit card purchases. Consumer Bob's story was about a Postal Annex posing as United Parcel Service. Emerald discussed lawyers stealing from clients. Turko offered advice about car repair scams.

Break-out sessions, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., were conducted by the FBI, District Attorney's office and California Contractors State License Board. A fourth break-out session discussed identity theft, and its speakers were officials from Victims of Identity Crimes Extended Services and the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

For more information, contact the BBB at 858-637-6199 or e-mail to www.sandiego.bbb.org/ There are flyers with detailed directions and parking at the RB library, 2^nd floor, at the RSVP office and the City Services office.

Rancho Bernardo Block Captains and Area Coordinators are urged to attend; they can be extremely helpful by reporting the latest scams and frauds to their neighbors and friends.